Doctoral Programs

Ph.D. Programs by Department

Computer Science Department

Ph.D. in Computer Science

The Computer Science Ph.D. program encompasses artificial intelligence, graphics, hardware and software systems, programming languages, security and privacy, and theory. Students spend roughly five years immersed in research and coursework honing a body of technical knowledge covering the breadth of the field, as well as a deep understanding of their specific research areas. Within this highly collaborative, hands-on environment, students have the opportunity to expand the science and theory of computing, creating the next leaders in academic research, industry and education.

Ph.D. in Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization

This unique, interdisciplinary doctoral program in algorithms, combinatorics and optimization draws on Carnegie Mellon’s strengths in all three areas. It is sponsored jointly by the Tepper School of Business, the Computer Science Department and the Mathematics Department. The program brings together the study of the mathematical structure of discrete objects and the design and analysis of algorithms in areas such as graph theory, combinatorial optimization, integer programming, polyhedral theory, computational algebra, geometry and number theory.

Ph.D. in Pure and Applied Logic

Offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Philosophy and the Computer Science Department, this interdisciplinary program builds upon Carnegie Mellon’s expertise in logic and its applications to computer science. Internationally recognized faculty, workshops, colloquia, seminar series and excellent computing facilities create an ideal environment for both theoretical and applied research with a particularly strong concentration in foundational aspects of computing.

Ph.D. in Computer Science With Neural Basis of Cognition Certificate

This Ph.D. with additional training certificate is an interdisciplinary program in which participants take a set of core courses in cellular systems, computational and cognitive neuroscience and engage in activities fostering cross-campus interaction. It is offered jointly with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC) and is open to students pursuing doctorates in CNBC-affiliated departments.

Research topics include affective, cognitive, linguistic, perceptual, motor and social systems in both normal and disordered populations, as well as computational neuroscience. The CNBC also promotes the translation of findings from basic research into applications for medicine, education, robotics and artificial intelligence. Students may apply to the certificate program when applying to a CNBC-affiliated doctoral program or at any time after arrival on campus.

Ph.D. in Computer Science/Dual Degree Portugal

The dual degree Ph.D. Program in Computer Science with Portugal gives students the opportunity to experience the advantages of collaborative research between top-tier research institutions. The program’s high scientific standards serve to educate top-tier researchers, instructors and innovators in the field of computer science.

Human-Computer Interaction Institute

Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction

The HCII doctoral program is rigorous, creative and deeply interdisciplinary. Our students engage in research from the moment they arrive; take courses from across the computer sciences, behavioral sciences and the field of design; and choose an area of emphasis for specialization. HCII graduates have become the face of HCI across the world, pushing the boundaries of the kinds of problems that HCI addresses, and inventing the tools and methods used to solve those problems. Our graduates carry out this mission through faculty positions in top-ranked academic departments and positions in major industry research laboratories.

Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction/Dual Degree Portugal

The dual degree Ph.D. Program in Human-Computer Interaction with Portugal gives students the opportunity to experience the advantages of collaborative research between top-tier research institutions.

Language Technologies Institute

Ph.D. in Language and Information Technologies

The Ph.D. in LTI focuses on developing the next generation of scientific and entrepreneurial leaders in the areas of speech processing, language processing, information retrieval, machine translation and machine learning. The first two years of the Ph.D. program are split between coursework and directed research. After the second year, students spend most of their time working closely with faculty advisors on research that advances the state of the art in computer science.

Ph.D. in Language and Information Technologies/Dual Degree Portugal

The dual degree Ph.D. program combines the benefits of our Ph.D. in Language and Information Technology with the opportunity to study and collaborate with world-renowned experts at our partner institutions in Portugal. Students spend a year in Portugal, then two years at Carnegie Mellon taking classes in linguistics, computer science, statistical learning and task orientation. After completing the majority of their academic requirements, students return to Portugal for the next two years to conduct extensive research, ultimately leading to a dissertation topic that will be publicly defended.

Machine Learning Department

Ph.D. in Machine Learning

Machine learning is dedicated to furthering scientific understanding of automated learning and to producing the next generation of tools for data analysis and decision-making based on that understanding. The doctoral program in machine learning trains students to become tomorrow’s leaders in this rapidly growing area.

Joint Ph.D. in Machine Learning and Public Policy

This joint program gives students the skills to develop state-of-the-art machine learning technologies and apply these technologies to real-world policy domains. The program is operated jointly by faculty in the Machine Learning Department and CMU’s Heinz College, which has schools of public policy, information systems and management.

Joint Ph.D. in Neural Computation and Machine Learning

This joint program trains students in the application of machine learning to neuroscience by combining core elements of the machine learning Ph.D. program and the Ph.D. in neural computation offered by the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition.

Joint Ph.D. in Statistics and Machine Learning

This joint program prepares students for academic careers in both computer science and statistics departments at top universities. Students in this track are involved in courses and research from both the Department of Statistics and the Machine Learning Department.

Joint Ph.D. in Autonomous and Human Decision Making

Offered jointly by the Machine Learning Department and the Department of Social and Decision Sciences, this program focuses on how and when AI can complement human decision-making. Students are trained in fundamentals of AI, autonomous decision-making, fundamentals of human decision and behavioral science, cognitive models of decision-making and the societal impact of AI technologies.

Ray and Stephanie Lane Computational Biology Department

Ph.D. in Computational Biology

The Joint CMU-Pitt Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology (CPCB) provides interdisciplinary training in developing and using quantitative and computational approaches to tackle the key scientific questions of our time. By developing advanced computational methods and applying them to real-world data, our trainees advance scientific knowledge at the interface of life, medical, engineering and computer sciences. CPCB trainees are taught and mentored by leading experts at two of the foremost computer science and biomedical research institutions in the world.

Robotics Institute

Ph.D. in Robotics

The robotics doctoral program is committed to preparing students to be world-class researchers who create knowledge and artifacts that can impact our society. Graduates of the program take a leading role in the research and development of future generations of integrated robotics technologies and systems. This interdisciplinary program brings together research areas that would otherwise be spread across different departments and universities. Requirements include coursework, a research qualifier, and submission of a thesis that describes original, independent research.

Ph.D. in Robotics/Dual Degree Portugal

The dual degree Ph.D. Program in Robotics is committed to preparing students to be world-class researchers who create knowledge and artifacts that can impact society. Graduates experience the advantages of collaborative research between top-tier institutions and take a leading role in the research and development of future generations of integrated robotics technologies and systems.

Software and Societal Systems Department

Ph.D. in Societal Computing (SC)

This Ph.D. program in the integrated, innovative discipline of Societal Computing provides the techniques, theories and research methods to address societal issues and create technologies that impact society. Building on a decade of world-leading research, S3D-SC is shaping a new scientific discipline that is changing the world. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to frame the digital landscape.

Ph.D. in Software Engineering (SE)

The Ph.D. in Software Engineering program infuses its research agenda with a deep appreciation of the practical issues of developing product-quality, software-intensive systems. Activities include experimental prototyping, empirical modeling, codification of experience, formal analysis, creating design/development strategies for modern software and developing public policy positions. Educational activities are tightly integrated with research and demonstration projects.

Ph.D. in Software Engineering/Dual Degree Portugal

Our Ph.D. in Software Engineering program educates the next generation of high-impact software engineering research, development and educational leaders who are prepared to solve problems associated with building large-scale and critical software systems.

Ph.D. in Societal Computing/Dual Degree Portugal

The dual degree Ph.D. in Societal Computing aims to tackle the complex challenges at the intersection of computation, society and policy. With a multidisciplinary approach, the program prepares tomorrow's leaders to design technologies addressing societal needs and guide their implementation.