For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.
Doug Wintemute
For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Reviewed
Brenna Swanston
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
As our reliance on technology grows, so does our need for advanced computer professionals and educators. Despite the number of conferred graduate degrees in computer and information sciences nearly tripling between the 2010–11 and 2020–21 academic years, tech fields are facing a widening skills gap.
While many schools nationwide have developed computer science doctoral programs to help meet professional demand, online Ph.D. in computer science programs are still quite rare. Most schools only offer in-person programs, meaning students who need to work while they study have limited options.
In this guide, we showcase the two online doctorates in computer science that met our ranking criteria. We also explore factors you should consider when choosing a program.
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Show Summary
- Online Ph.D. in Computer Science Options
- How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Computer Science for You
- Should You Enroll in an Online Computer Science Ph.D. Program?
- Accreditation for Online Computer Science Ph.D. Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning an Online Ph.D. in Computer Science
Online Ph.D. in Computer Science Options
How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Computer Science for You
Pro Tip
Research each prospective program’s faculty and professional network to find potential mentors in your field.
Consider Your Future Goals
Your postgraduate goals should play a central role in your school and program decisions. Knowing what type of career and specialization you want can help you choose the right online doctorate in computer science.
For example, you might enroll in a research-based program if you plan on teaching, while a practice-based program may suit you if you aspire to take on an advanced computer science role.
You can also compare how well each school and program supports your plans. Check each degree’s curriculum, faculty, and mentorship and partnership opportunities to identify how it can help you meet your long-term goals.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The high cost of a graduate degree can make postsecondary education seem out of reach for many. Total tuition for the programs on this list costs $57,000 at Capital Tech and around $59,000 at NU—that’s a hefty financial investment.
However, you may have financial aid available to you. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you can qualify for various federal grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Other aid providers may use FAFSA data to determine their awards as well. Some schools, including Capitol Tech, also offer tuition discounts to veterans and active service members.
Should You Enroll in an Online Computer Science Ph.D. Program?
Pro Tip
Think critically about your ideal learning environment. Try out an online course before enrolling to make sure distance education works for you.
For many students, online degrees make graduate school more accessible thanks to flexible scheduling and reduced travel demands. But the online learning experience differs from on-campus programs, and earning a Ph.D. in computer science online might not work for everyone.
Both online programs on this page feature asynchronous courses, allowing you to study on your own time. However, this also requires more independence, time management and organization. You might also find the environment to be less structured and interactive.
If you thrive in a more traditional classroom experience, synchronous online classes or a hybrid program might fit your needs better.
Accreditation for Online Computer Science Ph.D. Programs
Accreditation ensures your school or program has undergone a rigorous evaluation process. Your university’s institutional accreditation status can affect your eligibility for financial aid, transfer credits, professional credentials and employment.
Check that your college is accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). You can confirm any school’s accreditation status through CHEA’s directories.
Programmatic accreditation provides quality assurance for specific degree programs and departments within universities. ABET accredits computer science degrees, but it does not provide accreditation for doctoral programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning an Online Ph.D. in Computer Science
Can I get a Ph.D. in computer science online?
Several schools offer a fully remote or hybrid Ph.D. in computer science. Online degrees typically feature the same content as their in-person counterparts and award the same academic credentials; in many cases, they differ only in delivery format.
Can you get a Ph.D. virtually?
Yes, fully online Ph.D.s in computer science allow you to complete your coursework, perform research, watch seminars and attend meetings virtually. However, your program may feature fieldwork requirements that must be completed in person.
Is it worth getting a Ph.D. in computer science?
A Ph.D. in computer science can prove beneficial for many people, including those who want to work in a postsecondary teaching or research position. Doctorates in computer science can also help professionals advance their careers and take on influential positions in the industry.
How long is a Ph.D. in CS?
The length of your Ph.D. in computer science depends on the program, your previous education and your course load. The programs on this list take about three years to complete, but many others take four to five years.
