Computer Science PhD PhD
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest educational degree, and explores problem solving through extensive original research. As an R1 research university ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings, UWM is a premier place for those with a passion for research and discovery to pursue a PhD in computer science.
Graduates can expect opportunities in academia as professors, research leaders, or as peer-level research collaborators. Alternatively, many graduates choose to earn a PhD in computer science for career advancement, increased earning potential, and enhanced credibility.
The program is intentionally flexible to meet the specific needs and interests of each student, and provide competency in state-of-art programs for their discipline. Ultimately, students who pursue a PhD in computer science are passionate about research and solving a unique problem that can change the world.
Program Type
Doctoral
Program Format
On Campus
CS PhD Student Spotlight
“Enrolling in the PhD in Computer Science program at UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science has given me a great opportunity to explore new ways robotics and computer vision can help people. The collaborative environment, supportive faculty, and access to cutting-edge resources have allowed me to explore innovative solutions in assistive technologies. I’m excited to be part of research that makes a real difference.”
Md Tanzil Shahria is completing his PhD in Computer Science focusing on assistive robotics and deep learning. His research will allow people with severe physical disabilities to live independently, using advanced robots with cameras and voice control to help them care for themselves or prepare a meal at home.
What to Expect
UWM admits students to its doctoral program in Computer Science based on their own merit rather than their doctoral advisor. Avenues for acceptance exist for both students who have a Master’s in computer science, and those who have other related Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. Students publish their work in conferences and journals.
PhD graduates who seek faculty jobs after graduation will have mentored teaching experiences that meet national standards. Many students earn Teaching Assistantships (TAs), Research Assistantships (RAs) or Fellowships during their graduate study which helps to fund their education while also building leadership skills and the ability to explain computer science related concepts, and their own research to others in a way they understand it.
Assistantship decisions are made by the academic departments only after an applicant has been accepted into the program, and are awarded on merit so that a student TA can change advisors or research area without fear of losing support– as long as they remain in good academic standing and are taking at least 6 credits per semester.
Program Details
More Information
Contact the College of Engineering & Applied Science Graduate Programs Office.
Graduate Outcomes
Our graduates with a PhD in Computer Science are highly sought after by both academia and industry. See where some of our graduates have landed:
- Amir Hesamian (PhD 2023), Microsoft
- Eric Fritz (PhD 2018), Render
- Chao Sun (PhD 2014), Open AI (formerly Apple) and Apache Software Foundation
- Mohamed ElBendary (PhD 2008), Enterprise Architecture Manager, FasTrack Software, Inc.
- Ahmad Tafti (PhD 2016), Assistant Professor at University of Pittsburgh
- Anirbhan Ghosh (PhD 2016), Associate Professor at the University of North Florida
- Suboh Alkhushayni (PhD 2016), Associate Professor at Minnesota State University
- James Williams (PhD 2014), Teaching Faculty at UW-Madison, and co-founder of Pronto Spanish
- William Retert (PhD 2009), Instructor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering
Computer Science Faculty
- Professor, Computer Science
- boyland@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6986
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E364
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- ccheng@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5170
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1261
- Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
- Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
- Affiliate Associate Professor, Computer Science
- dabaghme@uwm.edu
- 414-251-7573
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- katerj@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4264
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E333
- Professor, Computer Science
- nkouklin@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4679
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1287
- Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- lawc@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6203
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1219
- Associate Professor, Health Informatics & Administration
- Affiliate Professor, Computer Science
- Graduate Program Director, Health Care Informatics
- jakeluo@uwm.edu
- 414-229-7333
- Northwest Quadrant B 6469
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- mali@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6762
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1245
- Professor, Computer Science
- Department Chair, Computer Science
- mcroy@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6695
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences 1275
- Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
- nipua@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8229
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences Building E875
- Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
- nowrin@uwm.edu
- 414-251-5224
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 817
- Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
- Professor and Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering
- Affiliate Professor, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering
- Switzer Research Distinguished Fellow
- rahmanmh@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8406
- University Services & Research Building (USRB) 201D
- Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
- Web Development Certificate Coordinator
- rock@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4994
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences E307
- Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
- rds@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2796
- Engineering and Mathematical Sciences E386F
- Assistant Professor, Computer Science
- jeraldlt@uwm.edu
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 990D
- Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- wwang@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2247
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1285
- Professor, Computer Science
- Professor, Biomedical Engineering
- Director, Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
- yuz@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2960
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1005
- Assistant Professor, Computer Science
- zhenzeng@uwm.edu
- 414-251-7986
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1225
- Professor, Electrical Engineering
- Professor, Computer Science
- junzhang@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4246
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1207
- Associate Professor, Computer Science
- tzhao@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5682
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences 1145
Graduate Advising
- Advisor, Graduate Programs
- Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Health Informatics
- crary@uwm.edu
- 414-229-7267
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E387C
- Advisor, Graduate Programs
- Civil/Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering
- rpackard@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8543
- Engineering & Mathematical Sciences E387B
Research Areas
Our faculty are involved in a variety of research areas, including:
- 3D user interactions
- Artificial intelligence and Generative AI
- Computational robotics
- Computer game design
- Cryptography
- Cybersecurity
- Extensible languages
- High performance computing
- Intelligent dialog systems
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Object-oriented programming
- User modeling
- Threat intelligence
- VR assisted therapy