The department offers courses and is prepared to direct research in a variety of subfields of computer science and engineering, including VLSI, computer architecture, parallel/distributed processors and processing, multiprocessors, interconnection networks, pattern recognition and image processing, performance evaluation, reliability, fault tolerance, theory of computation, computer systems, numerical analysis and optimization, programming methodology, and analysis of algorithms. Research and instruction are supported by extensive computing facilities within the University's Information Technology Services and by the computer laboratories operated by the department.

Study Computer Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, a PhD degree offered on the University Park campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for June 1, 2027.
About PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate understanding of advanced core principles and methods from selected sub-fields of Computer Science and Engineering at a depth consistent with their course of study.
- Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of selected sub-fields of Computer Science and Engineering to formulate and solve engineering problems.
- Graduates will be able to analyze and synthesize knowledge within the field of Computer Science and Engineering to address a complex problem of practical relevance.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in written communication appropriate to their discipline.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to, academic integrity and the standards for professional practice within Computer Science and Engineering.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate understanding of advanced core principles and methods from selected sub-fields of Computer Science and Engineering at a depth consistent with their course of study.
- Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of selected sub-fields of Computer Science and Engineering to formulate and solve engineering problems.
- Graduates will be able to analyze and synthesize knowledge within the field of Computer Science and Engineering to extend existing knowledge through a research experience or a course-based culminating experience.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication appropriate to their discipline.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and a commitment to, the standards of scholarship and research integrity within Computer Science and Engineering.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of advanced core principles and methods as well as modern research findings from selected sub-fields of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at a depth appropriate for a Ph.D. candidate.
- Graduates will be able to apply their knowledge of selected sub-fields of Computer Science and Engineering in formulating and executing a research plan.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize appropriate literature to critically review their work in the context of the literature, and to formulate and defend conclusions based on their research that represent new scholarly contributions.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate high levels of proficiency in oral and written communication.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to, the standards for scholarship and research integrity.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University
Entry Requirements
Degree Requirements and Academic Credentials:
4-6 year Bachelor's Degree.
Official transcript; official certification of degree and date awarded; documents required in English only. Documents must be issued by the school with the official stamps and signature.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University
How to Apply for PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at Pennsylvania State University
Provide all information as it appears on your government-issued identification.
To create a unique account for you, and to match you to any existing academic or employment records you may already have at Penn State, we need to know some information about you. This information is confidential and not made available to other systems at Penn State unless required by an official business process. Examples of government-issued identification include a driver's license, state-issued photo identification card, passport, etc.

United States of America, University Park