computer science phd asu

Computer Science PhD

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Computer engineering graduate program

Arizona State University’s computer engineering graduate degrees combine expertise and courses from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering.

Areas of research

Autonomous systems and robotics, communications and networks, distributed, dependable and secure systems, multimedia and signal processing, vlsi, architecture and embedded systems.

This 30-credit hour master’s degree program for students who want to design and implement state-of the-art systems in industrial research and development using skills beyond the bachelor’s degree level.

The program is also appropriate for students considering doctoral degrees and seeking to gain research experience. Program graduates can work with scientists and engineers in high-tech lab settings developing innovative products and systems.

Students gain strong foundational knowledge in computer engineering’s underlying sciences. Program graduates can use engineering principles to develop new computing technology.

The doctoral degree program is for students with strong math and physical science skills interested in gaining in-depth knowledge of engineering and pursuing a career in academia, research or technical entrepreneurship.

Students prepare to independently pursue creative and substantive high-impact innovation. Students are required to complete 84 credit hours — 18 of which are in a concentration focusing on electrical engineering or computer systems — and a dissertation. with supervisory committee approval, up to 30 credit hours from a master’s degree may count toward degree requirements.

Why computer engineering?

About the degree.

The computer engineering, or CEN, program combines resources from the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI)  and the  School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering (ECEE) . The CEN program’s doctoral and master’s degree options require students to determine a concentration they’d like to pursue:

• Computer systems (SCAI)
• Electrical engineering (ECEE)

A student’s concentration determines their academic support team. CEN students gain knowledge and skills to advance and develop the design, system integration, testing, evaluation and deployment of state-of-the-art hardware and software. Potential areas of focus include computing, wired and wireless communications and networking, control functions, sensing, signal processing and actuation.

The interdisciplinary computer engineering program includes hardware and software courses that build on the fundamentals of computer science, electrical engineering and applied math.

Computing systems are embedded in nearly everything, including smartphones, appliances and medical devices. They involve functions such as computation, multi-modal sensing, signal processing, communications and control. These functions unlock a world of possible new applications in areas such as homeland security, human-computer interaction, green computing and pervasive health care.

Moreover, functions the evolving relationship of hardware and software enables the next generation of adaptive and intelligent computing systems to address emerging complex societal, health, security and sustainability problems.

Computer engineers build devices, components and systems that perform computations. Computer engineering includes the design, analysis and optimization of systems that span nearly 10 orders of magnitude in scale — from components billionths of a meter in size to systems spanning hundreds of square meters, such as data centers.

Future job options

Students with a doctoral degree in computer engineering have a variety of options for well-paying jobs, including academic positions, government and industrial research centers and senior engineering positions in industry.

Computer engineering employers

Component manufacturers : The key components in a modern computer system include software, integrated circuits and circuit boards. Significant players in this market with a presence in Arizona include Intel , IBM , Microchip Technology , onsemi , NXP Semiconductors , Marvell Technology  and Qualcomm .

System integrators : System integrators combine computing system components into finished end products. Arizona has several major electronic control system integrators catering to the aerospace and defense market, including Honeywell , Raytheon Technologies , Boeing and General Dynamics .

System innovators : System innovators design and strucutre software and hardware components in novel ways to solve problems efficiently. Several companies conduct computing systems research in Arizona, including Intel and IBM.

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Computer science and engineering faculty

All Computer science and engineering Industrial engineering Software engineering

Gail-Joon Ahn

Aman Arora Assistant Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus 660 S. Mill Avenue Suite 203-09

Robert Atkinson

Jaejong Baek Assistant Teaching Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus 699 S Mill Ave M1-38

Janaka Balasooriya

Dimitri Bertsekas Fulton Chair of Computational Decision Making

Research interests Reinforcement learning, artificial intelligence, optimization, linear and nonlinear programming, data communication networks, parallel and distributed computation

[email protected]

Vernon Blackledge

Vernon Blackledge Professor Emeritus

[email protected] (480) 965-7555 GWC, Tempe campus

Nadya Bliss

Nadya Bliss Professor of Practice Executive Director, Global Security Initiative

[email protected] (480) 727-8313 ISTB4, Tempe campus

Chris Bryan

Zhichao Cao Assistant Professor

Research interests Data Infrastructure, key-value store (RocksDB, LevelDB, and HBase), NoSQL database, data deduplication, backup and archive system, file system, hierarchical storage system, distributed storage system, compute-storage disaggregation

David Claveau

David Claveau Associate Teaching Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] 480-727-6389​ Tempe Campus, BYENG 480

Yinong Chen

Yuli Deng Assistant Teaching Professor

[email protected] Tempe campus

Pak Lun Kevin Ding

Pak Lun Kevin Ding Assistant Teaching Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus

Yanjie Fu Associate Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus, BYENG 476

Samira Ghayekhloo

Jeffrey Goss Executive Director, Global Outreach and Extended Education Associate Vice Provost, Southeast Asia Professor of Practice

[email protected] (480) 965-5466 BYENG 640, Tempe campus

Sandeep Gupta

Zilin Jiang Assistant Professor Joint appointment with School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

Research interests Discrete mathematics

[email protected] Tempe campus Research website

Subbarao Kambhampati

Hokeun Kim Assistant Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus 660 S. Mill Ave CTRPT 202-03A

Michel A. Kinsy

Michel A. Kinsy Associate Professor Director, Secure, Trusted, and Assured Microelectronics (STAM) Center

Research interests Secure processors and systems design, hardware security, and efficient hardware design and implementation of post-quantum cryptography systems

[email protected] BYENG 390, Tempe campus 602-543-4683 Research Website

Yoshihiro Kobayashi

Kookjin Lee Assistant Professor

Research interests Scientific machine learning, computational physics, applied mathematics

[email protected] Tempe campus, BYENG 568

William Lewis

William Lewis Professor Emeritus

[email protected] (480) 965-0699 BYAC 432, Tempe campus

Ross Maciejewski

Ross Maciejewski Director, School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and Professor Co-director, Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence

Research interests Information visualization, geographical visualization, computer graphics, syndromic surveillance, volume rendering, non-photorealistic rendering, decision support systems

Gerald Mackulak

Gerald Mackulak Professor Emeritus

[email protected] (480) 965-6904 GWC 549, Tempe campus

Ariane Middel Associate Professor Joint appointment with School of Arts, Media and Engineering

Research interests Urban climate, heat mitigation, thermal comfort, human biometeorology, modeling and simulation, microclimate, local climate, climate-sensitive urban design, climate adaptation and mitigation, urban heat islands, urban climate informatics, geographic information systems, human-environment interaction, land use and land cover, sustainability, geovisualization

[email protected] (480) 967-2875 Tempe campus Research Website

Phillip Miller

Swathi Punathumkandi Assistant Teaching Professor Computer science and engineering

Hasti Seifi Assistant Professor

Research interests Human-computer interaction, haptics, and social robotics

Justin Selgrad

Ransalu Senanayake Assistant Professor Computer science and engineering

Research interests Machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and NLP.

Research website: ransml.github.io/lens-lab/

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus 660 S. Mill Avenue CTRPT 203-21

Arunabha Sen

Arunabha Sen Professor Program Chair, Computer Science and Engineering

Research interests Resource optimization in optical, wireless and sensor networks, video transmission over mobile ad-hoc networks, network processors, system/network on chip design, combinatorial optimization, algorithm design and analysis

Paulo Shakarian

Paulo Shakarian Associate Professor

Research interests Artificial intelligence and machine learning

[email protected] Tempe campus, BYENG 408 Research website

Yan Shoshitaishvili

Erik Trickel Assistant Teaching Professor Computer science and engineering

Ni Trieu Assistant Professor Joint appointment with The Biodesign Institute

Wei-Tek Tsai

Wei-Tek Tsai Professor Emeritus

[email protected] (480) 727-6921 BYENG 406, Tempe campus

Joseph Urban

Joseph Urban Professor Emeritus

[email protected] (480) 965-3374 BYENG 480, Tempe campus

Susan Urban

Susan Urban Professor Emeritus

Kurt VanLehn

Hua Wei Assistant Professor Computer science and engineering

[email protected] ​ Tempe Campus, BYENG 486

Marvin Woodfill

Marvin Woodfill Professor Emeritus

[email protected] (480) 965-3689

Guoliang Xue

Computer science degree programs

Bs applied computing.

The Applied Computing (ACO) degree provides a computer science foundation. It focuses on database systems, computer networking, and cybersecurity. The program provides interdisciplinary connections, including the combination of computing with its “real-world” application. Hands-on class projects, internships, industry partnerships and authentic and impactful research conducted with faculty provide numerous opportunities for students to apply their knowledge before they graduate.

Key concepts:  Database, Networking, Cybersecurity Location:   School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), West campus WUE eligible

• Computer Network Administrator
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Science Professor
• Computer Scientist
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator (DBA)
• Information Security Analyst
• Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
• Software or Web Developer

BS Computer Science

The BS program in Computer Science focuses on the design of computers, computational processes for problem-solving, and information transfer and transformation with an emphasis on improving software and system quality, security, performance and usability. A student pursuing a Computer Science degree will learn to design, analyze, and improve the quality of computer software and systems for a variety of applications, including artificial intelligence, computer vision, cybersecurity, graphics, information management, multimedia, and networking.

Key concepts:  Different aspects of software applied to various areas. Location:  School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Tempe campus

• Computer Software Quality Engineer
• Corporate Web Developer
• Geospatial Information Technologists
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineering Specialist

BSE Computer Systems Engineering

The Computer Systems Engineering degree focuses on analysis, design, testing, integration, and evaluation of hardware and software systems. The degree is grounded in many engineering disciples. Students engage in the design of integrated hardware and software solutions for computing, communication and control applications. Students become skilled at interfacing different pieces of hardware and software components and integrating systems and products with new capabilities and improved quality and performance.

Key concepts:  Hardware and software focus Location:  School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Tempe campus

• Computer Network Analyst
• Computer System Architect
• Engineering Manager

Funding Opportunities

Graduate appointments and assistantships.

Select Section

Graduate students can receive financial support through teaching and research assistantships as well as through student employment and internships.

For the 2024-25 academic year, ASU's minimum stipend for a 50% academic year RA/TA appointment is $12,293 for Fall 2024 and $13,272 for Spring 2025. 

For the 2025-26 academic year, the estimated minimum stipend for a 50% academic year RA/TA appointment has not been announced.

Teaching and research assistantships are common forms of professional development and financial support for graduate students at ASU.

• Assistantships carry a bi-weekly compensatory stipend for activities that may be relevant to each student’s own program of study and contribute to ASU’s teaching and research efforts.
• Students holding assistantships must be enrolled for a minimum of six graduate credit hours per semester during the traditional academic year (audit hours do not count towards the six-hour minimum); additional credit hours may be required by the academic unit.   
• Graduate appointments can be either 10 or 20 hours a week and stipend amounts can vary according to the unit and responsibilities of the position.
• Graduate teaching and research assistant opportunities may be posted by the appointing unit (usually on their website or their college's website). Students are encouraged to contact those units where their academic credentials, skills, and experience match.

Other opportunities for financial support are appointments such as Graduate Services Assistant, Graduate Intern and student worker opportunities thru ASU Student Employment .

Additional information is provided in the TA/RA Policies and Procedures Handbook (updated link coming soon).

• [email protected]
• Mail code: 0901 Campus: Tempe

Student Information

Computer Science (Cybersecurity), MS

• Program description
• At a glance
• Accelerated program options
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Computer, Cybersecurity, Information, Information Assurance, Security, approved for STEM-OPT extension, assurance, enggradcs, foundation, network, systems

Are you seeking to expand your knowledge of the computer science field? If you have an undergraduate degree in computing or a related area, this may be the program for you.

The MS program in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity is designed for graduate students who want to pursue a thorough education in the area of cybersecurity and information assurance. This program offers a thesis and nonthesis project portfolio option.

This concentration program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed in science and engineering for cybersecurity. This includes computer and network security, software security, data and information security, applied cryptography and computer forensics.

According to the National Security Agency, information assurance is defined as the set of measures intended to protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and nonrepudiation. This includes providing restoration of information systems by incorporating protection, detection and reaction capabilities.

Domestic students enrolled in the cybersecurity concentration are eligible for federal fellowships such as the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program. For more information, students can visit the Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations website.

Cybersecurity courseware at ASU has been certified by the Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation Program to satisfy the standards for Information Systems Security Professionals (NSTISSI 4011) and Senior Systems Managers (CNSSI 4012).

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply .

30 credit hours and a portfolio, or 30 credit hours and a thesis, or 30 credit hours and the required applied project course (CSE 593)

Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) applications (3) foundations (3) systems (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours) CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3) Choose two: CSE 539 Applied Cryptography (3) CSE 545 Software Security (3) CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3)

Electives or Research (6 or 9 or 12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0 or 3 or 6 credit hours) CSE 593 Applied Project or CSE 599 Thesis (6) or portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area in applications, foundations and systems.

Courses that are used to satisfy the concentration requirement on the plan of study cannot be used to satisfy the core requirement. Additionally, courses selected as part of the core or concentration may not be used as other elective coursework on the same plan of study.

Students complete a thesis, applied project or portfolio for the culminating experience. Regardless of the culminating experience chosen, all students in the program must complete six credit hours from the restricted electives list. Students completing a portfolio take 12 credit hours of electives and must follow the academic unit's requirements for portfolio projects. Students in the applied project experience must also take nine credit hours of electives. Research credit hours may be included on the plan of study if the student is completing a thesis. Students should see the academic unit for more information.

MS program students who select the project portfolio as their culminating experience event must complete a project portfolio from two courses in which the student received a "B" grade (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. Students who select the applied project as their culminating event must complete their project at the direction of an approved computer science faculty member and complete the project course with a "B" grade (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.

Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the program. At least 24 of these credit hours must be 500-level CSE courses at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply for the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• a statement of purpose
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

GRE scores are not required if the student has earned an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer systems engineering from ASU. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Students assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. Deficiency courses commonly taken include:

CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms CSE 330 Operating Systems CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science

The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.

Graduates who complete the Master of Science program in computer science are able to analyze and apply key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. They are also able to evaluate and advance existing theories, algorithms and software modules in the field of computer science. Graduates have a competitive advantage in securing employment.

Career examples include:

• computer network architect
• computer systems analyst
• computer systems security engineer
• data scientist or engineer
• machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer
• software developer
• software engineer

Computer Science and Engineering Program | CTRPT 105 [email protected] 480-965-3199

The College set to launch 16 new degree programs

12 of those programs aim to increase accessibility for online students

Students working with School of Earth and Space Exploration Professor Arjun Heimsath collecting data in the field. Photo courtesy Pamela Zager-Maya

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is launching 16 new academic programs in fall 2024. Twelve of those programs will include online formats, expanding learning opportunities for students across the country.

Ara Austin , senior director of online engagement and strategic initiatives and a clinical associate professor in the  School of Molecular Sciences , knows the importance of growing the amount of options for online students.

“The College offers online degree programs which are not offered elsewhere across natural sciences, social sciences and humanities disciplines,” she said.

“In addition to the required coursework, online students can participate in student organizations, research opportunities and internships remotely. These experiences help students to engage in the greater ASU community and set them up for success after graduation.”

One specific program overseen by Austin was created to further engage online students and offer unique experiences surrounding research opportunities. The  Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program helps students participate in research projects in a remote setting.

“Research experiences are crucial for students considering graduate programs, and it gives the students a way to immerse themselves in a specific field or topic that they are passionate about in an applied way,” Austin said.

Between online and on-ground options, The College is dedicated to creating supportive and accessible environments for all students.

Explore some of the new offerings available this fall:

Graduate certificate in American Studies: Online graduate students now have the ability to survey the complexities surrounding politics and social change in the United States. The certificate trains students in applied research methods, critical methodologies, history and the use of storytelling to represent diverse communities.  

Master of Urban and Environmental Planning: Now offered in an online platform, students from around the world can begin their career in planning in public, private, consulting, development and nonprofit sectors. This program offers the same curriculum available to on-campus students. 

BS in biological sciences (neurobiology, physiology and behavior):   Online students can now dive into this concentration of biological sciences. Students will discover how animals and humans function, think and behave, and explore molecular and cellular processes of organismal systems. The program will also provide the tools necessary to understand ecological and evolutionary influences, and develop holistic approaches to animal functions. Students also have the existing on-campus option.

Minor in classics:  Students wanting to expand their knowledge of the ancient world will become immersed in the language and literature of Greek and Roman antiquity through this new minor. The on-campus program includes courses in philosophy, language, art and religion to provide a background on Greek and Roman antiquity.

Minor in classical civilizations: Available for on-campus students, this minor provides a solid grounding in ancient civilization and mythology, along with an interdisciplinary introduction to the ancient world as a whole. Students can uncover insights into any major, as the goal of the program is to aid in obtaining a clearer vision of the future by studying the wisdom of the past.

BA in culture, technology and environment: Launched last year, the culture, technology and environment program on the Tempe campus became the first to draw from all three schools within the humanities division at The College. Now students will be able to engage in humanistic approaches to an array of issues through the new online degree program. The degree addresses current issues such as approaching equitable and diverse global citizenship, climate change, environmental justice and ethical disputes surrounding technology.

Read more: The future is a story

BS in earth and environmental sciences: The new earth and environmental sciences degree will teach students how to examine the physical sciences and process-oriented geosciences focused on Earth’s surface environment while establishing foundational understandings about the evolution of Earth’s systems. It provides another option for students, along with the existing  BA in earth and environmental sciences . Both degrees have also been made available through ASU Online.

BA in English (narrative studies): A new English degree concentration will be available for students on the Tempe campus this fall. The program will dive into the various forms, contexts and cultures of narrative. Those interested in dissecting the nature of storytelling will learn methods to interrogate the social, historical, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of stories.

MA in global security (irregular warfare):   The new online graduate program will allow students to focus their study topics on warfare such as proxy wars, counterinsurgency, narrative warfare and other forms of modern conflict. Courses teach both theoretical and practical aspects of irregular warfare and its importance in the global security environment.

Read more: ASU launches new international relations program

Graduate certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies: The new online graduate certificate gives students the necessary context to further educate others about the Holocaust and other acts of genocide. This certificate helps students understand representation, memorialization and commemoration along with providing theoretical and historiographical grounding to understand the Holocaust and examining other genocides in world history.

BA in international relations:  This new degree, available on the Tempe campus and online, provides students with vital knowledge of intelligence; diplomacy and international trade; law; and institutions as they head into the world of public service, and prepares them to work with some of the field’s experts and policy practitioners.

Read more: First-of-its-kind online Italian minor launches at ASU

BS in international relations:   Also available on the Tempe campus and online, this new degree helps students develop analytical and quantitative skills in order to take on careers in international public service. Students will learn about data-driven solutions to enact meaningful change in public, nonprofit and private sectors.

Minor in Italian:   Launching this fall, the new online minor will become the first and only program of its kind in the country. Online students will now have the opportunity to learn the Italian language while enhancing their knowledge of Italian history, geography and environment. The minor also offers opportunities to study abroad to further expand linguistic skills or to engage in research collaborations. Students also have the existing on-campus option.

MS in neuroscience: A new master’s degree on the Tempe campus offers students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge of fundamental neuroscientific concepts. Students will be able to understand the genetic, molecular, cellular and circuit-level changes that occur in the presence of neurodegenerative disease, altered development and disorders.

Graduate certificate in public history: Students looking to kick-start a career as a public historian will gain necessary and applicable skills to do so through the school’s new online graduate certificate. This program allows graduate students to explore local and community history, museum studies, archival training and more. Students also have the existing on-campus option.

Undergraduate certificate in workplace communication: This certificate available on the Tempe campus will teach participants how to lead various teams and create well-versed presentations. Communication skills learned in this program will complement a wide range of majors and will aid in maximizing productivity and satisfaction in professional settings.

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Over the decades, there have been significant changes to museums, collections management and museum operations. With a new focus on community partnership and inclusion, the School of Human…

New ASU initiative will leverage PBS content to advance media-based teaching and learning

It’s a common theme among faculty when they join Arizona State University: They were attracted to the institution’s mission to advance innovation, inclusivity and broad access, and sought to be a…