Computer Science (PhD)
Empower your future with Dalhousie's PhD in Computer Science, combining groundbreaking research with real-world applications.
Why choose this program?
Choosing Dalhousie's PhD in Computer Science offers benefits such as access to world-class research facilities, collaboration with leading experts, and opportunities for interdisciplinary projects.
The program emphasizes innovation, practical experience, and strong industry connections, preparing students for advanced careers in academia, research, and industry.
In this PhD, you have the opportunity to explore advanced topics across areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning, software systems, cybersecurity, human computer interaction and visualization, algorithms and bioinformatics, and computer science education while focusing on research and building expertise with support from your supervisor, committee, and colleagues.
Careers
By the time you've completed your degree, you will be prepared for advanced roles in research, teaching, industry, and government settings.
You'll build strong research skills and deep subject knowledge that help you contribute to emerging fields and complex projects. Graduates work where they design new technologies, lead research teams, and shape long‑term digital strategies. Specific examples include cybersecurity analyst, software systems consultant, data analytics and bioinformatics lead, machine learning architect/specialist, UI/UX Designer.
Program options
This is a thesis-based PhD. You conduct original research under the guidance of a supervisor and committee within active research clusters across the faculty.
Research clusters include:
- AI & machine learning
- Software systems, networks, and cybersecurity
- Human computer interaction, visualization, and graphics
- Algorithms and bioinformatics
- Computer science education
All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Admission requirements
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply.
The next deadline to apply for this program is
April 1 (international) / June 1 (Canadian) for a September start.
August 31 (international) / October 31 (Canadian) for a January start.
December 31 (international) / February 28 (Canadian) for a May start.
Program-specific requirements
This program requires you to meet the following criteria:
A Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field is normally required with a minimum A‑ average; an exceptional post bachelor pathway may be considered.
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies English language proficiency requirements.
Before being accepted into the program, you need to find a supervisor who can support your research interests, provide funding and has the capacity to take on the supervisory responsibility. This individual will be an important part of your supervisory committee. Start by checking out our faculty profiles and faculty research interests, then get in touch with them directly.
- Transcripts
- Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary studies required at the application stage.
- Two reference letters
- Submitted by referees
- Research proposal (700 words)
- Submit a sample project proposal for the research you wish to undertake during your studies. Be sure to show background knowledge, understanding of research methods, and ability to think through a research topic. Get tips for writing your research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Financial information
Questions about tuition and fees? Contact Student Accounts.
Email student.accounts@dal.ca or phone 902-494-3998.
