A doctoral degree at Princeton combines coursework with original research to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, industry, and more. Faculty and graduate students work together closely to pursue original research.
The Ph.D. program follows requirements set by the Graduate School.
Course Requirements
Coursework is an essential component of the doctoral program, exposing students to a range of work being done in computer science as a discipline.
All Ph.D. students must satisfy a breadth requirement in coursework. Students must take six courses in total — at least one class in each core area listed below, and three more 400 or 500-level courses.
Core Courses
Artificial Intelligence
- 511 Theoretical Machine Learning
- 513 Foundations of Probabilistic Modeling
- 524 Fundamentals of Machine Learning
- 529 Advanced Computer Vision
- 584 Advanced Natural Language Processing
Systems
- 475 Computer Architecture (See ELE 475)
- 518 Advanced Computer Systems
- 561 Advanced Computer Networks
- 563 Wireless Networks
Theory
- 510 Programming Languages
- 516 Automated Reasoning About Software
- 521 Advanced Algorithm Design
- 522 Computational Complexity
- 585 Information Theory and Applications
Advising
All incoming doctoral students are assigned a first year academic adviser, who may or may not become their research adviser. Students are expected to secure a research adviser by March 15th of their first academic year.
Teaching
Teaching experience is considered to be a significant part of graduate education. All Ph.D. candidates are required to assist with course instruction for the equivalent of two terms. Teaching assistantships are part of the funding package for doctoral students.
General Examination
The general examination, taken during year 2, consists of a research seminar prepared under the supervision of a faculty member, followed by an in-depth oral examination on the contents of the seminar and the associated general area of research.
Final Public Oral Examination
A final public oral examination is required of all Ph.D. candidates. The FPO is taken after the candidate's dissertation has been accepted, and is primarily a dissertation defense.