Top 10 Part-Time PhD in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025

You can earn a part-time PhD in computer science and establish yourself as an expert in a very in-demand field. While full-time graduate school enrollment may be impossible for many busy tech pros, this doesn't mean you can't earn top credentials from reputable schools. We'll show you a few places to enroll part-time so you can complete an advanced degree at your own pace.

Can You Earn a PhD in Computer Science Part-Time?

You can earn a PhD in computer science part-time through several respected universities. This gives you a convenient way to master essential computing concepts, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, operating systems, and web development. Many students do this by attending just one or two courses each week.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Computer Science Online?

Yes, you can earn a part-time computer science PhD by enrolling in an online or hybrid program. In this field, much of the work involves online activity anyway, so students are able to complete coursework online. Online graduate students still have access to on-campus faculty while they work through computer science course modules at their own pace.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Computer Science PhD?

It typically takes two to three years to complete a part-time online PhD in computer science, but many universities do not require a specific deadline for graduation. You can take as long as you want in some programs, including at a one-class-per-session pace. Check with your intended university to find the maximum program length for doctoral students.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Computer Science

This is a list of the top part-time PhD programs in computer science. We describe each program, with the estimated tuition cost and the accreditation status.

1. The George Washington University

The George Washington University offers a part-time option for PhD students who attend this competitive program. The minimum GPA for acceptance is 3.5 for all applicants with a master's degree (3.3 for undergraduate applicants). You must also complete at least two advanced mathematics classes before applying.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,330 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University's PhD in computer science takes about four years to finish with a full-time commitment, but you can also enroll part-time by taking three to six credit hours each semester. Students must complete their doctorates within 10 years of starting the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,238 per year
• Program length: Four to 10 years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. San Jose State University

San Jose State University offers a six-year track for completing a computer science PhD through part-time attendance. This degree program features multiple panel meetings between faculty and each graduate student to assess progress through the doctoral curriculum.

Applicants must hold a relevant master's degree and a GPA of at least 3.5 for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $285 per credit hour
• Program length: Six years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

4. University of California - Los Angeles

The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) offers part-time enrollment for its graduate programs, including computer science. This involves taking one or two courses each semester while focusing on research and writing in this field. UCLA graduates often advance to academic positions at top colleges, including Yale University, Duke University, the University of Hong Kong, Cornell University, and New York University.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,115 per year
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Georgia State University

Georgia State University admits part-time students for its computer science PhD program, which requires 48 credit hours to complete. This program offers graduate students ample opportunities to conduct research in several subfields, such as bioinformatics, big data, graphics and visualization, deep learning, machine learning, and AI.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8, 478 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Temple University

Temple University offers its PhD in computer science program to full-time and part-time students alike. It features important specialization options like information systems, AI applications, software systems, and computer and network systems. Temple also has extensive career support services, including job fairs and mentoring programs for job seekers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,395 per credit hour
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. DePaul University

DePaul University offers part-time enrollment for doctoral students who hold outside employment. This program offers an extensive catalog of graduate computer science courses, covering topics such as data science, computer animation, digital cinema, graphic design, human-computer interaction, and network technologies.

Incoming students must possess a master's degree, obtain three letters of recommendation, and submit GRE scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $811 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology has a 40-hour PhD program in computer science. This program takes about three to four years to complete full-time, so part-time students can expect to take anywhere from five to seven years. Illinois Tech allows students to enroll with just a bachelor's degree, but then the degree requirements involve 72 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,851 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Texas State University

Texas State University prepares future computer scientists for cutting-edge research opportunities with its PhD in computer science. This department also offers related doctoral degrees in information management and software systems. The curriculum focuses on areas like AI, high-performance computing, edge computing, and software engineering.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,000 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Houston

The University of Houston has a face-to-face curriculum for its PhD in communications degree program. Part-time students take six credit hours or fewer, but must meet the final degree requirements within four semesters after passing the department's presentation and oral examination requirements.

The PhD degree finishes with a dissertation component after selecting an advisory committee of three faculty members to evaluate it.

• Estimated tuition cost: $676.25 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Here's how we rank these part-time computer science doctoral programs. Universities must have academic accreditation, flexible programs, and a good reputation.

• Accreditation: All schools on our list receive full accreditation from organizations like HLC.
• Program flexibility: The rankings focus on flexible programs for part-time graduate students.
• Program reputation: You can still find terrific jobs after graduating from a part-time or online PhD program taught by highly credentialed faculty.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Computer Science Programs

Check out these four frequently asked questions (FAQs) for part-time computer science PhD programs. This section discusses degree value, cost figures, and coursework difficulty.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in Computer Science Cost?

Computer science is one of the more expensive disciplines because of all the technology involved. Many programs charge between $20,000 and $80,000 for full tuition costs. Make sure to explore financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

Is It Worth Doing a PhD in Computer Science Part-Time?

Yes, it is worth it because computer science is one of the most marketable degrees for career advancement. If you earn a terminal degree in this field, you can pursue jobs as a senior technologist, software developer, computer scientist, research scientist, computer systems engineer, and more.

What Is the Easiest PhD To Earn for Computer Science?

There is no easy route to earning a PhD in this difficult discipline, but you can focus on pacing yourself through the degree requirements. That's why part-time programs are so popular. They allow working professionals to focus on one or two classes at a time while maintaining a regular daytime work schedule.

Are There Any Part-Time PhDs in Computer Science in California?

Yes, there are multiple part-time options for computer science PhD programs in California. You can find reputable graduate degree options at San Jose State University, Stanford University, and the University of California at Los Angeles.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

If you found this helpful, consider our other top resources for online doctoral degrees. Learn.org can help you find a suitable PhD or master's program in computer science and any other field.