The Georgia Board of Regents voted unanimously April 13 to approve the introduction of a new Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Cyber Sciences degree program at Augusta University. This is the first doctoral program available for students through the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Cyber Sciences is a 72-credit hour program, comprised of a minimum 36 hours of classwork and a minimum 36 hours of dissertation research. This program is designed to prepare students for top-ranking positions in research-based institutions, government agencies and technology-based startup companies.

There are four breadth tracks that students will be required to demonstrate competency in: theoretical foundations, computer systems, applications and cybersecurity.

“This program builds on the research strengths created in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences over the last two to three years,” says Dr. Gagan Agrawal, interim associate dean of research and graduate studies for the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “There is tremendous research momentum in our school and new PhD students will become an integral part of this momentum from the beginning.”

Prospective doctoral students will need to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

• CV/resume

• At least two letters of recommendation

• A one-page personal statement

Additionally, prospective students will need to demonstrate they are reasonably prepared for graduate studies in computer and cyber sciences on the basis of the following:

• A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a related field (Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Software Engineering, etc.) from an established program or an evaluation of their relevant courses

• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

• A general GRE score or ETS Field Test in computer science score*

School of Computer and Cyber Sciences Dean Dr. Alex Schwarzmannanticipates welcoming the first students of this program in Fall 2021. Learn more about this exciting new program.

*GRE scores will be optional for Fall 2021 applicants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of GRE scores will not impact the applicant negatively.