Research Focus
Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence and computing systems, including:
- Quantum computing and quantum algorithms;
- Quantum machine learning and intelligent computing;
- Machine learning systems and efficient computing;
- Distributed computing and networked systems;
- Computing security and privacy protection;
- Novel computing architectures and system optimisation.
Programme Structure and Funding
This is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 4–5 years, recruiting only 1 student.
The programme offers full funding, including a full tuition waiver and a living stipend. Outstanding applicants may also apply for the Zable Graduate Fellowship, which provides an additional stipend of USD 5,800 per year on top of the full award, for the first 2 years of PhD study. Self-funded applications are also accepted for this programme.
Entry Requirements
Computer Science and Technology, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Electronic Information Engineering, Automation, Physics
- Academic background: a bachelor’s degree in a computer science-related field, having completed the following courses in previous study: Mathematics: two calculus courses and one linear algebra course. Computer Science: two introductory programming courses (CS1 and CS2 in the standard curriculum) and foundational computer science courses (such as discrete mathematics, data structures, algorithms and computer organisation).
- Grade requirements: no minimum GPA requirement; applicants are assessed holistically on their record and background.
- Language requirements: TOEFL: 100; or IELTS: 7.0; Applicants who have obtained a degree in an English-taught country may apply for an exemption.
- References: 3 letters of recommendation.
- Preferred qualities: a solid research foundation and strong research interest in computer science, mathematics or related fields.
Application Materials
- CV;
- Statement of purpose;
- Official transcripts;
- English test scores;
- GRE scores (if available);
- 3 letters of recommendation;
- Other supplementary materials (as required by the school).
Application Period
Intakes in spring and autumn; application deadlines are:
- Autumn intake: International applicants: 15 March; All other applicants: 1 June.
- Spring intake: 1 October.
Application Process
From now until the end of January, applicants submit an English CV and relevant materials, and we will conduct a preliminary assessment. In February, those who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview with potential supervisors. By mid-March, after passing the interview, applicants must formally submit their application materials through the official website. In April, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the school’s admissions committee. In May, admission offers are issued. Note: the timings above use international applicants for the autumn intake as an example.
Tuition and Living Costs
Living Costs
Approximately USD 30,000 per year (depending on individual circumstances).
- Tuition: USD 14,676 tuition per semester + USD 3,904 fees per semester, totalling USD 18,580 per semester (tuition rises slightly each year).
Career Prospects
With solid research training, PhD graduates in Computer Science from William & Mary enjoy strong prospects in both academia and industry worldwide. On salaries, data from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia show a median annual salary of approximately USD 136,000 three years after graduation; computer and information research scientist positions across the US are projected to grow by 19.7% over the next decade, offering broad prospects.
In terms of career choices, PhD graduates mainly move into the following areas:
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Academic and research institutions: graduates can take up faculty positions or undertake postdoctoral research at universities in the US and abroad, or join national laboratories and research institutions to conduct frontier research, providing a good foundation for subsequent academic development and research careers.
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Industry R&D departments: joining the core R&D departments of global technology companies and the aerospace and defence industry, engaging in high-end R&D work such as frontier algorithm design, high-performance computing, compilers and software verification.
With the rise of AI, technology giants such as Google and Microsoft and AI start-ups are highly favourable towards PhDs from the department, and demand for positions continues to grow.
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Cybersecurity and information security: graduates have core competitiveness in areas such as hardware and architecture security, side-channel analysis and operating system security, and can join government security agencies (such as the NSA and DARPA), defence contractors and the security teams of financial institutions, engaging in high-barrier work such as vulnerability research and security protocol design.
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Interdisciplinary and emerging technologies: some graduates specialise in computational operations research, scientific computing and complex systems optimisation, joining aerospace agencies, national laboratories and the energy and transportation industries. In addition, emerging fields such as autonomous driving and edge computing offer unique employment opportunities for PhDs with an interdisciplinary background in systems and algorithms.
