Emory University

What you'll study

The programme begins with advanced core and elective courses to ensure breadth and depth in computer science fundamentals and specialised topics. Course and research areas commonly pursued include:

• Algorithms and data structures — advanced algorithm design, analysis and computational complexity.
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence — statistical learning, deep learning, probabilistic models and their applications to structured data.
• Data science and databases — scalable data management, data mining and systems for large-scale analytics.
• Computer systems and networking — operating systems, distributed systems, cloud computing and network protocols.
• Security and privacy — applied cryptography, systems security, privacy-preserving computation and policy-aware design.
• Human–computer interaction and visualization — user-centred design, interactive systems and information visualisation methods.
• Computational biology and health informatics — bioinformatics methods, modelling of biological systems and analytics for healthcare data.

Beyond coursework, students engage in supervised research, contribute to publications and present at conferences. The programme typically includes a qualifying examination or milestone to transition from coursework to full-time dissertation research, and opportunities for teaching or mentoring undergraduates.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field; many admitted students also hold a master’s degree. Competitive applicants demonstrate strong academic preparation in core areas (programming, discrete mathematics, algorithms, probability/statistics), prior research experience or relevant industry experience, and clear research interests aligned with Emory faculty.

Typical application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research goals, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees, and examples of prior research or technical work where available. International applicants must meet English language proficiency expectations. Specific application policies and required materials are provided by the Laney Graduate School and the Department of Computer Science.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across academia, industry research labs and applied engineering roles. Common pathways include tenure-track or research faculty positions, data science and machine learning roles in technology and healthcare sectors, research scientist positions in corporate and government labs, and technical leadership or founder roles in startups. The programme’s emphasis on applied problems and interdisciplinary collaboration also positions graduates for roles in public health organisations, biomedical research institutes and consulting.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a close-knit research environment with faculty active in applied computer science areas and strong ties to clinical and public-health partners, enabling projects that address real-world problems. The university’s location in Atlanta provides access to a growing technology ecosystem and nearby research organisations. Doctoral students benefit from dedicated mentorship, funding support through assistantships, and opportunities to collaborate across departments and with external partners in healthcare, biology and policy. Emory’s graduate training emphasises both rigorous technical foundations and applied impact, preparing students for diverse research and professional careers.