CIS Graduate Program Coordinator

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Prepare For a Career in Computer and Information Science Research

3 students working around a table in RUCOur Ph.D. in computer and information science is a full-time, research-oriented degree for students interested in research and development careers in industry or academia. It equips you with the analytical skills needed to create innovative solutions for complex problems using high-quality translational research in computer and information science. Completing the CIS Ph.D. typically takes five years; the program has a time limit of seven years.

To lessen financial concerns, all Ph.D. students receive full funding in the form of appointments as a graduate student instructor, a research assistant, or both. The appointments provide a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. Students are guaranteed full funding for up to five years provided they maintain good academic standing and adequate progress toward their degree.

Where a PhD in Computer and Information Science Will Take You

Our Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in academia, software development, data analysis, research sciences, and more. Our graduates have been recruited to join the faculties of the University of Chicago, the Rochester Institute of Technology, DePaul University, the University of Michigan-Flint, Central Michigan University, Kuwait University, and King Faisal University. They’ve also been hired to work at technology leaders such as Microsoft, eBay, Amazon, Ford, General Motors, and Quicken Loans.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2024. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$140,910 Median Salary

Computer and Information Research Scientists 

Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 26 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,400 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$103,790 Median Salary

Computer Systems Analysts

Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 37,300 openings for computer systems analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$124,910 Median Salary

Information Security Analysts 

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 17,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$123,100 Median Salary

Database Administrators and Architects

Overall employment of database administrators and architects is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,500 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.