Overview
Education
PhD students conduct original transformational research in extant and emerging computer science topics. Students work alongside top researchers to advance the core CS fields from Theory to AI and Systems and Networking.
In addition, students from the Computer Science - Theory program at Northwestern University have the opportunity to collaborate with CS+X faculty who are jointly appointed between CS and disciplines including business, law, economics, journalism, and medicine.
Theoretical Computer Science (TCS) looks at the fundamental questions of computation by creating formal models of computation and understanding the resources needed to solve general and specific algorithmic questions. TCS studies the design of efficient algorithms and the computational complexity of various computational tasks that arise in computer science, statistics, economics, and other sciences.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Programming languages
- Security and privacy
- Human-computer interaction
- Computer science
- Graduate Studies in Computer Science
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 57
- IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
- Admitted students must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree — or an equivalent non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution.
- TGS will accept applications from international students with 3-year bachelor's degrees.
- You may be considered for admission before you finish your undergraduate degree, but you must complete that degree before you enroll at Northwestern.
In general, to apply to The Graduate School (TGS), you will be required to:
- Submit an application online.
- Pay an online application fee by credit card.
- Submit your Statement of Purpose.
- Upload your transcript or academic record.
- Submit your test scores (if required by your admitting program).
- Upload two to three Letters of Recommendation.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 13,121 AUD / year (≈ 9,344 USD / year)
- Out-of-State: 13,121 AUD / year (≈ 9,344 USD / year)
- Domestic / In-State: 13,121 AUD / year (≈ 9,344 USD / year)
Living costs
Evanston, United States: 1,545–2,106 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Computer Science - Theory.
Key information
- Duration: Full-time, 60 months
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting September 2027; apply before Dec 2026
- Language: English
- Credits: 10 SCH
- Delivered: On Campus
- Campus Location: Evanston, United States
- Disciplines: Computer Sciences, Human Computer Interaction, Web Technologies & Cloud Computing