The Department of Computer Science emphasizes high quality research and instruction in an atmosphere where graduate students benefit from the department's research programs. The department has offered masters and doctoral degrees since its founding in 1971.
Computer Science at the University of Arizona has a long and distinguished reputation of excellence in the areas of systems, software, databases and theory. Our faculty perform high-quality, innovative teaching, and state-of-the-art research of high standard and true impact. The most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings place the department 43rd among graduate science programs nationwide.
The department has 21 research and 9 teaching faculty, 49 Doctoral students and 33 Master's students. The size of the department offers you opportunities to engage closely with several faculty and pursue collaborative partnerships across campus.
Funding
Enrolled doctoral students making satisfactory progress are guaranteed funding for four years, with either a teaching or research assistantship. All assistantships carry competitive stipends as well as tuition waivers (see tuition cost) and cover the cost of student health insurance. Top applicants to our program may be granted an additional Graduate College Fellowship.
MS students are not guaranteed funding (see funding opportunities).
Quality of Life
Tucson has a growing economy with advanced technology industry sectors. Raytheon Missile Systems, Texas Instruments, IBM, Intuit Inc, Universal Avionics, Honeywell Aerospace, Sunquest Information Systems, Sanofi-Aventis, Ventana Medical Systems Inc, Metropia, Sig-Fig, SmartThings, Cisco, and Bombardier Aerospace all have a significant computer science presence in the city. The Computer Science faculty and staff have strong connections with many local employers as well as national and international companies.
We have a strong record of shared governance and invite graduate student participation in committees. Graduate students participate in a wide variety of scholarly activities, notably the Computer Science Graduate Student Council (CSGSC) and the Peer-Organized Student Seminar (POSSe), serve in an advisory role on some departmental committees, such as the Graduate Affairs Committee, and run the well-attended periodic graduate student tea. They are also an active social community hosting hikes, sand volleyball, and a variety of other activities.
For further info, please see Graduate College Info for Future Students.
Want to learn more about Computer Science Grad School at the University of Arizona, watch this webinar which features some of our graduate students.