We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Search the:

Apply Donate Crisis Centre

Faculty of Science

Computer Science (Doctoral program)

Program details

Faculty
Science

Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Delivery method
Hybrid online/in-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa

Start dates
September, January or May

Length
Approximately 48 months, based on full-time study

Program load
Full-time

Program format
Courses with PhD thesis

Apply now

Overview

Two male students work on table screen in a classroom

The PhD program in Computer Science focuses on applied research with the aim of producing highly trained researchers for industry and academia. There are four fields in the program: Digital Media, Information Science, Networks and IT Security, and Software Design.

The goal of the PhD program is to produce a new breed of computer science graduates that have a broad background in information technology along with project management and people skills. Graduates of this program will not only have strong technical expertise in their particular field, but will also have the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and be able to tackle problems that require both technical and non-technical solutions.

The program differs from most existing computer science programs as it concentrates on both applied research and the development of professional skills. The intention is that most of the graduates from this program will build careers in industrial research and software development. The program also prepares graduates for careers in academia, but it is expected that most of the graduates from this program will select careers in industry. The program focuses on the skills required for successful careers in industry, reflecting the university's goals to be market-oriented and to provide high-quality professional education.

The PhD program gives students the opportunity to work in teams, develop leadership skills, and master oral and written communication skills.

Fields

Digital Media
Use of computer technology in the implementation of various forms of media including audio, graphics, computer animation, visual analytics, computer games and computer vision.
Information Science
Distribution and management of information including database systems, machine learning, services computing, intelligent systems and health informatics.
Networks and IT Security
Design, implementation and management of computer networks, as well as security issues such as cryptography, malware analysis and secure communications.
Software Design
Process of designing and implementing software systems, including software engineering, distributed computing, programming languages and software architecture.

Completion of a master's level degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology or software engineering from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
A minimum B+ average (GPA: 3.3 on a 4.3 scale or 77 to 79 per cent).

Required supporting documents:

Please see the checklist of required documents for a list of supporting documentation that must be submitted with your application.

Additional requirements:

Admission depends on the availability of a research supervisor. It is recommended that applicants contact a potential supervisor before formally applying.

In their statement of academic intent, applicants should include the type(s) of course(s) they feel they are suitable to teach as teaching assistants.

Required test scores for English language proficiency:

See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program.

Please see application deadlines for specific dates. Note that the application deadlines listed are for both the online application and all supporting documentation.

Applications for admission to all graduate studies programs are submitted online. There are five steps you must go through to complete the application process. See application process and requirements for step-by-step instructions.

APPLY NOW

Many of our graduate programs are extremely competitive; the number of qualified applicants normally exceeds the number of seats available for each intake. Satisfaction of minimum entry requirements does not ensure admission.

Program details

Faculty
Science

Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Delivery method
Hybrid online/in-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa

Start dates
September, January or May

Length
Approximately 48 months, based on full-time study

Program load
Full-time

Program format
Courses with PhD thesis

Apply now

Learn more

Faculty website

Download viewbook

DOWNLOAD Program Postcard

Ask a question

Research areas

Artificial intelligence
Computer graphics
Computer vision
Data science
Distributed computing
Health informatics
Information visualization
Network design
Network security
Robotics
Serious games
Software engineering
Ubiquitous computing
Virtual reality

Learn more about the research areas within this program and find research experts by visiting the faculty’s website and the university's Expert Centre.

Additional information

Curriculum
Funding
Fees
Contact

For program requirements, including required number of credits for completion, program maps and course descriptions, please see the academic calendar and course catalogue of Loading.... Courses are subject to change without notice.

Internal awards and funding

Applicants to research-based graduate programs who are studying full-time are automatically considered for some types of funding at the time of admission.

Types of funding that do not require an application:

Entrance scholarships
Minimum funding packages
Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate research assistantships

For more details on the above funding opportunities, see graduate student awards and funding.

Please note: Part-time students are not eligible for the above funding opportunities.

External awards and funding

Graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for external awards to help finance their education. The application process differs for each competition, so review the information carefully to determine where and when you must apply. Please note: The majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only.

Tuition fees for graduate programs are charged on a flat-fee or fee-per-credit basis and vary by program and student status.

For current, specific fees and details on flat-fee versus fee-per-credit programs, please see tuition and fees.

Contact the program:

Faculty of Science
905.721.3050
gradsecretary@science.ontariotechu.ca

Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:

905.721.8668 ext. 6209
gradstudies@ontariotechu.ca