PhD Funding
Full time PhD in Computer and Information Sciences or PhD in Human Centered Design students are eligible for funding in the form of tuition waivers and a living stipend ($31,050). PhD CIS students are also eligible for the GAANN Fellowship. In addition, the University offers student health insurance and various types of leave.
PhD in Computer and Information Sciences
Intended for full-time students pursuing a PhD in Computer and Information Sciences. All PhD stipends include tuition awards for two courses per quarter plus a living stipend of $31,050 annually (sufficient to satisfy the financial requirement needed to obtain a student visa). This award requires that the student works 20 hours per week as a research assistant. PhD stipends are primarily intended for new PhD students starting in the fall quarter, and the award decisions are made at the same time that fall quarter admissions decisions are made. However, current PhD students without funding may also apply.
If you are applying to the PhD program, you should submit a separate application form requesting financial aid. The stipend application form must be submitted by the January deadline for fall admission. Notice that only applicants for fall admission will be considered for financial aid.
Current PhD students without a PhD stipend can apply for financial aid by submitting the stipend application form before the January deadline for fall quarter admission. In addition to the stipend application form, the continuing PhD students should also submit:
- A resume summarizing the research activities and experience to date.
- 3 recommendation letters, including one from the PhD thesis advisor.
- A personal statement describing accomplishments during the years the student has been in the program and the student's research plans for the following years.
- And a list of publications and conference presentations.
Students awarded a PhD stipend will receive funds for a maximum period of five years, including periods funded by other grants.
Graduate Assistantships in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Program
The GAANN Program at CDM provides fellowships to assist graduate students with excellent records who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences program. GAANN fellows who are in good standing receive five years of financial support while pursuing the PhD in Computer and Information Sciences. Learn more about the fellowship on the
GAANN Program page.
PhD in Human Centered Design
Intended for full-time students pursuing a PhD in Human Centered Design. All PhD stipends include tuition awards for two courses per quarter plus a living stipend of $31,050 annually (sufficient to satisfy the financial requirement needed to obtain a student visa). This award requires that the student works 20 hours per week as a research assistant. PhD stipends are primarily intended for new PhD students starting in the fall quarter, and the award decisions are made at the same time that fall quarter admissions decisions are made. However, current PhD students without funding may also apply.
If you are applying to the PhD program, you will indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for funding and the committee will consider you for funding. Note that only applicants for fall admission will be considered for financial aid.
Current PhD students will be considered for new and/or renewed PhD funding each year during the annual review. Materials for the HCD PhD annual review are due on April 1. After review by the HCD PhD committee, current students will be informed if their funding will be renewed for the following year. Materials that are to be submitted for the HCD PhD annual review are outlined in the HCD PhD Student Handbook.
Students awarded a PhD stipend will receive funds for a period of four years, with an option to renew for a fifth year in extreme cases.
PhD students in the Human Centered Design PhD program are encouraged and required to apply for external funding each year.