PhD and MS programs are offered in Computer Science and a Biomedical Informatics concentration.
The Emory Computer Science and Informatics (CSI) PhD program builds on strengths and recent growth in data-oriented areas of computer science and biomedical informatics. The CSI program is jointly administered by the Departments of Computer Science, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Informatics.
Research and research training in the CSI PhD program includes large-scale data systems and analytics, information retrieval and web search, natural language processing, privacy and security, machine learning, human computer interaction, bioinformatics, biomedical informatics, high performance and scientific computing. Application areas of interest to program faculty include healthcare and health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
The Emory Computer Science (CS) MS program educates students from various disciplines in advanced computing concepts, practical problem solving, and applications of computational methods. Focus areas include data, theory, systems, machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and human computer interaction. A CS track and a biomedical informatics track are offered.
The M.S. is an effective gateway into CS for students with backgrounds in other disciplines (basic programming and data structures, as well as quantitative aptitude are the only requirements.)
Masters Program
For the MS degree, students are required to take 3 core courses and 4 concentration electives, which could be structured to focus primarily on their chosen concentration (depth), or from multiple areas (breadth). They are also required to take 9 credits to fulfill either the thesis, project, or coursework track.
Students are required to complete a practicum related to their course of study (see practicum details in the MS program description) .
The academic course work for an MS is expected to be completed within 2 years. Students choosing to complete a thesis are expected to perform original research with their advisors, while the project or coursework options may be completed via a substantive project or additional courses.
Doctoral Program
Students are required to take 3 core courses and 4 or more concentration electives, which could be structured to focus primarily on their chosen concentration (depth), or from multiple areas (breadth). They are also required to take 2 rotation projects to explore potential research areas. In addition, all Emory PhD students are required to complete Ethics and Teaching training.
The academic course work is expected to be finished within the first 2-3 years followed by a qualifying examination in the student's chosen concentration, and a thesis proposal followed by the thesis defense.
By year 3 or often earlier, students are expected to begin working closely with an advisor on original research. On average, a PhD degree takes 5 years to complete.
Concentrations
The departments of Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics jointly offer graduate programs with a number of concentrations.
