Research Focus
Cross-research of quantum computing, artificial intelligence and computing systems, including:
- Quantum and quantum algorithms;
- Quantum machine learning and intelligence computing;
- Machine learning systems and efficient computing;
- Distributional computing and networking systems;
- Compute safety and privacy protection;
- New computing architecture and system optimization.
Programme Structure and Funding
The project is a full-time Ph.D. programme, with only 1 students enrolled in 4-5 years.
The project is fully funded and includes full school fees and subsistence allowance. Outstanding applicants may also apply for a Zable post-graduate scholarship with an additional grant of 5,800/year in addition to the full award, for a period of pre-doctoral 2 years. This project also receives self-financing applications.
Suitable Academic Backgrounds
Computer Science and Technology, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics and Applications, Statistics, Electronic Information Engineering, Automation, Physics
Entry Requirements
- Academic background: Bachelor of background in computer science and completed the following courses in previous studies: Mathematics: two calculus and a linear algebra course. Computer Science: Two introductory programming courses (CS 1 and CS 2 in the standard curriculum system) and basic computer science courses (e.g. discrete mathematics, data structure, algorithms and principles of computer composition).
- Accomplishment requirements: There is no minimum GPA requirement for a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s curriculum vitae and background.
- Language requirements: TOEFL: 100; or IELTS: 7.0; Exemptions are available for national degrees in English.
- Recommendation letter: Provide 3
- Priority: There is a solid research base and a strong research interest in computer science, mathematics or related fields.
Application Materials
- Curricula vitae;
- Statement of purpose;
- Official report card;
- English report card;
- GRE achievements (if any);
- A letter of recommendation 3;
- Other additional material (e.g. requested by the College).
Application Period
Enrolment in the spring and autumn seasons with application deadlines:
- Autumn enrolment: International applicant: 3 month 15 All other applicants: 6 month 1.
- Spring enrolment: 10 month 1 day.
Application Process
Up to the end of the month of 1 for applicants to submit their English curriculum vitae and related materials, we will conduct an initial assessment 2 for those who pass the initial screening month and will be invited to interview potential mentors 3 by mid-month, and will be required to formally present applications 4 for short-listed candidates through the network of officials for the month 5 for interviews organized by the College Admission Board for the month of 5: the process node above is an example of international applicants entering in autumn.
Tuition and Living Costs
Living costs
Approximately US$ 30,000/year (depending on individual circumstances).
- Tuition fees: Tuition 14,676 US$ + 3,904 US$ miscellaneous / semester, totalling US$ 18,580/ semester (slight annual increase).
Career Prospects
With rigorous research training, computer science PhD graduates from William & Mary have strong prospects in academia and industry worldwide. According to data from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the median annual salary three years after graduation is approximately USD 136,000. Employment of computer and information research scientists in the United States is projected to grow by 19.7% over the next ten years.
Graduates mainly pursue careers in the following areas:
- Universities and research institutes: Graduates may take teaching or postdoctoral positions at universities in the United States and overseas, or conduct advanced research at national laboratories and research institutes, providing a strong foundation for an academic or research career.
- Industrial R&D: Graduates join core R&D divisions at global technology companies and in the aerospace and defence industries, working on advanced algorithm design, high-performance computing, compilers and software verification.
As AI develops, technology companies such as Google and Microsoft, as well as AI start-ups, have strong demand for the department’s PhD graduates.
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Cybersecurity and information security: Graduates have specialist expertise in hardware and architecture security, side-channel analysis and operating-system security. They may join government security agencies such as the NSA and DARPA, defence contractors, or security teams at financial institutions, conducting vulnerability research and designing security protocols.
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Interdisciplinary and emerging technologies: Some graduates specialise in computational operations research, scientific computing and complex-system optimisation, joining aerospace organisations, national laboratories, and the energy and transport sectors. Emerging areas such as autonomous driving and edge computing also offer opportunities for PhD graduates with combined systems and algorithms expertise.
