University of Washington

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field with strong quantitative skills. A Master's degree is preferred but not required. GRE scores, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from academic or research advisors, and demonstrated research interest in AI/ML are typically required.

About This Program

This research-intensive doctoral program prepares students for leadership roles in academia or industry through advanced study in computer science and artificial intelligence.

Career Outcomes

Drive advanced AI Research Scientist in Cross-Industry AI through machine learning

• 1. Machine Learning Researcher
• 2. AI Systems Engineer
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. Research Scientist at Technology Companies

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement advanced machine learning algorithms for complex, real-world problems
• Conduct independent research in emerging AI/ML areas and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Develop proficiency in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and statistical machine learning methodologies
• Apply AI/ML techniques to specialized domains such as computer vision, natural language processing, or autonomous systems

Curriculum Highlights

The program includes advanced graduate coursework, research rotations, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation in a specialized AI field.

Top Employers

Top employers for PhD graduates in AI/ML include Google, Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, academic research institutions, and government laboratories such as NIST and national labs.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field with strong quantitative skills. A Master's degree is preferred but not required. GRE scores, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from academic or research advisors, and demonstrated research interest in AI/ML are typically required.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred)
• GRE: Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)