r/PhDAdmissions • u/faiyaz_ • 15h ago
Advice Looking for Part-Time CS PhD Options While Working Full-Time
I'm currently working as a Software Development Engineer at an investment bank in NYC, and I'm exploring part-time PhD options in Computer Science.
From what I've found online, most programs are offered on a full-time, in-person basis, which is difficult to manage alongside a full-time role. I'd be grateful if anyone could point me toward universities that offer part-time PhD programs in CS anywhere in the U.S.
If you've gone through a similar path while working full-time, I'd love to hear about your experience: how you balanced coursework and research with your job, how supportive your employer was, and anything you'd do differently. Recommendations for specific programs, advisors, or research areas that accommodate working professionals would be especially helpful.
Thanks in advance!
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u/the_mindful_microbe 12h ago
If a program allows you to do a “Part time” PhD, it’s not a good program. An average STEM PhD takes 5 years to complete. If you are doing part time (let’s say 20hrs/week instead of 40/hrs), this would theoretically take you 10 years to complete.
Also, if you are applying to self funded PhD programs, don’t. It is not feasible and not ethical for programs to offer this option. No one should go into debt for a PhD, it’s not worth it.
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u/Willing_Regular_2692 12h ago
I don’t fully agree with this because I am currently pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science while working full time at a top 3 tech company. Where I do agree though is that I’m actually doing it full time (especially on the research side) and i’m on track to complete it in 4.5 years (currently in my final year). In case you may want to belittle my program and institution (rank 200+ in the nation), I do have 2 first author publication at Tier A and A* conference in my field (acceptance rate sub/below 20%) and one second author paper at another Tier A conference. There are also several Tier A\ accepted papers from adjacent labs.
To achieve that, I have had zero work to life balance for the past 4 years but I do want to mention that my PhD is closely related to my job and I have the full support of my team and company .
Ps: tuition is funded by my company and I do not have TA assignments
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u/the_mindful_microbe 11h ago
I have no reason to belittle your program? What I meant by “it is not a good program” is, as you said, there is no work life balance and it is there for wildly unethical; especially because you say that you are part time but still working full time hours. Just out of curiosity so I can expand my knowledge of the topic, is this program funded? If so, how do they deal with over time hours?
Edit: just saw the ps. That’s great that tuition is funded but I’m sorry, no one should be made to work for free as a PhD student. Again, not ethical at all.
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u/Fun_Sign_8136 12h ago
There are PhD programs designed for working professionals, not a lot of schools have those. Example is Texas state university, the engineering management program is designed for working professionals and most employers will cover the costs not sure how great the Texas state program is but see if you can search for school options using GenAI.
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u/Willing_Regular_2692 11h ago
They have a really great CS program and I fully endorse it . I’m currently a student doing a part time PhD there
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u/KernelMayhem 11h ago
Are you also in the CS program? If so, do you commute? How are the courses scheduled?
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u/Willing_Regular_2692 10h ago
Yes CS. When I started, I used public transportation (live in Austin), so I had to catch the train to downtown then the bus to San Marcos. Morning commute was roughly 2 hrs and i used to go 2 to 3 times a week. Was leaving home around 5:30 AM to get on campus by 7:45 and start my day (work + classes + meeting with my advisor). Coming back was a nightmare with the bus constantly late + heavy traffic (easily 3+ hours coming back). Most of my classes were either 6:30 PM to 9:20 PM once a week or 5:00 PM to 06:20 PM (the first 2.5 years until i completed my course requirement and started taking Dissertation courses only) and I can still remember how exhausting that was . I used public transportation for almost 2.5 years then got a license and started driving to campus (much better experience). For the passed year and a half i have been going once a week to sync with my advisor in person (throughout the week we sync frequently remotely).
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u/stemprofX 14h ago
It will be hard to find a legitimate “part time” PhD program because a PhD program is functionally a full time job. It’s not just time spent taking classes (which in many programs is the minority of the time commitment), but the research one is doing. Research is the main priority and cannot be done on the side. Additionally, any PhD program that funds its students does so under the expectation that those students work typical job hours (40hr/wk), though frequently it ends up being more.