Boston College announces new five-year doctoral program in computer science starting in 2026
Boston College’s Computer Science department has announced plans to offer a new doctoral program in computer science. The five-year program will welcome its first cohort in autumn 2026.
Program director Professor Sergio Alvarez says the move will expand its research capacity while ensuring that the rapid change in computer science is driven toward social good.
The college is already working on recruitment for the first cohort of five students, with a goal of expanding the program to include 25 students.
The program will specialize in two areas of research: AI and machine learning, and the theory of computation.
Computer science is already among the top ten most popular majors at Boston College, with 533 undergraduate students. The department is ranked in the top 60 nationally in the theory of computation.
“Computer science, including but not limited to artificial intelligence and machine learning, has transformed contemporary life,” comments Alvarez. “Additionally, algorithms have become an important element of the language that scientists use to express their theories. Because of our mission to advance the common good, Boston College is called upon to engage in this revolution directly.”
Fitzgerald Professor George Mohler, the department chair, adds: “We’re engaging in technology and AI every day as citizens. Students receiving a formative education need to be versed in how that technology works.”
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