Computational Science and Artificial Intelligence PhD

Circuit diagram.

American University's PhD in Computational Science and Artificial Intelligence prepares students to use AI and advanced computational methods to solve complex scientific problems. Through interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship, and hands-on research, students prepare for leadership roles in national laboratories, technology-driven industries, academia, and government.

Located in Washington, DC, students have direct access to one of the nation's leading research hubs, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, the Department of Energy, nonprofit research organizations, policy institutes, and AI-focused companies shaping the future of science and technology.
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At a Glance

  • Mode of Study
    On campus, integrated coursework, computational research, and AI-driven scientific inquiry
  • Time to Complete / Requirements
    39 credits (includes research). Students can be full or part time.
  • Tuition and Funding
    $2163 per credit. All applicants automatically considered for merit scholarships. Visit Tuition and Funding.
  • Admissions
    Start in fall. GRE can be submitted but is not required.
    Visit Admission and Requirements.

Interdisciplinary Research

Work with experts across disciplines—computer science, physics, mathematics, and statistics—to develop AI-driven solutions to complex scientific challenges through collaborative, faculty-mentored research.

 

Washington, DC Advantage

Study where research meets real-world impact in the DC region. Get unparalleled access to federal agencies, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and technology leaders advancing AI and scientific discovery.

 

Small Classes and Mentorship

At AU, you’ll enjoy an average class size of 11 students, a strong cohort of like-minded peers, and opportunities to work with faculty mentors who have long track records of successful outcomes for their students.

 

Students meeting in Don Meyers Technology & Innovation Building.

Curriculum

The PhD in Computational Science and Artificial Intelligence requires 39 credit hours of graduate coursework, followed by original dissertation research. Students pursue core and elective phases of coursework:

  • Core curriculum in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling, and AI ethics
  • Electives in areas such as data science, computer vision, natural language processing, cybersecurity, computational physics, and scientific computing

The program also includes directed research, a comprehensive examination, a dissertation proposal, advancement to candidacy, and the successful completion and defense of an original dissertation.

View the complete degree requirements and course listings on the PhD Admission & Requirements page.

Spotlight: Professor Leah Ding, Doctoral Program Director

“I am excited to help launch this interdisciplinary program that brings advanced computation and artificial intelligence to the forefront of scientific discovery. Building on our strengths in computer science, data science, and computational modeling, the program prepares students to analyze complex systems, accelerate research, and advance knowledge.

“Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, we are uniquely positioned to connect scientific innovation with public impact. Our goal is to equip graduates with the scientific, technical, ethical, and multidisciplinary training needed to lead discovery and solve complex problems in a data-driven world.”

Leah Ding, Provost Associate Professor of Computer Science and PhD Program Director

What You'll Walk Away With

  • Advanced AI and Computational Expertise: Build deep knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational modeling, and data science while applying advanced computational methods to real-world scientific challenges.
  • Research Leadership: Design and conduct original research, publish scholarly work, present at conferences, and complete a dissertation that advances knowledge in computational science and AI.
  • Interdisciplinary Perspective: Collaborate across computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, and related disciplines to solve complex scientific problems using computational approaches.

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  • Responsible AI Mindset: Develop AI systems with ethics, transparency, security, and societal impact at the forefront.
  • Professional Communication: Learn to communicate complex technical ideas through publications, proposals, presentations, and collaboration with researchers across disciplines.
  • Washington, DC, Connections: Build relationships with faculty and researchers while gaining access to federal agencies, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and technology leaders at the forefront of AI and scientific innovation.