Carnegie Mellon University
School of Computer Science  ›  Language Technologies Institute  ›  Academics  ›  PhD Programs  ›  PhD in LTI

Ph.D. in Language and Information Technology

Ph.D. students are expected to publish papers about original research in the most competitive scientific journals and international conference proceedings, and to present their research at conferences and workshops. Most of our Ph.D. graduates become professors and research scientists, while a few have started their own companies.

The Ph.D. in LTI focuses on developing the next generation of scientific and entrepreneurial leaders. The first two years of the Ph.D. program are similar to our MLT program. After the second year, you will spend most of your time working closely with your faculty advisor on research that advances the state-of-the-art in computer science.

Ph.D. students are expected to publish papers about original research in the most competitive scientific journals and international conference proceedings, and to present their research at conferences and workshops. Most of our Ph.D. graduates become professors and research scientists, while a few have started their own companies.
In general, students pursuing a Ph.D. in Language and Information Technologies must

  • Pass at least 96 units of graduate-level courses.
  • Satisfy proficiencies in writing, presentation, programming and teaching; and
  • Propose, write and defend a Ph.D. dissertation (thesis).
  • Students must also attend the LTI Colloquium each semester and satisfy our Research Speaking Requirement.

For a detailed breakdown of the above requirements, download and read the PhD Handbook.
In order to obtain your Ph.D. in Language and Information Technologies, you need to pass 96 units (generally, eight courses) of graduate courses that fulfill these requirements:

  • At least 72 units of LTI courses: Must include one class in each LTI focus area.
  • At least 24 units of SCS courses.
  • At least two lab courses in two different research areas.

A sample five-year schedule is shown below. It is just one of many paths that you can take through the PhD program. Each of the focus areas can be satisfied by several courses, which gives you some flexibility in how you satisfy degree requirements.

Fall Spring Summer
Year 1

Human Language for Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to Deep Learning

Directed Research

Advanced Natural Language Processing

Search Engines

Directed Research

 Directed Research
Year 2

Large Language Models Methods and Applications

Large-Scale Multimedia Analysis

 

Self-Paced Lab

Directed Research

Speech Technology for Conversational AI

ConLanging: Learning Linguistics and Language Technology via Construction of Artifial Languages

Self-Paced Lab

Directed Research

 Directed Research
Year 3 Directed Research

 Directed Research

 Directed Research
Year 4 Directed Research

 Directed Research

 Directed Research
Year 5 Directed Research

 Directed Research

 Directed Research
Note that you are not required to complete the course requirements in two years. Some students prefer to do their self-paced labs in Year 3 or Year 4, to give themselves more time for Directed Research in Year Two and a little variety in Years 3 and 4.
See the Ph.D. and MLT Course Categories page.
The Ph.D. Program Intranet contains additional information for current Ph.D. students.

To Apply: Please see the Apply link near the top of this page.

Deadlines

Early Deadline: November 20, 2024, 3:00pm EST
Final Deadline: December 11, 2024, 3:00pm EST

Application Fee Waivers: Appliation fee waivers may be available in cases of financial hardship. For more information, please refer to the School of Computer Science Fee Waiver page.

Cost: Please see Carnegie Mellon's Cost of Attendance web page for the School of Computer Science.

Requirements

The School of Computer Science requires the following for all Ph.D. applications. (Please note, these requirements may change for future application cycles.)

  • GRE scores: GREs are now optional. If you want to submit GRE scores, they must be less than five years old. The GRE Subject Test is not required, but is recommended. Our Institution Code is 2074; Department Code is 0402.
  • TOEFL scores: Required if English is not your native language. No exceptions. These scores may be more than two years old if you have pursued or are pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree in the United States. (While the TOEFL is preferred, the IELTS test may also be submitted.) Successful applicants will have a minimum TOEFL score of 100. Our Institution Code is 4256; the Department Code is 78.
  • Official transcripts from each university you have attended, regardless of whether you received your degree there.
  • Current resume.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • For more details on these requirements, please see the SCS Doctoral Admissions page.


In addition to the SCS guidelines, the LTI requires:

  • A short (1-3 minute) video of yourself. Tell us about you and why you want to come to CMU. This is not a required part of the application process, but it's strongly suggested.
  • Any outside funding you are receiving must be accompanied by an official award letter.
  • No incomplete applications will be eligible for consideration.


For specific application/admissions questions, please contact Stacey Young.

For more information about the Ph.D. program, contact Stacey Young.

Academic Program Manager, PhD
Office: 6415 Gates & Hillman Centers
Email: staceyy@cs.cmu.edu
Phone: 412-268-2623

Program Handbook

For a complete breakdown of the Ph.D. program and its policies, including information about internships, please view the PhD Handbook.