Purdue’s computer science programs rank among nation’s best, advancing reputation for first in U.S. to offer advanced degree

Purdue information security doctoral candidate Fabrizio Cicala is researching how to prevent malware in smartphones and Bluetooth and Internet of Things devices, studying at the nation’s first computer science program to offer an advanced degree.

Arriving at West Lafayette in 2019 after finishing his undergraduate studies at the Roma Tre University, Cicala is convinced there was no better place to pursue a PhD than in the storied Purdue computer science program, which is ranked among the nation’s best both for graduate and undergraduate students.

“The PhD program at Purdue computer science provides students with a challenging but stimulating environment where work collaboration is encouraged on many levels,” Cicala says. “Students can work alongside professors, fellow students, and industry partners from numerous countries and engage in research that tackles real-world problems.”

Purdue’s computer science program ranked No. 13 among over 200 programs nationwide, according to CSRankings, which is based on publications and impact in fundamental CS research areas such as AI, machine learning, systems, networks, programming, software engineering, security, and others. At Purdue, an advanced degree in computer science provides access to a growing lineup of top-quality faculty, including 36 new faculty members who have joined the program since 2016 — and hiring plans continue.

“Purdue’s computer science graduate program is renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research in critical fields like cybersecurity, machine learning and artificial intelligence,” says Petros Drineas, professor and head of Purdue’s Department of Computer Science.

“With a long-standing reputation for leadership in cybersecurity, Purdue has developed a globally recognized research program that prepares students to address emerging threats and safeguard digital infrastructures. In machine learning and AI, our research centers are pioneering advancements shaping the future of technology, from automation and data-driven decision-making to intelligent systems and robotics.”

At the same time, Purdue’s graduate computer science program ranked No. 19 among over 200 programs nationwide in the U.S. News & World Report survey for 2024. The U.S. News graduate program rankings are based on ratings by department chairs and directors of graduate studies at universities offering a PhD in computer science. Respondents were asked to nominate up to 15 programs noted for their excellence in each area listed.

Purdue became the first to offer an advanced degree in computer science in 1962.

For undergraduates, Purdue’s CS program ranked No. 16 overall among more than 580 programs in the U.S. News survey for 2025, released last September, up from No. 18 in 2024. Purdue’s undergrad cybersecurity program remained sixth-best in the nation for 2025.

Purdue’s overall computer science program, meantime, was ranked No. 47, its highest ever, in a global survey of the top subjects by Times Higher Education announced in January. The program was No. 5 among its Big Ten peers and No. 9 for U.S. public institutions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• U.S. News & World Report: Purdue Overview
• Best Computer Science Schools
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Why Choose Purdue CS for PhD?

Purdue Computer Science, which offers 14 departmental research areas, has 91 faculty members and an enrollment of close to 600 graduate students. It spans a range of areas in computer science, with expertise ranging from bioinformatics and computational biology, computational science and engineering, and distributed systems to graphics and visualization, machine learning and information retrieval, software engineering, networking and operating systems, theory of computing and algorithms and security.

Ninghui Li, Samuel D. Conte Professor of Computer Science, says initiatives like Purdue Computes, the Institute for Physical AI and One Health further amplify interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to apply AI and machine-learning solutions to diverse application domains.

“Our strong industry connections, excellent faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities give graduate students unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of computer science,” Li says. “At Purdue, we are not only advancing the field but also shaping the future leaders of AI, machine learning and cybersecurity — ensuring our graduates are equipped to drive innovation and make a significant impact in both academia and industry.”

Since he was admitted into the Purdue graduate program, Charalampos Katsis says he has benefited greatly by learning under pioneers of security research as well as through industry leaders connected and networking with the program.

“The opportunities here have shaped me into a confident researcher and helped me grow both personally and professionally. In our department, we dive deep, not only solving critical problems but also learning to identify them — skills essential for success,” says Katsis, a graduate student from Cyprus who’s focusing his studies on cybersecurity.

Purdue computer science professor Eugene H. Spafford says a strength of the program is how it integrates its undergraduate and graduate offerings. He points specifically to its 4+1 program — for an undergrad degree in CS and a master’s degree in CS, for example, that offers a specialization in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or data science.

“The majority of our security classes are at the graduate level, so this is the best way to take them,” says Spafford, an internationally recognized authority on cybersecurity.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, has identified over 30 career paths in its National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education framework, Spafford says. Purdue also is among the original seven universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity in 1999 and has remained in that august company for 25 years.

While slowing somewhat since the pandemic, demand for computer scientists is projected to grow more than 20% overall through 2032, much faster than the average of all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each year, there are about 3,400 job openings on average for computer scientists.

Chicagoan Arushi Arora completed her doctoral studies in computer science and security this spring under her advisor, assistant professor Christina Garman. Utilizing Purdue’s cutting-edge research facilities and expert network in cybersecurity and national security, Arora was exposed to the necessary practical applications of theoretical knowledge.

“Obtaining my PhD in security at Purdue was transformative, blending rigorous academic training with real-world applications,” says Arora, who is now a project manager at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, India.

“This foundation proved crucial during my internships at two national labs, where I tackled significant projects. My Purdue experience not only advanced my career but also prepared me to make impactful contributions in security. Now, as I step into a senior role at a major tech company, I am ready to address complex challenges and drive innovation,” Arora says.

Drineas says Purdue Computer Science’s high rankings highlight both its historic significance as the first computer science department in the nation, as well as its continued leadership in fields like AI, cybersecurity and computer systems.

“These rankings reflect our faculty’s expertise, groundbreaking research and contributions to advancing technology,” he says. “By consistently ranking among the best, Purdue not only preserves its legacy but also attracts top talent globally, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and continue shaping the future of computer science.”

Contributing: Emily Kinsell, ekinsell@purdue.edu; Molly Grace Walker, walke598@purdue.edu