TLDR: Boston College’s Computer Science Department will introduce a new five-year doctoral program in Fall 2026, focusing on Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and the Theory of Computation. The program aims to expand research capacity, address the ethical implications of technology, and prepare students for careers in academia and industry. The first cohort will consist of five students, with plans to grow to 25.
Boston College’s Computer Science Department is set to launch a new five-year doctoral program in the fall of 2026, a strategic move approved by the Board of Trustees in August 2025. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance the department’s research capabilities and ensure that the rapid advancements in computer science, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning, are guided towards the common good.
Associate Professor Sergio Alvarez, the program director, highlighted the transformative impact of computer science on contemporary life, stating, “Computer science, including but not limited to artificial intelligence and machine learning, has transformed contemporary life.” He further emphasized the role of algorithms as a fundamental language for scientists and underscored Boston College’s mission to directly engage with this technological revolution. Fitzgerald Professor George Mohler, the department chair, added that students need to be well-versed in how technology and AI function, as these are integral to daily life.
The doctoral program will specialize in two core research areas: Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and the Theory of Computation. These specializations are intended to consolidate the department’s existing research strengths and position it at the forefront of future computer science developments. Alvarez noted that AI, machine learning, and data science are crucial for the sophisticated algorithms prevalent in society, while the theory of computation provides the essential foundational framework for algorithms.
Initially, the program will welcome a highly selective first cohort of five students, with an ambitious goal to expand to a total of 25 doctoral students. Recruitment efforts are currently underway. The department anticipates that the addition of graduate students will significantly broaden its research capacity and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. Graduate students are expected to contribute to research from their first year, serving as vital links between faculty, undergraduates, research, and teaching.
Computer science is already a prominent field at Boston College, ranking among the top ten most popular majors with 533 undergraduate students. The department is recognized for its research focus, holding a national top 60 rank in the theory of computation, according to CSRankings. Morrissey College Dean Gregory Kalscheur, S.J., emphasized the program’s role in student formation, noting that the pervasive influence of computation and AI tools across disciplines necessitates a deeper scholarly engagement with their social and ethical implications.
Also Read:
- Boston College Forges Ahead in AI Integration, Joins National Pedagogy Institute
- AI Observatory Unveils Framework to Bridge Global Learning Disparities with Artificial Intelligence
The new doctoral program is poised to prepare students for impactful careers in both academia and industry. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster-than-average growth rate of 26 percent for computer and information scientists over the next decade, indicating a strong demand for graduates in fields ranging from consulting and software development to faculty and research positions.
