The growing Ph.D. program at DePaul University’s School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI) just got a big boost, courtesy of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

DePaul CTI received a $650,000 grant to support its post-graduate students in computer science as part of the Department of Education’s Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program. The grant will provide three years of funding to five fellowships in DePaul CTI’s computer science doctoral program. The fellowships will provide full tuition for each recipient (up to $30,000 based on need) as well as a laptop computer and other equipment. Under the cost-matching requirements of the program, DePaul is providing a sixth fellowship with the same benefits. The fellowships allow for the recipients to participate in a broad spectrum of computer science research. Women, minorities and other traditionally underrepresented groups in information technology are encouraged to apply.

Four of the six fellowships remain available and begin with the 2008-2009 academic year. The fellowships will be awarded based on academic achievement.

According to CTI Professor Steven Lytinen, the grants will help provide more visibility for DePaul’s nascent Ph.D. program in computer science.

“The majority of our Ph.D. students are enrolled part-time,” he said. “So, having more full-time students will further anchor the program.”

The GAANN program provides fellowships through academic departments of institutions of higher education to assist graduate students of superior ability who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue the highest degree available in their course of study. The highest degree available in these fields is a doctorate. A project must provide fellowships in one or more of the following areas of national need: biology; chemistry; computer and information sciences; engineering; mathematics; nursing; and physics. The areas of national need are published annually in the Federal Register. Students interested in applying for one of the grants should visit: http://www.cti.depaul.edu/programs/PHDinCS.asp

DePaul CTI is one of the most innovative and wide-ranging information technology and digital cinema schools in the country. The undergraduate programs enroll more than 1,050 students and offer 14 different degree programs. More than 1,950 students are enrolled in its 18 graduate programs. For more information, visit www.cti.depaul.edu.