Ph.D. in Computer Science

Program for Ph.D. in Computer Science

Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have a superior backround in mathematics, computer science theory and practice, and the basic sciences. They must have a bachelor degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate proficiency in English. Students who do not meet these requirements must strengthen their backround before becoming eligible for admisssion. The GRE is required for applicants to this program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all required courses, spend one academic year in full-time residency, participate in the instruction of a computer sciecne course under the supervision of a faculty member, and submit an acceptable final draft of the disseration with a successful dissertation defense.

Course Requirements

For students entering the program with a Master's degree in computer science related areas:
24 credits of advanced courses beyond the Master's degree or its equivalent in an area of concentration selected by the student with the approval of an advisor. At least 12 credits must be at the 700 level. These 12 credits must be from the list including CS 704, CS 731, CS 734, CS 741, CS 744, CS 750, CS 752, CS 754, CS 756, CS 759, CS 775, CS 780, CS 782 and IE 704.

For students entering the program without a Master's degree in computer science related areas:
42 credits of advanced courses beyond the Bachelor degree or its equivalent in an area of concentration selected by the student with the approval of an advisor. At least 12 credits must be at the 700 level. These 12 credits must be from the list including CS 704, CS 731, CS 734, CS 741, CS 744, CS 750, CS 752, CS 754, CS 756, CS 759, CS 775, CS 780, CS 782 and IE 704.

CS 791 Doctoral Seminar

Full-time students are required to enroll in CS 791 every semester.

CS 790 Doctoral Disseration

Students must complete 36 credits of CS 790. A maximum of 6 credits of CS 792 Pre-Doctoral Research may be used toward the CS 790 requirement.

CS 792 Pre-Doctoral Research

Students are permitted to register for a maximum of 6 credits of pre-doctoral disseration research, to prepare a proposal for their dissertation research. This is subject to advisor approval. The proposeal must be defended before the dissertation committee before it is accepted.

Qualifying Examinations

The qualifying examination tests general academic preparation and competence in the theory and practice of computing. Students should apply for permission to take the exam through the program director.

Doctoral Disseration and Defense

An oral defense of the dissertation is required after submitting the final document to the department for approval.