Program Overview

Computer Science, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Computer Science takes approximately four years to complete. Research specialties include algorithms, artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning, database systems, extended reality, image processing, networking, and security.

Overview

Students must have a previous degree in computer science (B.S. or M.S. degree), or a closely-related field such as computer engineering or software engineering. Students looking to enter computer science without a prior degree are encouraged to apply to the M.S. program.

Application and Admission

Applications are competitive, and applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative/mathematical background and a good overall GPA (at least 3.0). In addition to the materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit:

• Official transcripts for all postsecondary education, showing completion of a prior degree (B.S. or M.S.) in computer science or a closely-related field
• TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
• An essay ("statement of purpose") describing their goals in pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, including a description of specific interests or a faculty member that the applicant is interested in working with (1-2 pages)
• A curriculum vita describing prior research or work experience (if any)
• Three letters of recommendation

Degree Program Requirements

Required Credit Hours

• 54 credit hours for students with a master's degree in computer science or related area
• 72 credit hours for students who do not have a master's degree in computer science or related area

Course Requirements

For students with a master's degree in computer science or related area:

• Required Course:
  • CSC 701: Doctoral Student Orientation (3 credits)
• Core Courses:
  • Select two courses (6 credits) from the following Theory and Algorithms courses:
    • CSC 752: Theory of Computation
    • CSC 754: Algorithm Analysis and Design
    • CSC 756: Foundations of Computer Science
  • Select two courses (6 credits) from the following Systems and Networks courses:
    • CSC 761: Principles of Computer Architecture
    • CSC 762: Principles of Operating Systems
    • CSC 777: Principles of Computer Networks
  • Select two courses (6 credits) from the following Data/Knowledge courses:
    • CSC 705: Data Science
    • CSC 709: Big Data and Machine Learning
    • CSC 716: Digital Image Processing
    • CSC 725: Bioinformatics
    • CSC 729: Artificial Intelligence
    • CSC 744: Human-Computer Interface Development
    • CSC 771: Advanced Database Systems
• Electives:
  • Select 18 credits from other 600- or 700-level CSC courses
• Dissertation:
  • CSC 799: Dissertation (15 credits)

For students without a master's degree in computer science or related area:

• Core Courses:
  • CSC 754: Algorithm Analysis and Design (3 credits)
  • Select one course (3 credits) from the following:
    • CSC 752: Theory of Computation
    • CSC 756: Foundations of Computer Science
  • Select one course (3 credits) from the following:
    • CSC 738: Software Engineering
    • CSC 762: Principles of Operating Systems
    • CSC 771: Advanced Database Systems
    • CSC 777: Principles of Computer Networks
• Track Courses:
  • Select four courses (12 credits) from one of the following tracks:
    • Foundation and Algorithms Track
    • Data Science and Big Data Track
    • Systems and Networks Track
• Electives:
  • Select 9 credits of electives from other 600- or 700-level CSC courses
• Capstone Experience:
  • Comprehensive Exam
• Total Credit Hours: 30

Additional Requirements for Students without a Master's Degree

• Required Course:
  • CSC 701: Doctoral Student Orientation (3 credits)
• Core Doctoral Courses:
  • Select two courses (6 credits) from the following Systems and Networks courses:
    • CSC 761: Principles of Computer Architecture
    • CSC 762: Principles of Operating Systems
    • CSC 777: Principles of Computer Networks
  • Select two courses (6 credits) from the following Data/Knowledge courses:
    • CSC 705: Data Science
    • CSC 709: Big Data and Machine Learning
    • CSC 716: Digital Image Processing
    • CSC 725: Bioinformatics
    • CSC 729: Artificial Intelligence
    • CSC 744: Human-Computer Interface Development
    • CSC 771: Advanced Database Systems
• Electives:
  • Select 12-24 credits from other 600- or 700-level CSC courses
• Dissertation:
  • CSC 799: Dissertation (15 credits)
• Total Credit Hours: 42

Required Milestones

• Residency (Immersion)
• Plan of Study
• Research Competency
• Comprehensive Exam (Written & Oral)
• Dissertation Proposal
• Admission to Candidacy
• Dissertation Defense
• Filing the Final Approved Dissertation