Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science is a comprehensive program that requires a minimum of 90 credit hours beyond the BA or BS degree. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer science and prepare them for a career in research and academia.

Degree Requirements

• Coursework: Students must complete at least 36 credits of 4000-level courses and up to 24 credits in other relevant disciplines, as approved by the Computer Science Department Graduate Committee.
• Total Credits: 90 minimum credit hours required beyond the BA or BS degree.
• Additional Degree Requirements:
  • For PhD students without a master's degree in Computer Science: Must complete the requirements of the Master of Science in Computer Science with a thesis at a reasonable pace.
  • For PhD students with a 2-year master's degree in Computer Science or related field: May take a proficiency test in the four required courses for the master's degree (COMP 3351 Programming Languages, COMP 3361 Operating Systems I, COMP 3371 Data Structures & Algorithms, and COMP 3200 Discrete Structures).

Non-Coursework Requirements

• Written dissertation and oral defense that makes a significant contribution to the research literature in computer science.
• Qualifying examination.
• Preliminary examination.
• Tool requirement.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination consists of two parts: the breadth requirement and the written and oral exam.

• Breadth Requirement: Students must take 5 graded courses (20 quarter credits) at the 3000- and 4000-level, covering at least three distinct areas.
• Written and Oral Exam: Students must select an area of examination and prepare a written report of at least 10 but no more than 20 pages with answers to research questions.

Preliminary Examination

Following successful completion of the qualifying examination, each student will prepare a dissertation proposal and take the preliminary examination.

• Dissertation Proposal: Should reflect an extensive critical literature survey, contain an accurate assessment of the state-of-the-art in the area of research, and include a precise statement of the problem to be solved.
• Preliminary Exam: A one-hour oral closed exam that results in agreement between the student and the committee as to what will constitute successful completion of the dissertation research.

Dissertation Defense

After the dissertation has been completed, the student must defend it in a final examination, as specified by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Tool Requirement

It is strongly recommended that students satisfy their tool requirement by demonstrating proficiency in a modern computer typesetting system suitable for writing technical papers that include mathematical equations and graphics. Other options include reading competency in two languages, a series of outside courses in another discipline, or significant laboratory experience involving computer science.