Program Overview

Mathematical and Computational Science PhD, Computer Science Emphasis

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the general graduate admission requirements of the Graduate School. Students are considered for admission to the graduate program in Computer Science only after they have formally applied for admission through the Graduate School. Additional requirements include:

• A Master’s in Computer Science or a related area, with a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
• A statement of purpose that shows evidence of the ability to convey ideas in a succinct and focused manner.
• At least two recommendation letters from academic or professional sources.
• GRE general test scores, which are not more than 5 years old.
• Competency in core areas of computer science, including:
  • Programming skills and languages
  • Operating systems
  • Data structures and analysis of algorithms
  • Computer organization and architecture

Applicants missing some of the listed competency areas may be admitted and will be required to take related courses as part of their studies.

Application Process

The department admits students for the Fall and Spring semesters on a rolling basis. International students have deadlines determined by visa processing times, usually May 31 for the Fall semester and October 31 for the Spring semester.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the Ph.D. degree include:

1. Course work
2. Comprehensive examination leading to Ph.D. Candidacy
3. Ph.D. Candidacy and Doctoral Dissertation

Course Work

A minimum of 60 credit hours of courses numbered 4000 or above are required, of which at least 45 credit hours must be from courses numbered 5000 or above. The 60 credit hours must include a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 15 Dissertation Research credit hours.

Comprehensive Examination leading to Ph.D. Candidacy

A student advances to Ph.D. candidacy after satisfying the following requirements:

1. Passing comprehensive examinations in two steps:
   • Passing a qualifier examination covering fundamental topics in Computer Science.
   • Passing a written examination in the area of the student’s interests or writing a survey paper in the area of the student’s interests.
2. Completing the required credit hours other than Dissertation Research (minimum 45 credits, including transfers and prior M.S. credited toward the Ph.D.).

Doctoral Dissertation

A Ph.D. candidate obtains the Ph.D. in these steps:

1. Proposing a dissertation committee.
2. Preparing a written dissertation proposal and defending it in front of the dissertation committee.
3. Writing a dissertation as outlined in the dissertation proposal while enrolling for Dissertation Research credits.
4. Successfully presenting and defending the dissertation in front of the dissertation committee.