Doctor of Philosophy in Computer/Information Science and Engineering

Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer/Information Science and Engineering

Overview

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University offers Ph.D. degrees in Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

Program Objectives

The objective of these programs is to graduate doctoral students who are scholars in their field of research as evidenced by:

• Their ability to do independent research by synthesizing original ideas that are evaluated to be non-trivial contributions by other researchers
• The mastery of their discipline by being able to recall, comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas with intellectual rigor using the major concepts and results of their discipline
• Can communicate their ideas effectively as evidenced by their ability to write papers, dissertation, and proposals that are judged to be well written, well presented, and well argued
• Ability to give technical presentations which are judged to be clear, concise, and informative

Program Requirements

The requirements for the Ph.D. programs emphasize mastery of a field of knowledge, familiarity with allied areas, facility in the use of research techniques, responsibility for the advancement of knowledge, and effective communication of ideas. These are tested primarily by comprehensive examinations and the defense of the dissertation rather than by a summation of courses, grades, and credits.

Program Structure

The basic structure of the requirements for a Ph.D. degree is the same for both degrees. What differentiates the programs are the details, namely:

• The list of topics in which students must demonstrate competencies by completing coursework
• The topics covered in the written Qualifying Examination Part I

Coursework

Descriptions of the graduate courses that doctoral students can take (600-level and above) in computer engineering (CSE), computer and information science (CIS), and electrical engineering (ELE) which can be taken by doctoral students can be viewed in the University Course Catalog.

Admission Criteria

Students with superior qualifications who are interested in advancing their knowledge in Computer and Information Science and Engineering or in Electrical and Computer Engineering are invited to apply to one of our Ph.D. programs. These programs combine coursework with research work led by internationally renowned researchers in their areas of expertise.

Application Deadline

Ph.D. applicants are strongly recommended to apply by January 1, so that they can be considered for Fellowship awards. As part of a concerted effort to broaden the diversity of our Ph.D. programs, we no longer require or expect the GRE. Applicants who believe that their application is strengthened by including GRE scores may submit them.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Ph.D. program in Computer/Information Science and Engineering (CISE) at Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science aims to prepare scholars in the field of research.

Objectives:

• Develop students' ability to conduct independent research and make original contributions to the field.
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their discipline, enabling them to apply critical thinking and intellectual rigor.
• Enhance students' communication skills, including writing research papers, dissertations, and proposals, as well as presenting technical information effectively.

Program Description:

The CISE doctoral program focuses on research interests in computer and information science, as well as software aspects of computer engineering. The program emphasizes mastery of a specific field of knowledge, familiarity with allied areas, proficiency in research techniques, and effective communication of ideas.

Outline:

Coursework:

Students must demonstrate competencies in specific topics through coursework in the following areas:

• Computer engineering (CSE)
• Computer and information science (CIS)
• Electrical engineering (ELE)

Qualifying Examination:

The written Qualifying Examination Part I covers topics in which students must demonstrate proficiency.

Graduate Courses:

Doctoral students can enroll in 600-level and above graduate courses in CSE, CIS, and ELE.

Assessment:

Program Requirements:

Students' knowledge and skills are primarily assessed through comprehensive examinations and the defense of their dissertation, rather than solely through course grades and credits.

Faculty:

The faculty consists of internationally renowned researchers in their respective areas of expertise.

Unique Approaches:

The program fosters interdisciplinary research by encouraging faculty participation in multiple research areas, connecting the fields of Computer and Information Science and Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.