Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Program Overview

The PhD in Computer Science program at the University at Albany prepares students for a productive career in universities, research institutes, industries, and government agencies. This program develops students' ability to recognize and formulate significant research problems, express those problems using appropriate abstract models, apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques for their solutions, and share the results with the scientific community. It also provides training for a broad understanding of computer science and the versatility to enter emerging fields.

Program Requirements

• An oral doctoral qualifying examination in the field of the student's research interest. This examination should be completed before the student begins work on the dissertation.
• An acceptable dissertation that represents a significant and original research contribution to computer science.
• A minimum of 60 credits of graduate courses.

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Program Highlights

• FACULTY: Learn from renowned professors who provide a well-rounded and critical understanding of this dynamic discipline.
• RESEARCH: Exciting opportunities to participate in a robust research agenda with actively engaged faculty.
• PREPARATION: A wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.
• LOCATION: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region. The campus is a short ride to Boston and New York City.
• NETWORK: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of computer science.
• CAREER OUTLOOK: Recent graduates have gone on to rewarding and challenging positions in leading corporations, universities, research facilities, and government agencies.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: Not Available
• No Departmental Assistantship Consideration:
  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Student Learning Objectives

Students will attain expert competence in at least three of the following areas:

• Analysis of algorithms, including complexity, tractability, and computability.
• Propositional logic, and the predicate calculus.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Principles of programming languages, and their design.
• Operating systems and computer communication networks.
• Scientific and high performance computing.
• Principles of information retrieval, databases, and their theory.
• Complexity and computability theory.
• Students will publish papers/articles in peer-reviewed conferences and journals.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

• Africana Studies CGS
• Community College Leadership CGS
• Computer Science MS
• Demography CGS
• International Education Management CGS

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The PhD program in Computer Science at the University at Albany aims to prepare students for leadership roles in various sectors, including universities, research institutes, industries, and government agencies. It focuses on developing the skills needed to recognize and formulate significant research problems, apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques for solutions, and effectively communicate findings within the scientific community.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the ability to recognize and formulate significant research problems.
• Train students to express problems using appropriate abstract models.
• Provide students with the ability to apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques for solving problems.
• Develop effective communication skills for sharing research results with the scientific community.
• Foster a broad understanding of computer science.
• Cultivate the versatility to enter emerging fields.

Description:

The PhD program typically requires four to five years of full-time study and research. It includes:

• An oral doctoral qualifying examination in the student's research area.
• Completion of a dissertation representing a significant and original research contribution to computer science.

Teaching:

• Faculty: The program features renowned professors who offer a well-rounded and critical understanding of this dynamic discipline.
• Research: Students actively participate in a robust research agenda with engaged faculty.
Specific research areas can be found on individual faculty websites.
• Coursework: The program offers a wide variety of courses, allowing students to build a program of study aligned with their career goals.

Careers:

• Recent graduates have secured rewarding and challenging positions in leading corporations, universities, research facilities, and government agencies.

Other:

• The program is designated as a STEM program.
• International students with F-1 status may be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
• The program is also designated for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension, potentially extending OPT to 36 months.
• The location offers proximity to New York's Tech Valley, providing access to internship and job opportunities in various sectors.
• The campus is conveniently located near Boston and New York City.
• The program provides access to a network of leading professionals in the field of computer science.

Summary:

The University at Albany's PhD in Computer Science offers a comprehensive program that prepares students for successful careers in diverse fields. This program emphasizes rigorous coursework, active research participation, and renowned faculty, leading to a well-rounded educational experience.