PhD in Computer and Information Sciences

Program Overview

The PhD in Computer and Information Sciences at this institution prepares exceptional students for academic or industry careers in cutting-edge computing research. Students demonstrate knowledge breadth in two research areas and depth in a specialized dissertation area, which they defend publicly and publish in peer-reviewed outlets. Flexible scheduling and industry-connected faculty support the program, which offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research outside of class.

Program Outline

To earn a PhD degree, a student must demonstrate breadth of knowledge in at least two research areas and significant depth in a chosen dissertation area. In addition, the student must conceive, write, and defend a PhD dissertation representing a significant and original contribution to current academic research as demonstrated by a public dissertation defense and publication in established peer-reviewed academic conferences and/or journals.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through breadth exams, a dissertation, and a public defense of the dissertation. The breadth exams are comprehensive exams that test a student's knowledge in two research areas. The dissertation is a major research project that must be defended in a public presentation.

Teaching:

The PhD program is taught by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Faculty bring a unique blend of academic excellence and industry perspective to their research in the classroom. They conduct cutting-edge research in a variety of areas, including artificial intelligence, high performance and scientific computing, theory, visual informatics and data analytics, and more.

Careers:

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer and Information Sciences generally want to teach or to do research in private industry. Previous graduates have gotten academic positions at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Jordan, Pace University, and many more. Other graduates have gotten industry positions in Google, Pandora, Amazon, Microsoft, and SAP to name a few.

Other:

The PhD program in CIS is flexible enough to accommodate not only full-time students, but part-time students as well. All of the graduate classes are in the evening (and most are also offered online), so preparation for breadth exams can be done after work. Advisors offer flexible hours for research meetings and independent studies. The School of Computing hosts weekly talks on creative and breakthrough research by faculty, students, and industry professionals. Regularly scheduled events include the Research Colloquium, the Data Science Seminar, the iD LabSpeaker Series, the Math/CS Seminar, and the Jarvis Center Speaker Series.