Program Overview
George Mason University's PhD program in Computer Science equips students for leadership roles in research and industry. With a renowned faculty, a nationally ranked program, and a location in the heart of a major technology corridor, students gain a comprehensive foundation through coursework, a breadth requirement, a comprehensive exam, and a doctoral dissertation. Graduates excel in both academia and professional settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD program in Computer Science at George Mason University prepares students to become technical leaders in their fields of research. The program boasts a world-class faculty with expertise in diverse computer science areas and is nationally ranked. Graduates have achieved success in both academic and industrial positions. The program requires coursework, a breadth requirement, a comprehensive examination, and a doctoral dissertation. Mason's general doctoral requirements also apply.
Outline:
The program requires a total of 72 credits, typically consisting of 48 credits of regular coursework and 24 credits of dissertation research.
Coursework:
- Required Courses:
- CS 600 Theory of Computation (3 credits, must be completed with a B+ or better)
- CS 700 Research Methodology in Computer Science (3 credits, must be completed with a B or better)
- CS 701 Research Experience in Computer Science (3 credits, must be completed with a B or better)
- CS 800 Computer Science Colloquium (0 credits, must enroll for two semesters)
- Nine credits of advanced graduate courses (selected in consultation with the student's advisor from a list maintained by the CS department)
- 30 credits of graduate-level courses in the Computer Science department or a field related to the student's doctoral research area (selected in consultation with the student's advisor)
- Transfer of Credit: Students entering the program with a conferred MS degree can receive a transfer of credit for up to 30 credits. Transfer of credit requires approval from the program director and the dean of the school.
Breadth Requirement:
Students must demonstrate breadth of knowledge in computer science by obtaining superior grades in four graduate courses, including CS 583 Analysis of Algorithms. The four courses must span at least three of the following eight areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Databases
- Programming Languages
- Security
- Software Engineering
- Systems and Networks
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Visual Computing
Breadth Requirement Fulfillment Options:
- Course Performance:
- A- or better in at least three of the four courses
- B or better in the fourth course
- Written Qualifying Exams:
- Pass exams in four areas, including Foundations of Computer Science and three other areas chosen from the eight listed above.
- Exams must be attempted in the same semester and can be retaken once.
- Failure to pass the four exams in two consecutive semesters results in termination.
Research Advisor:
Students must declare a PhD Research Advisor within the first 24 credits or within three years, whichever comes first. The advisor must be a tenured or tenure-track member of the Graduate Faculty in the Computer Science department. Affiliate members of the CS Department graduate faculty may co-advise students.
Comprehensive Exam:
- Purpose: To demonstrate depth of knowledge in the intended area of research.
- Committee: Consists of four members: the research advisor, a faculty member selected by the student, and two tenured CS faculty members selected by the PhD program director.
- Components:
- Written: Critical review of research literature on a topic in the intended area of research (8-10 pages long, minimum 20 references).
- Oral: Presentation based on the written report, followed by a Q&A session.
- Passing Criteria: At least three out of four committee members must find the student's performance satisfactory.
- Retake: Allowed only once, with both written and oral components, no later than the next semester.
- Failure: Subject to termination.
Dissertation Research:
- Credits: Minimum of 24 credits in CS 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal and CS 999 Doctoral Dissertation, with at least 12 credits in CS 999.
- Enrollment:
- CS 998: After passing the breadth requirement.
- CS 999: After advancing to candidacy.
Milestones and Deadlines:
- CS 700 Completion: Within the first two semesters.
- CS 701 Completion: Within the first 18 credits.
- Research Advisor Determination: Within the first 24 credits or three years.
- Breadth Requirement Fulfillment: Within the first 24 credits or three years.
- CS 800 Completion: Within the first 36 credits or five years.
- Comprehensive Exam: Within the first 36 credits or five years (must pass in at most two attempts).
- Missed Deadlines: Subject to termination.
Annual Evaluation:
All students (except first-year students) must complete an annual progress report by the end of September. Reports are reviewed by faculty to assess progress and provide feedback.
Dissertation Committee Selection:
- Composition: Four or five members, including one member from outside the department and the rest from the Computer Science Department Graduate Faculty.
- Chair: Must be a member of the Graduate Faculty in the College of Engineering and Computing.
- Approval: Must be approved by the chair of the Computer Science Department.
Dissertation Proposal:
- Preparation: While enrolled in CS 998.
- Presentation: Must be made available to the committee at least two weeks in advance and presented to the committee for approval.
- Approval Criteria: The committee determines whether the proposal has merit and can lead to significant contributions, and whether the student has the knowledge and skills to complete the work successfully and in a timely manner.
- Failure: May present a proposal a second time, but failure in the second attempt results in termination.
- Candidacy: Advancing to candidacy occurs after passing the proposal defense and completing all required coursework (except CS 999).
Dissertation Preparation and Defense:
- Enrollment: CS 999 while preparing the dissertation.
- Pre-Defense Meeting: Held before the public defense, with only the candidate, committee members, and the PhD program director present.
- Dissertation Availability: Must be made available to the committee at least two weeks before the pre-defense.
- Public Defense:
- Preceded by a pre-defense meeting.
- Announced at least two weeks in advance.
- Dissertation must be made available to the committee at least two weeks before the defense.
- Entire committee must be present, unless an exception is approved by the program director.
- Dissertation Criteria: Must make significant contributions to its area and be publishable in refereed journals or conferences.
- Successful Defense: The dissertation committee recommends the candidate for the PhD degree.
- Unsuccessful Defense: The candidate may request a second defense, following the same procedures as the initial defense. A second failure results in termination.
George Mason University
Overview:
George Mason University is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia. It is recognized as a top 50 public R1 research university, signifying its commitment to high-quality research and academic excellence.
Services Offered:
George Mason University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in their academic journey.Student Involvement Office:
Facilitates student engagement through clubs, organizations, and activities.Housing:
Offers both on-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Health and Wellness:
Provides access to health services, counseling, and wellness programs.Recreation:
Offers various recreational facilities and activities for students.Library:
Provides access to a vast collection of resources and research support.Financial Aid:
Offers financial assistance to eligible students.Career Services:
Assists students in their career exploration and job search.Accessibility Resources:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
George Mason University boasts a vibrant and diverse campus community. Students can expect:
Active Student Organizations:
A wide array of clubs and organizations cater to various interests.Social Events and Activities:
The university hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year.Recreational Opportunities:
Students can enjoy various recreational facilities and activities.Campus Dining:
A variety of dining options are available on campus.Housing Options:
Students can choose from various on-campus and off-campus housing options.Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Opportunities:
As an R1 research university, George Mason offers ample opportunities for students to engage in research.Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Strong Faculty:
George Mason boasts a highly qualified and experienced faculty.Vibrant Campus Community:
The university fosters a diverse and inclusive campus environment.Location:
Situated near Washington, D.C., George Mason provides access to numerous internship and career opportunities.Academic Programs:
George Mason University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including the Honors College and undergraduate research opportunities.Graduate Programs:
George Mason offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.Colleges and Schools:
The university is comprised of several colleges and schools, each specializing in specific academic areas.Mason Online:
The university offers a variety of online programs for students seeking flexible learning options.Study Abroad:
George Mason provides opportunities for students to study abroad in various countries.Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation:
The university offers unique academic programs in conservation in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.Entry Requirements:
- All applicants must have an undergraduate degree, and their prior academic work must show a strong academic background in computer science or computing.
- The GRE General Test is recommended for applicants who do not have academic degrees from a US university.
- Each applicant must provide a resume, a brief statement of career goals and personal aspirations, and two letters of reference.