Program Overview

PhD in Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Science is designed to prepare students for academic careers and careers in government and industry research labs. Computer science is a vigorous and exciting field of research and study that continues to grow in importance.

Departmental Research Strengths

Departmental research strengths include:

• Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, multiagent systems, planning and problem solving)
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Theory (computational learning theory, design and analysis of algorithms, computability theory)
• Compiler Optimization and Compilation for Parallel Machines
• Natural-Language Processing (discourse and dialogue, generation, information extraction, summarization)
• Systems (parallel and distributed computing, grid and volunteer computing, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism)
• Networks (distributed computing, transport layer protocols, mobile and wireless networks, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism, networks management, security performance modeling, simulation)
• Graphics and Computer Vision
• Rehabilitation Engineering (augmentative communication, speech recognition and enhancement)
• Software Engineering (program analysis and testing)
• Symbolic Mathematical Computation (algebraic algorithms, parallelization)
• Robotics

Program Objectives

After completing the PhD, graduates will be able to:

• identify, analyze, and solve a broad range of computer and information sciences problems using appropriate tools, techniques, approaches, and algorithms
• assess the impacts of computer and information sciences on society and a chosen discipline
• summarize the professional and ethical responsibilities related to computer and information sciences
• plan, conduct, present, and defend a research project
• survey and critique the state-of-the-art in a chosen area of computer and information sciences
• contribute to scientific knowledge, the profession, and society via original and substantial research
• effectively communicate technical information to a broad audience

Degree Requirements

Review the University Catalog or course descriptions for a complete description of the degree requirements. Students who believe that they have already satisfied a degree requirement may submit a degree requirements modification request.

Coursework Requirements

The coursework requirements comprise four components:

• The breadth component (12 credits) ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences.
• The elective component (9 credits) allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their dissertation research or career goals.
• The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the PhD and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society.
• The dissertation component (9 credits) ensures that students have time to devote to their research.

Research Requirements

The research requirements comprise three components:

• The preliminary examination ensures that students have the ability to perform research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences.
• The qualifying examination ensures that students are well positioned to successfully complete their dissertation research.
• The dissertation examination ensures that students have achieved mastery of their dissertation research.