About the Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science is conferred on students who demonstrate proficiency in a broad area of learning, and who have proven that they have the capability to critically evaluate work in the field. In addition, students must demonstrate the ability to work independently and make original contributions to the field. No single prescribed set of courses can be established that, when completed, guarantee that the student has attained this high level. Rather, the degree is conferred after the student has satisfied both a course work and an independent study requirement under the supervision of a committee.
Graduate students are encouraged to participate in the professional activities of the department. This includes attending seminars and colloquiums, suggesting improvements in curriculum (both undergraduate and graduate), suggesting new teaching techniques and participating in the enhancement of computer hardware and software facilities within the department.
General Information
- A minimum of 60 hours of applicable course work is required for the degree.
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA must be maintained on all courses taken for the degree.
- No more than 9 hours of Independent Study courses may apply toward the degree.
- Grades of “B” or higher are required for all courses taken for the degree.
- All students must pass the Qualifying Examination, the Comprehensive Examination, the Proposal, and the final Defense of the Dissertation.
- Written Qualifiers are required. Undergraduate coursework in the specified areas (see 5000-level courses below) does NOT qualify as a waiver of their respective exams. These courses must be taken at the graduate level and have a grade of A- or better to qualify for a waiver.
- A paper publication is required.
- The PhD program must be completed within nine years.
Course Requirements
30 credit hours of course work at the 5000-level or above is required. Candidates entering with an MS degree in computer science may transfer up to 24 credit hours of course work from that degree to help fulfill the 30 hours. All students are required to take 3 credit hours of CS 6000 as part of these 30 hours:
30 credit hours of dissertation is required. No more than 24 credit hours of dissertation can be taken prior to the semester in which the Proposal Examination is passed.
PhD students must complete four out of the following seven courses, tailoring their choices to the most relevant subjects for their research area, with guidance from their PhD supervisors.
Qualifier Exam Completion Criteria
Students will satisfy the qualifier requirement by achieving an A- or higher in four of the seven courses or exams within their first two years of study.
For additional information, please contact the Computer Science Department.
