Computer Science, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science is, above all else, a degree of quality. Simply completing a number of graduate courses or years of study is not sufficient to receive the degree. The successful candidate must demonstrate a breadth of understanding in computer science, as well as a depth of understanding in his or her chosen area(s) of emphasis. Also, students must show an ability to do creative research. This research should be carried out over a significant period of time (i.e., at least one year or three semesters). Thus, each successful PhD candidate will produce a significant piece of original research, presented in a written dissertation and defended in an oral examination. This work should be of such quality that one or more journal or conference articles can be derived from it.

Students completing a PhD/CS must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete at least 90 credits of graduate coursework (including at least 27 credits of dissertation/research) beyond a BS/CS or at least 60 credits (including at least 27 credits of dissertation research) beyond an MS/CS with a minimum class grade of B and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
2. If an MS/CS is completed first, then no more than 15 credits of the 60 credits required for the PhD may be taken in coursework numbered below the 6000 level. If an MS/CS is not completed first, then no more than 21 credits of the 90 credits required for the PhD may be taken in coursework numbered below the 6000 level.
3. Complete at least 12 credits of 7000-level computer science coursework.
4. Complete 2 credits of PhD Seminar (CS 7900 ).
5. Complete 9 credits of department-approved courses outside the department.
6. Pass a set of comprehensive written examinations and an oral examination showing depth and breadth of knowledge in computer science and the student’s area(s) of emphasis.
7. Successfully complete and defend a research proposal.
8. Successfully complete and defend a dissertation (CS 7970 ), for at least 27 credits).