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Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of computer architecture.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of compiler construction.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the theory of computation.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of the analysis of algorithms.
• At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to perform research involving computer systems for the solution of problems.
• At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to formulate problems in their research area that are challenging and of wide interest in the area.
• At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to actively contribute to the research in their area.
• At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to communicate effectively about their research in computer science and engineering.

Degree Requirements (60 Post Baccalaureate Hours)

Requirements for the Ph.D. degree in computer science fall into four categories: course requirements, the qualifying examination, the comprehensive examination, and the dissertation. Students who enter the program with a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours or graduate course work (excluding CSCE 799 and CSCE 899) and 12 hours of dissertation preparation (CSCE 899). Of the 48 hours, at least 24 must be in CSCE courses numbered 700 or above. The student’s dissertation committee must approve the program of study, so this committee should be formed as early in a student’s course of study as possible.

Prior to admission to candidacy, the student is required to pass a written qualifying examination. This examination is designed to test fundamental knowledge and conceptual understanding of the mainstream areas of computer science and engineering.

The Ph.D. comprehensive examination combines a written and an oral examination and seeks to discover whether the student has a sufficiently deep understanding of topics in the area of interest to carry out the proposed research. The written examination consists of two portions: the core, including architecture, algorithms, and compiler construction; and the research area of the student. The core portion is constructed and graded by the faculty as a whole. The dissertation committee, which also will make the final decision on whether the student has passed, constructs the research component. The oral examination is an in-depth test on the subject matter related to the student’s dissertation topic and written exam. The committee may also examine the student on any other material it deems relevant. After completing the research and writing the dissertation, the student must defend the work in a public presentation.