Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Program Learning Outcomes Graduates awarded the PhD in Computer Science will be able to: Acquire a solid foundation in Computer Science at graduate level. Students will demonstrate a graduate-level understanding of material across a variety of sub-disciplines, be able to synthesize problem solutions by combining knowledge from different sources, and demonstrate a deep knowledge of sub-area in which they will pursue their dissertation. Conduct an independent research program. Students will identify and pose a research problem, place that problem in context within the field's established literature, and conduct an independent investigation that leads to credible scientific results. Demonstrate professional skills in both oral and written communication. Students will write well-organized, coherent technical prose, deliver a professional presentation on par with a solid conference presentation, demonstrate the ability to describe scientific issues and techniques in writing and in presentation, and be able to answer unanticipated technical questions in a public setting. Degree Requirements The PhD degree is for students planning to pursue a career in computer science research and education. The doctoral program normally requires four to six years of study. To earn a PhD in computer science, students must: Meet departmental course requirements as described in the Computer Science Department's graduate student handbook available at: Complete a COMP 590 project by the end of the third semester Complete a master’s thesis by the end of the fifth semester, if a previous master’s thesis has not been approved by the graduate committee Pass a qualifying examination in an area of specialization within seven semesters after entering the PhD program Conduct original research, submit an acceptable PhD thesis proposal, and successfully defend the thesis proposal Submit an acceptable PhD thesis that reports research results and pass a final oral defense Students who successfully meet the first three requirements are awarded the Master of Science degree. Students successfully meeting all requirements, plus any departmental and university requirements, are awarded the PhD degree. Financial Assistance—Fellowships and research assistantships are available to students in the PhD program. Both provide a monthly stipend for the academic year and cover all tuition expenses. More substantial monthly stipends may be available during the summer for students working on departmental research projects. In all cases, continued support is contingent on satisfactory progress in the program. PhD students also are expected to assist in the teaching and administration of undergraduate and graduate courses.