Department of Computer Science and Statistics

Ph.D. in Computer Science

The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a research degree where the student completes a major research project that enhances the field of Computer Science.

A program of study can include at most three courses at the 400-level. Students who have undergraduate credits for a particular 400-level course (or equivalent) cannot repeat the course for graduate credit.

Course Groups

For the purpose of describing degree requirements, Computer Science courses are organized into the following groups:

Algorithms:
  • CSC 440 - Algorithms and Data Structures (4cr)
  • CSC 541 - Advanced Topics in Algorithms (4cr)
  • CSC 542 - Mathematical Analysis of Algorithms (4cr)
  • CSC 550 - Computer Algebra (4cr)
Programming Languages:
  • CSC 402 - Compiler Design (4cr)
  • CSC 501 - Programming Language Semantics (4cr)
  • CSC 502 - Theory of Compilers (4cr)
Computer Architecture:
  • CSC 411 - Computer Organization (4cr)
  • CSC 415 - Introduction to Parallel Computing (4cr)
  • CSC 511 - Advanced Computer Organization (4cr)
  • CSC 517 - Design and Analysis of VLSI Systems (4cr)
Computer Systems:
  • CSC 412 - Operating Systems and Networks (4cr)
  • CSC 512 - Topics in Distributed Systems (4cr)
  • CSC 519 - Computer Networks (4cr)
Theory of Computation:
  • CSC 445 - Models of Computation (4cr)
  • CSC 544 - Theory of Computation (4cr)
Software Design:
  • CSC 505 - Advanced Topics in Software Engineering (4cr)
  • CSC 509 - Object-Oriented System Design (4cr)
Applications:
  • CSC 406 - Computer Graphics (4cr)
  • CSC 436 - Database Management Systems (4cr)
  • CSC 481 - Artificial Intelligence (4cr)
  • CSC 485 - Computer Forensics (4cr)
  • CSC 486 - Network Forensics (4cr)
  • CSC 522 - Bioinformatics (3-4cr)
  • CSC 536 - Topics in Data Management Systems (4cr)
  • CSC 581 - Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3cr)
  • CSC 583 - Computer Vision (3cr)
  • CSC 585 - Topics in Computer Forensics (4cr)
  • CSC 586 - Topics in Network Forensics (4cr)

Ph.D. Requirements

Students must complete 54 credits of course work beyond the Bachelor's degree in addition to 18 credits for the doctoral dissertation.

A student entering the program with an M.S. degree in Computer Science or in a related area may be granted up to 30 credits towards the Ph.D. in Computer Science.

Students must complete:

  1. At least one course from each of the following course groups:
    • Algorithms
    • Programming Languages
    • Computer Architecture
    • Computer Systems
    • Software Design
    • Theory of Computation
  2. At least two courses from the Applications group.
  3. At least two separate semesters of one credit of CSC591: "Computer Science Seminar Series"
  4. Other courses chosen with the approval of the Advisor or Major Professor to meet the 54-credit minimum.

Students must also:

  1. Pass a comprehensive examination, which is composed of a written examination and an oral examination.
  2. Give at least one presentation in the regular department research seminar series prior to defending their Ph.D. dissertation.

The written examination, which will be held at least once a year, covers the first six core course areas listed above. Success in the written examination is conditional on obtaining passing grades in all core areas, and is a prerequisite for being allowed to take the oral examination. Typically, it would be expected that a student take the comprehensive examination within two years after joining the program. The objective of the oral examination is for the student to present an intended research program and demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the scientific literature of the corresponding research domain.