Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of computer architecture.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of compiler construction.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the theory of computation.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the analysis of algorithms.
5. At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to perform research involving computer systems for the solution of problems.
6. 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.
7. At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to actively contribute to the research in their area.
8. At the time of graduation a Doctor of Philosophy student should be able to communicate effectively about their research in computer science and engineering.

Admissions

Requirements for admission to all graduate degree programs in computer science and engineering include the general admission requirements of The Graduate School as well as more stringent departmental requirements, as described below. In general, the admission process is highly competitive. Admissions decisions are based on the quality of the applicant’s previous university-level academic work, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and other evidence of past accomplishments.

For admission to the Ph.D. program, applicants normally hold the B.S. degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Applicants should have completed courses in algorithmic design, data structures, computer organization, analysis of algorithms, operating systems, discrete mathematics, and calculus. Applicants not having courses in all of these subjects may be admitted conditionally while they take the remaining ones. Any required prerequisite courses are an integral part of the student’s degree program and must be completed before any graduate degree will be awarded.

In addition, all applicants should submit an official transcript from each school or college previously attended, and at least two letters of recommendation. The admission committee will evaluate all aspects of each application and will make a recommendation on admission to The Graduate School. For full consideration, all application materials must be received by February 1 for fall and summer admission and by October 1 for spring admission.

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.

Core (13 hours)

The coursework must include the following core courses

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
CSCE 513	Computer Architecture	3
CSCE 531	Compiler Construction	3
CSCE 551	Theory of Computation	3
CSCE 750	Analysis of Algorithms	3
CSCE 791	Seminar in Advances in Computing	1
Total Credit Hours		13

Dissertation Preparation (12 hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
CSCE 899	Dissertation Preparation	12
Total Credit Hours		12

Advanced CSCE Electives (20 hours)

• In addition to the above requirements, students must complete 20 hours in CSCE courses numbered 700 or above.

Other Electives (15 hours)

• In addition to the above requirements, students must complete 15 hours of CSCE courses numbered above 500.
• Graduate level courses from other departments, with approval from Graduate Director, can satisfy this requirement.
• Students who enter the program with a Master’s degree in Computer Science are exempt from this requirement.

Note: Students entering the program without a Masters degree are encouraged to concurrently enroll in and earn an MS in Computer Science.

At most 9 hours of CSCE 798 and not more than 12 hours of CSCE 899 may be applied toward the degree. Neither CSCE 797 nor CSCE 799 may be applied toward the degree.

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. The dissertation committee must consist of not fewer than 5 members, including one external member outside the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, 

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, theory 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 will also 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.