Graduate::Ph.D Program

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of a candidate's highest level of scholarly competence and demonstrated capability to independently conduct and report significant research. This achievement requires more than an accumulation of course credits over a stated period of residence. Scholarly competence is achieved through systematic study and investigation in the chosen discipline at an advanced level. The major professor and at least two committee members will be from the Computer Science and Engineering department. Research capability is developed during the course of study and is achieved through the completion of significant and independent research. The results of this research must be formally presented in a written dissertation and successfully defended before an examining committee. The dissertation must demonstrate the significance of the research as well as the candidate's ability to organize and present his/her results in a professional manner.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for obtaining the doctoral degree can be met by fulfilling the minimum requirements below. These requirements and the various committees appointed to oversee the completion of these requirements are explained below in more detail.

1. Completion of the requisite course work and passing qualifying examinations.
2. Completion of a doctoral dissertation representing significant original research.
3. Ph.D. candidates are required to teach at least one semester course before the Ph.D. degree is granted.

COURSE WORK

A minimum of 90 semester hours including dissertation hours beyond the baccalaureate degree is required of all Ph.D. students. Of these, a student must include courses in two minor fields of study, one of which must be mathematics. In each of the minor fields, a minimum of 8 units of graduate level course work is required (up to 3 units of 4000 level course work may be counted toward the 8 units required). A student may apply up to 15 semester hours of independent study/directed research towards the course work requirements with the approval of his supervisory committee. Students should also accumulate at least 20 hours of dissertation credits to count towards degree requirements. The remaining hours can be taken in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. The exact distribution of these hours in the Computer Science and Engineering discipline will be determined by the student and his supervisory committee to provide the student with a stimulating educational experience. The student's progress in the program is monitored by a supervisory doctoral committee, which is usually appointed at an early stage in the student's program. This committee consists of at least four members, one of which is outside the College of Engineering. The major professor will be a member of the Computer Science and Engineering Department. Normally, two more Computer Science and Engineering faculty serve on the committee with a member in another department in the college.

DOCTORAL SCREENING/QUALIFYING EXAMINATION

For details, please visit:  Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

Students may not be admitted to candidacy until a Doctoral Committee has been appointed, and the Committee has certified that the student has successfully completed the comprehensive qualifying examination and demonstrated the qualifications necessary to successfully complete requirements for the degree. The Admission to Candidacy form will be approved by the Dean of the College and forwarded to the Dean of Graduate Studies for final approval. The student may enroll in Dissertation credits the semester following approval of the Admission to Candidacy form by Graduate Studies.

DISSERTATION

The student must carry out an investigation of sufficient quality that he/she can make an independent and original contribution to the knowledge in computer science and engineering. The dissertation research will provide an important creative experience for the student. Successful completion makes the Ph.D. program valuable career preparation for the computer science and engineering profession. As the final stage of the program, the student prepares a written dissertation describing the research. Students in the Ph.D. program must take at least 20 semester hours of doctoral dissertation credits; the exact number is determined by the candidate's supervisory committee. Publication of journal paper(s) from the dissertation research is encouraged.

DISSERTATION DEFENSE

The doctoral candidate must defend their dissertation before the dissertation committee. The defense is generally open to the university community and conducted in accordance with the university's general rules and regulation. The defense consists of a formal presentation of the dissertation followed by a critical exchange between the candidate and the committee moderated by the chairman of the committee which rules on any questions of procedure, originality of the research, and contributions by the candidate. Satisfactory completion of this examination and all requirements above will enable a student to receive the Ph.D. degree.

UNIVERSITY POLICY

All work applicable to the Ph.D. degree requirements must be completed within seven years from the time a student is admitted.