Ph.D. Program Effective Fall 2011

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 in computer science and engineering.  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 her/his results in a professional manner.

DEGREE 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 in detail below:

1. Completion of the requisite coursework.
2. Successful completion of qualifier exams in Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Theory of Algorithms within one year of enrollment.
3. Completion of a Major Research Area paper and presentation within one year after qualifier exams are passed.
4. Completion of a doctoral dissertation representing significant, original research.

COURSEWORK

A minimum of 72 semester hours including dissertation hours beyond the baccalaureate degree are required of all Ph.D. students. The distribution of these hours is as follows:

• At least 33 semester hours in coursework excluding independent study and directed research. 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.
• Up to 15 semester hours of independent study/directed research.
• At least 20 hours of dissertation credits.

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 whom 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

Students must pass the Ph.D. Qualifying examinations in Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Theory of Algorithms.

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

A student will not be admitted to candidacy until a Doctoral committee has been appointed, and the committee has certified that the student has successfully completed the qualifier exams and demonstrated the qualifications necessary to successfully complete the requirements for the degree.  The admission to Candidacy form must be approved by the Dean of the college and forwarded to the Dean of Graduate Studies for final approval. The student may elect to enroll in dissertation credits in the semester following approval of the Admission to Candidacy form by Graduate Studies.

MAJOR RESEARCH-AREA PAPER AND PRESENTATION

Ph.D. students are required to submit a paper with an extensive review of the literature on their area of research.  This paper could follow the format of a survey paper. The written document should constitute a significant part of the student’s literature review chapter for his/her dissertation. The student will give an oral presentation on the subject to his/her Ph.D. committee. The oral presentation will be open to the public.  The paper and presentation requirement is to be completed within one year of passing the qualifier exams.

An example of a recent paper can be found here.

DISSERTATION

The student must conduct research of sufficient quality that demonstrates an independent and original contribution to the field of computer science and engineering.  Students must take at least 20 semester hours of doctoral dissertation credits; the exact number of credits is determined by the candidate’s supervisory committee.  It is strongly recommended that doctoral students submit journal articles for publication relevant to dissertation research.

DISSERTATION DEFENSE

A doctoral candidate must defend her/his research before her/his committee.  The defense is usually open to the university community and conducted in accordance with the university’s general rules and regulations.  The defense involves a formal presentation of the dissertation followed by a critical exchange between the candidate and the committee.  The committee chairman moderates the proceedings and determines procedure, originality of the research, and contributions made by the candidate.

UNIVERSITY POLICY

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

IMPORTANT

Ph.D. program requirements for those students who enrolled before Fall 2011

Students who enrolled in our PhD program before Fall 2011 have the choice to continue with the old requirements or use the new ones described in this page. Old PhD program requirements can be found here.