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Nov 21, 2024
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog
Computer and Information Sciences (PhD)
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After completing the PhD, graduates will be able to:
- identify, analyze, and solve a broad range of computer and information sciences problems using appropriate tools, techniques, approaches, and algorithms as measured by the successful completion of the breadth component coursework requirements
- assess the impacts of computer and information sciences on society and a chosen discipline as measured by the successful completion of the elective component of the coursework requirements
- summarize the professional and ethical responsibilities related to computer and information sciences as measured by the successful completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training and the seminar component of the coursework requirements
- plan, conduct, present, and defend a research project as measured by the successful completion of the preliminary examination
- survey and critique the state-of-the-art in a chosen area of computer and information sciences as measured by successful completion of the qualifying examination
- contribute to scientific knowledge, the profession, and society via original and substantial research as measured by the successful completion of the dissertation examination
- effectively communicate technical information to a broad audience as measured by the successful completion of the dissertation examination
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Requirements for the PhD Degree in Computer and Information Sciences
The PhD is an individualistic degree. Students must work closely with their PhD advisor to design a plan of study that prepares them to complete the degree program. A student’s PhD advisor may impose additional requirements beyond what is specified in this document.
The PhD is a research degree. Students must carry out a program of substantial, original, and publishable research; prepare a written dissertation; and demonstrate mastery of their research.
Students who believe that they have already satisfied a degree requirement (e.g., by taking prior graduate-level coursework), may submit a degree requirements modification request.
Satisfactory Progress
The program is divided into a series of milestones that establish the timeline that students must follow in order to make satisfactory progress towards the PhD. The windows associated with the milestones begin with the date of matriculation in the program.
- Students must satisfy the breadth component of the coursework requirements within a one-year window.
- Students are strongly encouraged to pass the preliminary examination within a one-year window and must pass the preliminary examination within a two-year window.
- Students are strongly encouraged to enter candidacy (i.e., complete the coursework, preliminary examination, and qualifying examination requirements) within one year of passing the preliminary examination and must enter candidacy within a four-year window.
- Students are strongly encouraged to pass the dissertation examination within a five-year window and must pass the dissertation examination within a seven-year window.
Students who accept Departmental funding may be expected to follow an alternative timeline in order to make satisfactory progress.
If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student anticipates not making satisfactory progress, they may request an accommodation by petitioning the Graduate Education Committee.
If a student fails to make satisfactory progress, all Departmental funding will be terminated and a recommendation to dismiss them from the program may be made.
Coursework Requirements
The coursework requirements comprise four components. The breadth component ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences. The elective component allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their dissertation research or career goals. The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the PhD and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society. The dissertation component ensures that students have time to devote to their research.
Breadth Component
Students must complete 12 credits of breadth classes, at least 3 credits from each of the following areas.
Breadth courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). The GPA of the breadth courses must be at least 3.5. When calculating the GPA of the breadth courses, only the grade associated with the first attempt at a course will be counted and “L”, “LW”, and “W” will be treated as “F”. Theory, Mathematical, and Formal Reasoning
System Design and Implementation
ML/AI, Interacting with Data, and Statistical Applications
Elective Component
Students must complete 9 credits of elective courses.
Elective courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). Students are encouraged to use graduate-level courses in areas outside of computer and information sciences to satisfy this requirement. Students who wish to do so must submit a course substitution request.
Seminar Component
Prior to entering sustaining status, students must register for and satisfactorily participate in the Departmental seminar (CISC890) each semester. Subsequent to entering sustaining status, students must continue to satisfactorily participate in the Departmental seminar each semester. Dissertation Component
Students must complete 9 credits of Doctoral Dissertation (CISC969) Research Requirements
The research requirements comprise three components. The preliminary examination ensures that students have the ability to perform research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences. The qualifying examination ensures that students are well positioned to successfully complete their dissertation research. The dissertation examination ensures that students have achieved mastery of their dissertation research.
Preliminary Examination
Students must pass the preliminary examination. Each student must establish their preliminary examination committee. Each student must author a report that describes the results of original research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences. The student’s preliminary examination committee must assess the student’s ability to conduct and report the results of basic research in both oral and written form. The assessment must include a public, oral defense of the report. The outcome of the preliminary examination is decided by the Department. Qualifying Examination
Students must pass the qualifying examination. Each student, in consultation with their PhD advisor, must establish their advisory committee. The advisory committee must be approved by the Department. Each student must author a proposal that describes their proposed dissertation research. The student’s advisory committee must assess the student’s ability to conduct their proposed dissertation research. The assessment must include a public, oral defense of the proposal. The outcome of the qualifying examination is decided by the student’s advisory committee. A majority vote in favor is needed to pass. Dissertation Examination
Students must pass the dissertation examination. Each student must author a dissertation that describes the results of original and significant research written in English and in a scholarly and competent manner worthy of publication. The student’s advisory committee must assess the student’s mastery of their research. The assessment must include a public, oral defense of the dissertation. The outcome of the dissertation examination is decided by the student’s advisory committee. A majority vote in favor is needed to pass. Credits to Total a Minimum of 30
Last Revised for 2024-2025 Academic Year.
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