The doctoral program is designed to develop computer scientists with research expertise in computer science. Specific areas of emphasis include algorithmic complexity theory; artificial intelligence; bioinformatics, cloud computing; compiler optimization; computational science (biology, chemistry, finance, mathematics/statistics, medicine, physics); computer architecture; computer graphics; computer networking; computer security and privacy; cyber physical systems/internet of things; data analytics; data driven security analytics; data warehousing and mining; distributed and mobile data bases; embedded systems; human-computer interaction and visualization; high-performance computing; knowledge-based systems; language and automata theory; mathematical and computer modeling; multimedia databases and systems; neural networks; parallel and distributed algorithms; pattern recognition and image processing; pervasive systems; scientific computing and numerical analysis; simulation; smart connected communities; software engineering and web applications. The program also permits a student to acquire expertise in closely related fields such as computer engineering and mathematics.
Students completing the program are typically well qualified for teaching and research positions with colleges and universities as well as with national and international industries and laboratories.
The doctoral program is designed to allow a full-time student entering with a Master of Science in Computer Science to complete all degree requirements within three years. However, it is common for students to take longer.
Admission Requirements
A successful applicant to the doctoral program in computer science must satisfy all of the general admission criteria identified in the Graduate Catalog and submit the following documents:
- Transcripts of prior higher education.
- Applicants should have earned or expect to earn a master's degree in computer science. An applicant with a master's degree in electrical or computer engineering, mathematics or a related field will also be considered.
- An outstanding student who has completed a bachelor's degree and has met all other entrance requirements may also be considered.
- Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Submission of GRE General Test scores is not required but highly recommended, especially for those applicants who want to be considered for financial support.
- Three letters of reference from persons able to assess the student's qualifications for doctoral-level study and likelihood of success. The department may also directly contact referees after the submission of the reference letters.
- A resume that includes a description of academic background and professional experience.
- An essay describing the applicant's academic and professional objectives.
- For international students, the TOEFL or equivalent English language examination result.
Financial Assistance
Students accepted into the doctoral program may apply for one of the department's graduate teaching and research assistantships. In addition, students may apply for one of a limited number of doctoral associateships. Graduate internship opportunities with local industries are also available. Applications for teaching and research assistantships should be sent directly to the Department of Computer Science. The application forms and instructions for financial assistance can be obtained from the department. Information about non-departmental assistantships and fellowships, tuition remission, special assistance for minority graduate students, general research funds, and tuition grants is available from the Graduate College. Information about student loans and other federal, state, and University need-based financial aid programs is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.