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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Computer Science and Engineering, Ph.D.
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 Return to: Graduate Majors (A-Z)
The Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering is designed for those driven to innovate at the forefront of computing and technology. This program emphasizes advanced research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing hardware and sensors, human-centered computing, networks and computing systems, equipping graduates with deep expertise to tackle real-world challenges. Students work alongside renowned faculty in cutting-edge laboratories, gaining hands-on experience with transformative technologies and methodologies.
Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government, capable of advancing scientific knowledge and developing novel solutions to complex engineering problems. By completing the Ph.D., students not only contribute to the evolution of computing but also open doors to prestigious careers in research, development, and entrepreneurship.
Major Research Areas:
Major research areas of computer science and engineering, include but not limited to, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, Human-Centered Computing, Human Computer Interaction, Networking and Distributed Systems, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, and Embedded Systems.
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Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below. -
Three letters of recommendation -
Statement of purpose -
Resume/CV -
PDF of unofficial or official transcripts -
PDF of English proficiency, if needed -
Applicants typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field, or a STEM field, broadly construed, with a GPA well above 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants are encouraged to have basic knowledge of programming, data structures, logic design, computer architecture, operating systems, and algorithms. -
The GRE is suggested but not required. Applicants may provide a PDF of unofficial GRE scores. Curriculum Requirements
Total Program hours:
72 minimum (post-bachelor’s)
42 minimum (post-master’s) A minimum of 72 semester hours including dissertation hours beyond the baccalaureate degree are required of all Ph.D. students Post-Bachelor’s: 72 hours minimum - Core – 9 credit hours
- Electives – 24 credit hours minimum
- Independent Study/Dir Research – Up to 15 credit hours
- Dissertation – At least 20 credit hours
- Remaining hours taken in dissertation or electives - 4 credit hours
Students with an MS degree in computer science and engineering or a related field can be admitted as post-master’s if the degree is approved by the grad director in consultation with their major professor. This should be documented on the student’s plan of work. Post-Master’s: 42 hours minimum - Core – 9 credit hours
- Electives/Independent Study/Dir Research – 13 credit hours
- Dissertation – At least 20 credit hours minimum
Core Requirements (9 Credit Hours)
Electives (24 Credit Hours)
At least 24 credit hours minimum in elective coursework taken within the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing (CAICC), excluding independent study and directed research chosen by the student and approved by the supervisory committee to provide the student with a stimulating educational experience. Elective Options
(Examples) Independent Study/Directed Research (1-15 Credit Hours)
Students may take up to 15 credit hours of independent study/directed research or they may take additional elective or dissertation hours beyond the specified minimums. Qualifying Examination
Students must pass the Ph.D. Qualifying examinations in Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Theory of Algorithms. The qualifying examination is a two-step process. First, students must get a GPA of 3.60 or better in these three courses within one year of enrollment, otherwise they will have to re-take only the necessary course(s) and get a GPA of 3.60 or better using the best three grades If a student does not meet these requirements by the end of the second year, he or she will be withdrawn from the Ph.D. program. Second, students must take the qualifying exam and pass it. Students are required to take the exam as soon as they meet the requirements of the first step. Major Research-Area Paper and Future Research Directions
To fulfil this milestone, students are required to write a survey or research paper on his/her area of research as the lead author. A journal or conference paper already published will count towards this requirement. The student is then required to give an oral presentation on the subject to his/her major professor and a doctoral evaluating committee. The oral presentation must also contain a section on future research directions, a draft plan of research activities towards graduation. The presentation will be open to the public. The paper and presentation is to be completed within one year of passing the Qualifying Examinations and will have to be formally approved by his/her major professor the doctoral evaluating committee before applying for Candidacy. 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 qualifying examination and the Major Research Area Paper and Future Research Directions presentation, 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. 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 major. This committee consists of at least five members, at least one of whom is outside the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. The Major Professor and two additional faculty members must be from the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. A Co-Major Professor can be from another college. 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 Hours (At Least 20 Credit Hours)
Student are required to take at least 20 hours of dissertation hours until they accumulate a minimum number of 72 hours in the major. If a student takes more than 15 credits of directed research, up to 10 hours of the additional credits may be counted as part of the dissertation hour requirement. 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. Major Ph.D. Milestones
- Complete the 3 core courses with a 3.60 GPA or better
- Pass the Ph.D. qualifying exam with a 24 or better
- Submit your Ph.D. Supervisory Committee Form
- Schedule your Major Area Presentation
- Complete your Major Area Presentation and submit your application for candidacy
- Once admitted to candidacy, start taking dissertation hours
- Complete at least 20 hours of dissertation
- Schedule your dissertation defense and apply for graduation
- You MUST have a final plan of work on file the semester before you plan to graduate, but it is recommended you submit one the semester you plan to finish your 33 hours of coursework. An approved plan of work confirms that you have met this requirement and all your classes will count towards your degree. If you are post-master’s then you should submit the plan of work once you finish the core courses and note on it that you are post-master’s.
Exit Survey
All students are required to complete the college exit survey. |
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