Mission Statement. Ph.D. students in the Computer Science Department are prepared to be technical problem solvers, are competent in the state of the art, and have mastered a particular aspect of Computer Science. They are trained to identify and clearly formulate problems, to develop and analyze algorithmic solutions, and to direct research. All Ph.D. students are active in one of the Department's research labs, working closely with a faculty advisor. Ph.D. graduates make a novel contribution to Computer Science in the form of a dissertation and scholarly publications. They are an asset to their employers, as they demonstrate increased insight into formulating and solving problems. Furthermore, they have the skills to see the discipline clearly and to lead out on their own. Graduates are prepared with a solid background in both theoretical foundations and practical training for the lifelong learning necessary in this fast-moving field.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours (66): minimum 48 course work hours plus 18 hours of dissertation research (CS 799R).  Course work may also include up to 30 hours of credit transferred from a completed MS degree.
• Qualifying process: (A) pass courses demonstrating broad proficiency in computer science and (B) produce and present a satisfactory research paper.
• Dissertation proposal: demonstrate preparedness to do dissertation research by (A) presenting an overview of the dissertation research area, and (B) proposing a research program within the context of this area.
• Dissertation
• Dissertation defense: make an oral presentation that defends the dissertation research.
• Residency: PhD students are expected to be resident for the full duration of their PhD program. Exceptions may be granted if the advisor and graduate committee approve (in advance) a leave of absence.
• Teaching: all students must teach at least one course.
• While in the PhD program, students are expected to make steady and satisfactory progress toward their degree. Progress reviews take place twice each year. Students who fail to make appropriate progress will be dropped from the program.