Program of Study

The Ph.D. program consists of three phases. First is preparation for a written Qualifying Exam in the areas of applications, systems and theory. During this phase, students also begin research in seminars and prepare contributions to papers in journals and conference proceedings. In the second phase, additional coursework, research and writing establish the foundation for a dissertation proposal. A guidance committee administers a Candidacy Examination focusing on this proposal. Success leads to the student's admission to candidacy. The third and final phase consists of research, paper and dissertation writing, and a final defense. Formal coursework occurs in this third phase only when extraordinary opportunities appear for the student to enhance his/her background in principal areas of interest. There is a residency requirement of one academic year with full-time study, normally in Phase III. There is no foreign language requirement.

Please note the following:

• Students must register for a minimum of 1 credit hour per semester in order to maintain an active status.
• All foreign students are expected to improve scientific communication skills by passing GRD 700, 701, 702 and 703, Scientific Communication I - IV. All domestic students should take GRD 701 (Presentation and Discussion Skills) and 712 (Research Writing and Style).
• All teaching assistants are expected to take GRD715 Becoming an Effective TA.
• Since continued progress through the PhD program is important, and the Graduate School has an upperbound of 7 years on the completion of a PhD degree, PhD students in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences must adhere to the following deadlines for the 3 levels of our PhD program:
  • Completion of the Level 1 exam: January of the third academic year in the PhD program (i.e., after 2.5 years if student enters in Fall; after 2 years if students enters in Spring).
  • Completion of the Level 2 exam: within 2.5 years of the Level 1 exam.
  • Completion of the Level 3 exam: end of the 7th academic year since entrance into the PhD program.
  • Extension of these deadlines requires a petition by the student and their advisor to the graduate review committee (composed of the Graduate Program Director, Chair and Associate Chair).