The doctoral program is designed to provide the highest level of academic study and research in the disciplines of computer science. The goal is to produce qualified professionals for teaching and research positions in the academic world, as well as, equivalent positions in industry and government. The demand for these qualified professionals continues to far exceed the current production and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future.
The doctoral program in computer science is designed to attract students who have the greatest potential for expanding the frontiers of knowledge and transferring this knowledge to others. The program requires a significant breadth of understanding in the fundamentals of computer science, the mastery of several specialized subjects, and the creativity to extend the body of knowledge on a particular subject through significant original research.
Each potential candidate must meet the general admission requirements and follow the process for applying, which is presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of this catalog.
To qualify for the doctoral program in computer science, a candidate must demonstrate the potential for success in this program. A student may do so by one of the following means:
Successful completion of 15 credits of graduate course work at Florida Tech in the Master of Science in Computer Science program with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 and three letters recommending doctoral study from individuals familiar with the student's academic and research ability. Such students will be required to pass qualifying exams and be recommended for doctoral study by the Qualifying Examination Committee.
The degree of doctor of philosophy is conferred in recognition of both breadth of scientific competence in computer science and technical research capabilities, as demonstrated by producing an acceptable dissertation. The required work consists of advanced studies in preparation for specialized research, and preparation and completion of an original research program resulting in a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in the subject investigated. Each student must 1) qualify for admission; 2) complete an approved program of study; 3) pass the comprehensive written and oral exams; 4) complete a program of significant original research; and 5) prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research.
General degree requirements are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of this catalog.
The minimum course work requirements are 24 credits beyond the master's degree or 51 credits beyond the bachelor's degree. The minimum dissertation credits required are 24 credits beyond the master's degree or 30 credits if the student did not complete a master's thesis; of these, at least 15 credits must be dissertation.
During the first or second term, a doctoral program student must prepare a program of study to be approved by the program chair. The program of study should be designed to fit the student's professional goals, the program's resources, and the breadth of general computer science knowledge expected of all doctoral candidates. The normal distribution of course work is 40 percent on general computer science knowledge with the remaining credits divided among a major concentration and the appropriate minor area or areas. This distribution reflects the relative weights and time allocation on the comprehensive examinations. The choice of major and minor concentrations will depend on the student's interests, the faculty, and the research facilities available at the time the student takes formal course work and conducts research.
The areas of study to be included in the student's general background of computer science include theoretical computer science, computer software, and computer architecture. Doctoral candidates will be held responsible for the subject matter covered in all courses required for the Master's in Computer Science, as well as, CSE 5085 Computational Complexity. In addition, each student must enroll in CSE 6000 Advanced Topics in Computer Science for at least two consecutive semesters.
Each student must develop a sequence of courses to identify a major and minor concentration. Research interests of the faculty are described in the section below. Students are encouraged to contact the program and individual faculty members for information on current areas of research.
After completion of all course work contained in the approved program of study, the student is required to pass a comprehensive examination administered by his or her Doctoral Committee. Approximately 40 percent of the emphasis in the exam will be on general computer science subjects with the remaining portion appropriately distributed between the major and minor concentrations. Detailed information on the comprehensive examination is available to students in the program office.
After passing the comprehensive exam, the student prepares a dissertation proposal representing the research plan to be followed. The dissertation research is carried out under close supervision of the student's doctoral advisor. After completion of the research project and approval of the advisor, the dissertation is submitted to the Doctoral Committee for critical evaluation, followed by an oral defense of the dissertation.
William D. Shoaff
Comments to author:wds@cs.fit.edu
All contents copyright ©, William D. Shoaff
Revised: Fri Apr 17 14:28:28 EDT 1998