Guide to the PhD Program in
Computer Science

Florida Institute of Technology

http://www.cs.fit.edu/academic/

Introduction

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 body of knowledge on a particular subject thought significant original research.

Program Overview

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, and preparation and completion of an original research program resulting in a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in the subject investigated. The requirements are summarized as follows:

  1. Course Work
  2. Comprehensive Examination
  3. Dissertation Proposal
  4. Dissertation Defense
General degree requirements are presented in the Graduate Information and Regulations section of the Florida Tech catalog. See also the Graduate School Policy Manual for more details.

Doctoral Committee

The doctoral committee guides the student throughout his/her program. It consists of four members: advisor, two computer science faculty members, and a member outside the computer science program. It must be formed before the student takes Part 2 of the Comprehensive Exam.

Course Work

From the general requirements specified by the graduate school:
  1. Total 78 credits
    • at least 48 credits for courses (courses for MS included), of which at least 18 credits are formal classroom courses
    • at least 24 credits for research/dissertation, of which at least 15 credits after admission to candidacy
  2. At least 2 CSE 6000.
That is, after an MS [30 credits], take
  1. 6 regular courses (including at least 2 CSE 6000) [18 credits]
  2. 3 research (CSE 6995) or dissertation (CSE 6999) courses [9 credits]
  3. 2 regular, research (CSE 6995), dissertation (CSE 6999) courses [6 credits]
  4. after candidacy, 5 dissertation (CSE 6999) courses [15 credits]

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination has two parts:

Part 1 (breadth) is a written exam that evaluates the student's broad foundation knowledge of computer science. Each student needs to pass the exam at the PhD level.

Part 2 (depth) evaluates the student's detail background knowledge in related work for dissertation research. The format and content are determined by the student's doctoral committee.

Details on the comprehensive exam can be found in Guide to the Graduate Comprehensive Examination in Computer Science.

Dissertation Proposal

The proposal presents the initial research results and a research plan for the completion of the dissertation. It is evaluated by its originality and feasibility on the proposed research. A written document and presentation must be approved by the student's doctoral committee. The student must have passed the comprehensive exam (parts 1 and 2) before submitting a proposal. An approved proposal (and a 3.2 or higher GPA) admits the student to candidacy.

Dissertation Defense

The dissertation is the final document that details the research performed for the degree. The defense consists of a presentation of the research and answering questions from the doctoral committee. The final decision on acceptance of the dissertation is made by the doctoral committee.


Last modified: Mon Jan 6 14:38:19 EST 1997