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PhD in Computer Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (Ph.D in Computer Science) is awarded to candidates who complete both the advanced‑coursework and research requirements of the program. Working closely with a faculty advisor, each student selects graduate‑level classes that strengthen their command of core computer‑science principles – ranging from machine learning and cybersecurity to data systems, software engineering, human–computer interaction, high‑performance computing, and theoretical foundations.

Candidates are also required to carry out independent research. Under the guidance of experienced researchers, they tackle a focused problem in computer science, aiming to innovate new ideas or technologies. The culmination of this work is a dissertation that is publicly defended before a committee of experts.

Typical milestones include a qualifying examination in the first year, a formal dissertation proposal in the second year, and ongoing publication of findings in leading conferences and journals. Many candidates also gain teaching experience by assisting with undergraduate or master’s courses.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for impactful careers—whether as academics shaping the next generation of computer scientists, researchers advancing knowledge in cutting‑edge labs, or industry leaders driving innovation with deep technical insight.

 

Program Educational Objectives

The educational objectives (aims) of a PhD in Computer Science program are to produce graduates who will be able to:

1. Synthesize scientific and technical Computer Science knowledge to identify, formulate and solve research challenges, and effectively disseminate the results to a variety of audiences.

2. Work across multiple disciplines and develop their individual academic, professional and career focus.

3. Keep abreast of the latest advances in Computer Science that contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with the PhD in Computer Science will be able to:

1. Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge that is at the frontier of their disciplines and areas of specialization in Computer Science

2. Conduct and defend original independent research that results in significant contributions to knowledge in the field and leads to publishable quality scholarly articles.

3. Understand and value diverse methodologies and techniques for solving critical problems in research.

4. Verify, justify and evaluate the various aspects of the solution to a complex Computer Science problem.

5. Communicate effectively and professionally, in written and oral forms, the major tenets of their field and their work to a variety of audiences.

6. Demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior in research and professional activities.

7. Contribute effectively in teams and collaborative environments.

Completion Requirements

Students admitted to the PhD program with a Master’s Degree must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 24 credits of coursework (8 courses of 3 credit hours each).    This is in addition to two zero-credit PhD Research Seminar courses.  Subject to the advisor's approval, up to two PhD level courses (a maximum of 6 credits) can be taken from other doctoral programs offered at KU.
  • Pass all courses with a minimum passing grade of C in every course.
  • Achieve an overall CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of at least 3.0 out of 4. 
  • Pass the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE), which assesses the technical background of the student. WQE is typically administered at the end of the 2nd regular semester after a full-time student’s admission into the PhD program, and before the end of the 4th semester in the case of a part-time student.
  • Pass the Research Proposal Examination (RPE), typically before the end of the 4th semester for full-time students and before the end of the 6th semester for part-time students.
  • Have at least one full paper accepted for publication in a quartile one ranked journal, per Scopus, in the research field of the dissertation before submitting the request of intent to defend the dissertation. The paper must be based on one of the dissertation's research contributions, and the student must be the lead author of the paper.
  • Complete a Dissertation on original research and defend it successfully in a viva voce Dissertation Defense examination.

Students admitted to the PhD program with only a Bachelor’s Degree must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 36 credits of coursework (12 courses of 3 credit hours each).  This is in addition to two zero-credit PhD Research Seminar courses. Subject to the advisor's approval, up to two PhD level courses (maximum of 6 credits) can be taken from other doctoral programs offered at KU.
  • Pass all courses with a minimum passing grade of C in every course.
  • Achieve an overall CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of at least 3.0 out of 4.    
  • Pass the Written Qualifying Exam (WQE), which assesses the technical background of the student. WQE is administered after the student successfully completes a minimum of 27 credits of formal coursework.
  • Pass the Research Proposal Examination (RPE), typically before the end of the 6th semester of full-time study.
  • Have at least one full paper accepted for publication in a quartile one ranked journal, per Scopus, in the research field of the dissertation before submitting the request of intent to defend the dissertation. The paper must be based on one of the dissertation's research contributions, and the student must be the lead author of the paper.
  • Complete a Dissertation on original research and defend it successfully in a viva voce Dissertation Defense examination.