Computational Science (Computer Science) PhD

Overview

The School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering offers the Ph.D. degree in Computational Science with emphasis in Computer Science for students who already hold an M.S. degree in Computer Science or a closely allied field.  The school also offers the opportunity to earn an M.S. degree en route to Ph.D. through additional coursework.  This program trains students in the theory and practice of computing, gaining hands on experience through research projects at the cutting edge of various areas of focus, including cybersecurity, data sciences, bioinformatics, AI and neurosciences, computer vision and robotics.

Admission Requirements

Applicants who do not already hold an M.S. degree in Computer Science or a closely allied field, but have demonstrated proficiency in the areas of computer architecture, data structures and algorithms, and software design, may be admitted but will need to take an additional 30 hours of coursework, earning an M.S. degree en route to Ph.D. Successful applicants will possess a grade point average of at least 3.5 on all graduate work attempted. A student applying for admission to this program will need the following to complete their application:

• Official GRE Test Scores
• Resumè
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation

See Admission Requirements and Procedures  for other requirements.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

A minimum of eighty-four (84) graduate semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or a minimum of fifty-four (54) graduate semester hours beyond the master’s is required for this degree. A student must form a doctoral committee consisting of five members. A minimum of three members (including the chair) must be faculty of the School of Computing Sciences & Computer Engineering; a minimum of one member must be a faculty member of a USM Computational Science program, and up to one member may be any qualified faculty member with expertise in a mathematical or scientific discipline. Students must also pass a comprehensive examination consisting of four sections covering the four corresponding areas of the core curriculum, which is prepared by a committee of computer science faculty.

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and policies.

Course Requirements (minimum 54 hours)

• COS 701 - Visual Techniques 3 hrs.
• COS 702 - Data Analysis Techniques 3 hrs.
• COS 703 - Data Handling Techniques 3hrs.
• COS 740 - Seminar I 1 hr.
• CSC 726 - Advanced Computer Architecture 3 hrs.
• CSC 730 - Parallel and Distributed Computing 3 hrs.
• CSC 733 - Advanced Distribution Database Systems 3 hrs.
• CSC 738 - Advanced Algorithms 3 hrs.
• Dissertation (12 hrs)
• Electives, CSC 500 level and above (21 hrs)