Computer Science PhD

Overview

The School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science. The program prepares students in the theory and practice of computing, gaining hands-on experience through research at the cutting edge of various areas including cybersecurity, data science, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics.

Campus: Hattiesburg, 100% Online

Admission Requirements

Applicants who do not already hold an M.S. degree in Computer Science 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 in route to the 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 will need the following to complete the application:

• 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 and Computer Engineering. Students must also pass a comprehensive examination consisting of two sections from 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)

• CSC 690 - Seminar in Computer Science 1 hr.
• CSC 898 - Dissertation 1-12 hrs.
• Electives, Choose from CSC or COS courses, 500 level and above (29 hrs)