Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhDCS) program is designed to develop scientists capable of conducting independent research in Computer Science. Courses are organized depending on the research interest of each candidate for a deeper knowledge of Computer Science as well as ample preparation for scientific research in a chosen field of specialization. As part of a sandwich program, a PhD candidate is encouraged to spend 3 to 12 months of dissertation research at a host university in a foreign country for opportunities to discuss research work with international experts.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts applicants who have an MS in Computer Science degree with research-based thesis and at least one research-based paper published in a national or international refereed CS conference.

Master’s degrees from the following fields may be considered for entry into the program (others may be considered on a case-to-case basis) upon completion of the required remedial coursework/s:

  1. MS in Computer Science (MSCS) without a research-based thesis
  2. Master in Computer Science (MCS)
  3. MS in Information Technology (MSIT)
  4. BSCS with an MS degree in another field
  5. BS and MS degree in another field but with IT experience

Note:

  • For (1) and (2), applicants must undergo 6 units remedial coursework, and 3 units Methods of Research.
  • For (3), (4), and (5), applicants must undergo 15 units remedial coursework and 3 units Methods of Research.

In addition, the applicant should have a GPA of at least 80% or equivalent in the MS course. For foreign applicants from non-­English speaking countries, a TOEFL score at least 550 is required.

Degree Requirements

The PhD degree in Computer Science is obtained primarily through supervised research. It is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:

  • completion of all academic courses
  • pass the oral comprehensive examination
  • submission of a doctoral dissertation based on an independent, original research
  • successful defense of the doctoral dissertation
  • publication of a full paper on the dissertation research in a reputable refereed international scientific journal or from a tier 1/2 ISI/Scopus-indexed CS conference with the PhD candidate as first author
  • fulfillment of residency and other University requirements

Academic Program Components

For applicants with a degree of Master of Science in Computer Science with a research-based thesis:

Specialized courses 24 units
Doctoral dissertation 12 units
Total 36 units

For applicants with a degree of Master of Science in Computer Science or Master in Computer Science without a research-­based thesis, the following are the remedial academic requirements before entering into the PhD program proper:

Remedial courses 6 units
Methods of Research 3 units

Plus a research-based paper published in a national or international refereed CS conference.

For applicants with a degree of Master of Science in Information Technology, or BSCS with a non-­MSCS degree, or non-­BSCS and non-­MSCS degree but with IT experience, the following are the remedial academic requirements before entering into the PhD program proper:

Remedial courses 15 units
Methods of Research 3 units

Plus a research-based paper published in a national or international refereed CS conference.

Note:

Remedial courses can be MSCS Foundation courses or electives as defined by the Graduate Program Coordinator on a case-­to-­case basis.