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PhD in Computer Science

The PhD is designed to prepare students for academic careers and careers in government and industry research labs. Computer science is a vigorous and exciting field of research and study that continues to grow in importance.

Departmental research strengths include:

  • Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, multiagent systems, planning and problem solving),
  • Bioinformatics,
  • Computational Theory (computational learning theory, design and analysis of algorithms, computability theory),
  • Compiler Optimization and Compilation for Parallel Machines,
  • Natural-Language Processing, (discourse and dialogue, generation, information extraction, summarization),
  • Systems (parallel and distributed computing, grid and volunteer computing, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism),
  • Networks (distributed computing, transport layer protocols, mobile and wireless networks, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism, networks management, security performance modeling, simulation),
  • Graphics and Computer Vision,
  • Rehabilitation Engineering (augmentative communication, speech recognition and enhancement),
  • Software Engineering (program analysis and testing),
  • Symbolic Mathematical Computation (algebraic algorithms, parallelization), and
  • Robotics.
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The CIS graduate program provides a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of computer science and provides numerous advanced courses and seminars to acquaint the student with current computer science research.

After completing the PhD, graduates will be able to:

  • identify, analyze, and solve a broad range of computer and information sciences problems using appropriate tools, techniques, approaches, and algorithms as measured by the successful completion of the breadth component coursework requirements
  • assess the impacts of computer and information sciences on society and a chosen discipline as measured by the successful completion of the elective component of the coursework requirements
  • summarize the professional and ethical responsibilities related to computer and information sciences as measured by the successful completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training and the seminar component of the coursework requirements
  • plan, conduct, present, and defend a research project as measured by the successful completion of the preliminary examination
  • survey and critique the state-of-the-art in a chosen area of computer and information sciences as measured by successful completion of the qualifying examination
  • contribute to scientific knowledge, the profession, and society via original and substantial research as measured by the successful completion of the dissertation examination
  • effectively communicate technical information to a broad audience as measured by the successful completion of the dissertation examination

Visit the Graduate Catalog for specific degree requirements, course work, and dissertation requirements.

Degree Requirements

The coursework requirements comprise four components. The breadth component ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences. The elective component allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their dissertation research or career goals. The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the PhD and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society. The dissertation component ensures that students have time to devote to their research.

  • PhD students must complete a total of 30 credits.

  • Students must complete 12 credits of breadth classes, at least 3 credits from each of the following areas.

  • Breadth courses must be taken using the standard grading option (i.e., letter grades). The GPA of the breadth courses must be at least 3.5. When calculating the GPA of the breadth courses, only the grade associated with the first attempt at a course will be counted and “L”, “LW”, and “W” will be treated as “F”.

  • Students must complete 9 credits of elective courses.

  • Prior to entering sustaining status, students must register for and satisfactorily participate in the Departmental seminar (CISC890) each semester. Subsequent to entering sustaining status, students must continue to satisfactorily participate in the Departmental seminar each semester.

Theory, Mathematical, and Formal Reasoning

  • CISC 601 – Elements of the Theory of Computation Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 604 – Logic in Computer Science Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 614 – Formal Methods in Software Engineering Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 621 – Algorithm Design and Analysis Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 670 – Programming Languages Credit(s): 3

System Design and Implementation

  • CISC 611 – Software Process Management Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 612 – Software Design Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 613 – Software Requirements Engineering Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 614 – Formal Methods in Software Engineering Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 615 – Software Testing and Maintenance Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 637 – Database Systems Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 650 – Computer Networks II Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 653 – Simulation of Computer Networks Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 662 – Computer Systems: Architecture Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 663 – Operating Systems Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 664 – Introduction to Network Security Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 672 – Compiler Construction Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 675 – Software Engineering Principles and Practices Credit(s): 3

ML/AI, Interacting with Data, and Statistical Applications

  • BINF 685 – Modeling and Simulation for Bioinformatics Systems Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 636 – Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 681 – Artificial Intelligence Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 683 – Introduction to Data Mining Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 684 – Introduction to Machine Learning Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 686 – Introduction to Multi-Agent Systems Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 688 – Introduction to Natural Language Processing Credit(s): 3

Human-facing

  • CISC 640 – Computer Graphics Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 642 – Introduction to Computer Vision Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 655 – Communication Skills for CS Researchers Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 669 – Computer Security Principles and Practice Credit(s): 3
  • CISC 682 – Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction Credit(s): 3
  • CPEG 665 – Introduction to Cybersecurity Credit(s): 3

Research Requirements

The research requirements comprise three components. The preliminary examination ensures that students have the ability to perform research in a chosen area of computer and information sciences. The qualifying examination ensures that students are well positioned to successfully complete their dissertation research. The dissertation examination ensures that students have achieved mastery of their dissertation research.

Review the University Catalog or course descriptions for the most up-to-date information.

Graduate Recruitment Contacts

Rui Zhang
Email: cis-gradprgm@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-2783

Chiamesha Carey
Graduate Academic Advisor II
Email: careyc@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-4467

UD Graduate Admissions
Website
Email: gradadmissions@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-2129

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