Ph.D. Degree Program
Admission
An applicant must meet the general Graduate School admission requirements, and must have a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or engineering. Students with a bachelor's degree only from a non-U.S. university will not be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program, but must enroll in a master's program. Applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in an area outside of computer science or engineering, may be admitted provided they meet the following minimal requirements expected of all applicants.
- At least four Mathematics courses covering Calculus and Linear Algebra.
- At least 27 credits of course work in computer science with a minimum of six credits in each of these three areas: (1) Programming; (2) Computer Architecture and Systems; and (3) Theoretical Computer Science, including
analysis and design of algorithms.
(It should be stressed that the quality of the applicant's record in Computer Science courses will play a major role in the admission committee's recommendation.) - All applicants are required to submit a brief (one- or two-page) statement describing their career goals and area of specialization and at least two letters of reference.
Course Work
The minimum degree requirement is 72 graduate credits beyond the bachelor's degree. A minimum of 32 credits (excluding thesis) must be at the 700 level or higher. The 72 credits shall be distributed as follows:
- 24 credits in the major area of concentration.
- 12 credits in an approved minor area.
- 9 credits in Mathematics and/or Quantitative Methods.
- 12 credits of thesis.
- 15 credits of approved electives.
The nine-credit requirement in Mathematics and/or Quantitative Methods may be met by taking the minor in Mathematics. When such courses also count for the minor area, the remaining credits may be taken as electives. In general, the minor may be in an area offered by the College of Engineering and Applied Science, in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics or in Management Science.
A maximum of 27 credits can be considered for transfer credits for prior graduate work, including a master's degree earned at UWM or elsewhere, provided the course work falls within the appropriate areas. Students entering the program without a prior applicable master's degree will be limited to a total maximum transfer of 12 credits for courses taken elsewhere.
Major Professor as Advisor
The student must have a Major Professor to advise, supervise and approve the program of study before registering for courses. Every incoming student is assigned a Program Advisor at the time of admission. Prior to completion of 12 credits (nine credits for part-time students), the student must select a Major Professor who will normally also be the thesis advisor. The student, in consultation with the Major Professor, shall develop a program of study which will be submitted to the Graduate Program Subcommittee of the College for approval. For subsequent changes, the student must file a revised program of study for approval.
Qualifying Examinations
A qualifying examination must be taken before the completion of 12 credits of course work in the program (18 credits of course work, if the student's highest degree is at the Bachelor's level). Normally, the examination will be given twice a year. The exam will consist of:
Part I: There will be two components: Theory and Hardware - each will last two hours;
Part II: There will be one component: Software and Systems lasting four hours;
Comprehensive Examination and the Doctoral Committee
A student will be admitted to candidacy only after the successful completion of the candidacy examination. This examination, which normally will be oral, must be attempted prior to the completion of 54 credits of graduate work toward the Ph.D. degree. Prior to the examination, the student must present a proposal for a Ph.D. thesis. The exam may cover both graduate course material and items related to the proposed thesis. The exam will be conducted by the student's doctoral committee which shall consist of at least five graduate faculty members; with at least three Computer Science faculty (including the Major Professor) and at least two from outside Computer Science.
Thesis and Final Oral Examination
The registration for thesis requires the successful completion of the Comprehensive Candidacy Exam. Total thesis registration will be for a minimum of 12 credits, and any student registering for thesis must continue to register for a minimum of three credits per semester during the academic year until the thesis is completed. The final oral examination will continue the defense of the thesis. It can be taken only after course work and other requirements have been satisfactorily completed.
If you have any further questions or commments please send us an email. We will be looking forward to hearing from you. Send mail to Ph.D. program information.
Please see also
UWM Catalog Course Descriptions CS Course Syllabi Home Pages