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Ph.D. - Computer Science and Software Engineering

Why this degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Computer Science and Software Engineering offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students to develop research and development skills in cutting-edge computer science and software engineering disciplines. We cater to doctoral students with an outstanding aptitude and strong research skills in computer science and software engineering. A dissertation embodying the results of this research represents the major portion of the requirements for this degree. Four calendar years beyond the bachelor’s degree or three past the master’s degree are usually needed to complete the Ph.D. program.

You are eligible to apply if...

  • You hold a Bachelor's degree or a master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering or equivalent from an institution of recognized standing
  • Your GPA is 3.0 or above
  • Your GRE general exam combined score is at least 300, with a verbal score of at least 150, a quantitative score of at least 150; and a written score of at least 3.
  • If you are an international student, your TOEFL iBT score should be at least 79, with a minimum of 16 on each of four component parts (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) or, IELTS score of at least 6.5.

To complete the program you must...

  • Take a minimum of 66 credit hours of graduate work past the bachelor’s degree.
  • All the courses except COMP8990 must be graded courses, among which three (i.e., COMP7270, COMP7300, and COMP7500) are required core graduate courses for a total of nine (9) credit hours.
  • (i) formal COMP courses (minimum 21 credit hours) and/or
  • (ii) other elective courses (up to 9 credit hours) at 6000 level or higher is required.
  • May take up to six (6) credit hours of directed study (i.e., COMP7930/8930).
  • Take at least one additional COMP course at 7000 level or higher (excluding COMP7930/8930).
  • Take at least 18 credit hours of COMP 8990 Research and Dissertation.
  • (i) the “PhD Qualifying Examination” and
  • (ii) the “PhD General Oral Examination”. The PhD Qualifying Examination will be successfully fulfilled by passing the three qualifying exams (i.e., computer organization/architecture, operating systems, and algorithms) or earning a B or higher in required remedy courses.
  • Prepare an acceptable dissertation reflecting high achievement in scholarship and independent investigation.
  • Pass a Final Oral Examination defending the dissertation.

Doctoral students must meet the following repeating-courses requirements:

  • Students who have taken a 5000-level course at Auburn University may not take the 6000-level equivalent for credit.
  • Doctoral students may not take more than six hours of Directed Study (i.e., COMP7930/8930).
  • Special Topics (i.e., COMP7970/8970) may be repeated provided each entails a change in topic.
  • Dissertation and Research, COMP8990, may be repeated, but only a maximum of 18 hours count toward the Ph.D degree.

What can you expect?

  • Xiao Qin, graduate program officer — [email protected]
  • Clint Lovelace, manager of academic programs — [email protected]
  • Faculty Information: http://www.eng.auburn.edu/comp/faculty
  • https://www.slideshare.net/xqin74/auburn-csse-graduate-student-orientation

Applying for the Ph.D. - Computer Science and Software Engineering

  • Fill out the online graduate application at https://graduate.auburn.edu/prospective-students/application-instructions/ (you will be required to create an account)
  • Upload your GRE scores, official transcripts, statement of purpose, resume, and three recommendation letters
  • Upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores (For International Students)
  • For more information, visit http://www.eng.auburn.edu/comp/academics/graduate
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Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering

Program description.

The PhD in Software Engineering program is tailored to the student. The student must arrange a course program with the guidance and approval of a faculty member chosen as their graduate advisor. Adjustments can be made as the student’s interests develop and a specific dissertation top is chosen.

The software engineering researchers in the Department of Computer Science are focused on issues related to effectively developing large-scale, complex systems. In particular, new categories of applications are emerging such as big data, cyber physical, and autonomous adaptable systems, which continue to drive leading edge research in software engineering on diverse topics. Key research areas include requirements engineering, architecture, design, service-oriented computing, testing and verification, static analysis, software maintenance and multi-agent systems.

Career Opportunities

Virtually all major companies and corporations need software related core competencies. Software engineers are central in developing and making use of these competencies. They work in teams that interface extensively with clients, company executives, IT managers, data scientists, security and domain experts.

Software engineering professionals are creative, highly collaborative, well paid, and in very high demand with employers. Graduates of the program seek academic positions at universities, as well as positions as researchers, senior software engineers and data scientists. Graduates often become industry experts in various fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Test score required:  Yes

Deadlines:  University  deadlines  apply.

Admission Option One

  • Degree requirements:  A master’s degree in computer science or its equivalent
  • GPA:  Minimum of 3.5
  • Test score:  Minimum revised GRE scores of 308, 153, 155, and 4 for the combined, verbal, quantitative and analytical writing components, respectively, are advisable.

Admission Option Two

  • Degree requirements:  A BS degree in related area that includes two semesters of calculus and linear algebra.
  • GPA:  Minimum of 3.5 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
  • Test score:  Minimum revised GRE scores of 315, 156, 159 and 4 for the combined, verbal, quantitative and analytical writing components, respectively, are advisable.

Applicants are admitted on a competitive basis.

Contact Information

Admissions Email: [email protected]

Shyam Karrah Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4197 Office: ECSS 4.704 Website: personal.utdallas.edu/~skarrah

Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science The University of Texas at Dallas, ECW41 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, TX 75080-3021 Email: [email protected]

cs.utdallas.edu engineering.utdallas.edu

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