M.E. candidates interested in the Ph.D. degree must follow normal procedures for admission to the Ph.D. program, completing their application by the Graduate School deadline. The departmental Ph.D. program complies with the regulations of the Graduate School. This is a full-time program only. Information concerning admission, residence, examinations, and dissertation can be found in the appropriate general sections of the Graduate School Announcement. In preparation for the general examination , the doctoral candidate, in consultation with a faculty advisor, develops an integrated program of study in one of the departmental areas of research.
Students normally prepare for the general examination by taking the appropriate courses.
The second requirement, competency, demonstrates basic knowledge of the areas of computer systems, software systems, and theory. Students are expected to have a minimum competence in each area. The competency requirement may be fulfilled by successful completion of a written exam in January of your first year, by coursework from a designated list of courses, or a combination of both. A reading list is provided that covers the material the faculty considers essential for minimum competence in each area. The general examination consists of a research seminar prepared under the supervision of a faculty member, followed by an in-depth oral examination on the contents of the seminar and the associated general area of research.