School of Engineering Graduate STEM-designated
Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
A Ph.D. combining computer science and computer engineering, with a two-semester teaching practicum, a publishing requirement, and seven research concentration areas.
The degree
What the Ph.D. certifies
The Ph.D. degree is a certification of critical aptitude in scholarship, imagination, knowledge in the discipline, enterprise in research, and proficiency and style in communication. A candidate obtaining a Ph.D. degree must display a thorough understanding in the major areas of computer science and engineering and must master the necessary tools and techniques so as to be able to make original contributions to the field. An equally important aspect is that of proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
The requirements
Successful completion of preliminary examinations and courses, satisfactory performance in written comprehensive and oral examinations, admission to Ph.D. candidacy, successful completion and defense of original work documented as a dissertation, and the satisfaction of additional requirements such as teaching and seminars.
Your advisor
Each candidate is assigned an advisor by the Ph.D. program coordinator in their first semester. The advisor develops a program of study and monitors progress until a dissertation committee is formed. A student forms that committee after finishing the core Ph.D. courses, once a better understanding of the department’s topics and research interests has been achieved.
A teaching practicum
A two-semester teaching practice requirement, three credit hours each, for which students register with no fees. Students teach lower undergraduate level classes and assist professors as teaching assistants, giving graduates experience for an academic teaching career.
A publishing requirement
Publication of at least two journal papers, or one journal paper and two refereed conference papers, within the course of the Ph.D. topic research. These need not be single-authored and may be co-authored with members of the dissertation committee. Journals and conferences are expected to meet quality metrics established by the department.
A summary of steps
Admission
Admission to the Ph.D. program of computer science and engineering on a provisional status, if needed, and completing prerequisites.
Coursework
Completing the course work requirement for the Ph.D. Eight three-credit courses at the 500 or 600 level in the discipline, excluding independent studies, plus two three-credit courses from the Technology Management Department to satisfy the Information Technology Globalization Track requirement. Only courses with at least a B grade count.
Comprehensive examination
Passing the written comprehensive examination is granted when the student achieves at least a 3.5 GPA in the four core courses with at least a B grade in each. The seminar requirement represents the oral proposal defense section. The outcome is fail or pass, and a student may re-take it no more than once; a student who does not pass in two attempts will be dismissed from the program.
Candidacy and advisor
Admission to candidacy, then selection of a dissertation advisor and writing a dissertation proposal.
Dissertation committee
The dissertation advisor, in consultation with the Ph.D. program director, recommends a committee of at least three members in addition to the advisor. At least four members must be of professorial rank within the school, and at least 50 percent of the membership, including the supervisor, must be from professorial ranks of the Computer Science and Engineering Department. An external examiner distinguished in the field is also appointed and need not hold professorial rank. The program director and the dean of the School of Engineering must approve the committee.
Dissertation and defense
At least 15 semester hours of dissertation research. The completed dissertation must be distributed to committee members at least two weeks before the defense, and the committee certifies that it is a work of substantial merit and can be defended. It is the responsibility of the student that the final draft addresses all legitimate concerns of the committee members.
Graduation
Submission of the dissertation to the School of Engineering, and graduation with a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering.
Admission requirements
How to apply
Completed application and all supporting documents must be received by July 15 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.
Program prerequisites
- Master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in computer science, or engineering or a related STEM field, from an accredited university or recognized international institution
- Recommended cumulative undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
Required materials
- Application
- Official transcript for the last degree earned
- Personal statement of 250 to 500 words describing your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, your preparation for this field, your academic plans or research interests, and your future career goals. Be specific about why the Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering at University of Bridgeport would be a good intellectual fit for you.
- Resume
- To be considered for a scholarship, you must submit transcripts from each institution attended.
- In certain cases the GRE can be waived based on previous academic performance.
Deadlines
The largest graduate engineering program in Connecticut
The largest graduate engineering program in Connecticut across all disciplines, University of Bridgeport has amassed a long and distinguished history in computer science and engineering since it began offering master’s degrees in 1970. Both student and faculty research papers have won prestigious awards at professional engineering conferences throughout the years. Strong affiliations with many area companies have led to varied internship and co-op opportunities, and graduates have gone on to research and development careers at many of the most distinguished companies locally and nationally.
Depth and breadth
Concentration and research areas
A Ph.D. program that combines computer science and computer engineering is unusual. Our program offers depth and breadth in both disciplines. Other unique characteristics include the program’s teaching and publishing requirements.
Prepared to teach and to publish
Recognizing that many of its graduates will pursue academic careers, the program requires all students to teach two courses. Most Ph.D.s in this field are not prepared to teach, and this experience gives our students an edge as they compete for faculty positions. Similarly, the requirement that all students have research articles accepted for publication prior to graduation demonstrates to prospective employers that they know how to write for scholarly publications.
Related programs
Start your application
Applications close July 15 for fall and December 1 for spring.