PhD in Computer Science

PhD COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Introduction

This program offers a course of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science. Its cluster format combines traditional and distance learning instruction to provide professionals the opportunity to pursue graduate study while continuing to work in their current positions. The program is especially well suited to those in industry, education, or government who are involved with one of the many areas of computer science and information technology. It provides research-oriented professionals with knowledge in the major areas of computer science the ability to develop creative solutions to substantive real-world problems.

Year Two

Year Three and Four

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

CSC 800: Theory and Principles of Programming:-

Syntax of programming languages by parsing to abstract syntax. Semantics of common language constructs using an interpreter: arithmetic, symbolic, and conditional expressions; blocks; lexically-scoped recursive first-class procedures; control structures; and parameter passing variations. Static type checking and type inference; imperative, functional, and object-oriented language paradigms. Recent research and current trends.

CSC 830: Operating Systems:-

Recent advances in the theory and practice of state-of-the-art methods in the structure and development of operating systems with an emphasis on parallel and distributed systems. Topics include research in operating system architectures, clusters, parallel and distributed operating systems, real-time issues, performance, and software engineering issues associated with systems development. An emphasis will be placed on current systems development, future directions, and research topics.

CSC 840: Data Communications and Computer Networking:-

Recent advances and trends in data communication and computer network research are explored with a focus on design and analysis. Included in the course topics are network structure, protocols, layering, wireless communication, ad-hoc and mobile networking, resource discovery and management, and network management. The course materials will provide a foundation for the study of recent advances and new applications in the expanding field of ad-hoc, mobile, and ubiquitous computing. Current topics are presented, as well as future research trends.

CSC 850: Database Management Systems:-

Theory and principles of databases and their management. Selected topics in design and implementation of traditional and nontraditional database management systems to retrieve and store various types of data. Current issues, trends, future directions, and research topics in the areas will be explored.

CSC 855: Database Security:-

This course will include topics in, but not limited to, various database security models, access and authorization control mechanisms, secure database design, database intrusion prevention, privacy, confidential, and inference issues in statistical databases, database transaction audit, malicious transaction detection, database disaster and sabotage recovery techniques, privacy preservation in data mining, etc. Current issues, trends, future directions, and research topics in the areas will be explored.

CSC 860: Artificial Intelligence:-

Theory and applications of artificial intelligence. Topics include knowledge representation, search, machine learning, and reasoning under uncertainty. Recent research and current trends are explored.

CSC 865: Cryptography:-

This course will focus on the existing and emerging techniques for cryptography and cryptanalysis. Particular attention will be placed on potential areas of research in cryptography.

CSC 870: Software Engineering:-

Covers advanced topics in areas of current research interest in the development of software-intensive systems. Topics may include metrics, requirements definition, development life cycles, software engineering processes, reuse, formal methods, verification and validation, and project management.

CSC 875: Network Security:-

This course will focus on the technical challenges of securing computer networks, the tools and techniques that have been developed to address these challenges, and the current research in protecting computer networks.

CSC 892: Computer Graphics:-

Principles of computer graphics including raster operations and 3D graphics: transformations, scene graphs and other modeling methods, hidden surface removal and rendering, programming and graphics systems, visualization, and computer animation. Recent research and current trends will be explored.

CSC 894: Knowledge Discovery in Databases:-

This course will study a number of emerging technical approaches to knowledge discovery in databases such as algorithms for mining various types of data, measurements for set of mined rules, classification and predication, data clustering and summarization, finding dependency networks, analyzing changes, detecting anomalies, and their applications. Current issues, trends, future directions, and research topics in the areas will be explored.

CSC 895: Directed Research:-

The student pursues research under the direction of a faculty member. To register, students contact their advisor with the name of the faculty member under whose direction they would like to work and a brief explanation of the research area to be explored.

CSC 897: Thesis I: -

The student develops a framework within which doctoral research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all course work.

CSC 898: Thesis II: -

Concepts and theories underlying the student’s doctoral research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a thorough literature review is presented; the methods of conducting the research are delineated; and a strategy to achieve the goal is given. Prerequisite: Dissertation I.

CSC 899: Continuing Thesis:-

Students who have not completed the dissertation by the end of Dissertation II must register for Continuing Dissertation each term in order to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the dissertation.