Doctorate in Computer Science
The Doctorate in Computer Science prepares advanced practitioners and researchers to conduct original research in computer science and emerging computing fields. Students complete advanced coursework in theory, systems, and research methods before undertaking an original dissertation contributing new knowledge to computing.
- Degree awarded
- Doctorate in Computer Science
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Credit hours
- 60 semester credits
- Typical length
- 3 years, or self-paced for working professionals
What you will be able to do
- Design and conduct original research across core areas of computing.
- Critically evaluate theoretical and applied literature in computer science.
- Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods to computing problems.
- Evaluate emerging and interdisciplinary developments in computing research.
- Communicate original research to scholarly and professional audiences.
- Complete and defend a doctoral dissertation making an original contribution to computing.
Where it leads
Graduates pursue entry- and mid-level roles including:
- Chief Technology Officer
- University Faculty (Computer Science)
- Principal Research Scientist
- Director of Engineering
- Senior Data / AI Scientist
- Independent Computing Researcher
The curriculum
Programme core
60 creditsIncludes a culminating doctoral dissertation representing an original contribution to the field, completed under faculty supervision and defended before a doctoral committee.
| Code | Course | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| DCS701 | Advanced Research Methods in Computing | 3 |
| DCS702 | Theory of Computation | 3 |
| DCS703 | Advanced Machine Learning & Deep Learning | 3 |
| DCS704 | Advanced Distributed & Cloud Systems | 3 |
| DCS705 | Advanced Cybersecurity Research | 3 |
| DCS706 | Big Data & Analytics at Scale | 3 |
| DCS707 | Human-Centered Computing Research | 3 |
| DCS708 | Advanced Software Architecture | 3 |
| DCS709 | Quantitative Research Methods for Computing | 3 |
| DCS710 | Qualitative & Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| DCS711 | Emerging Topics in Computing | 3 |
| DCS712 | Research Ethics in Computing | 3 |
| DCS713 | Doctoral Seminar in Computing Research | 3 |
| DCS714 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 |
| DCS715 | Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| DCS716 | Advanced Network & Systems Security | 3 |
| DCS717 | Software-Defined Systems & DevOps at Scale | 3 |
| DCS718 | Comprehensive Examination Seminar | 3 |
| DCS799 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 |
A senior engineer, architect or technology leader with a question their own field has not settled.