Computer Science, Ph.D.

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science at Dakota State offers the opportunity to conduct theoretical and practical research in a broad range of subfields of computer science or in the intersection of computer science and other disciplines.  It is designed to prepare individuals for careers in a wide range of industries in both the private and public sector.  Graduates of the program will be qualified to pursue careers in:

• teaching and research within an academic setting.
• applied research within a corporate setting or government agency.
• industry, with applied expertise gained in chosen computational fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, analytics, and areas of cyber operations/defense for example. 

For those with a more computer science interest but who wish to gain some new (or more) background in the areas of cyber operations/defense, can fulfill that goal as part of their plan of study.  DSU has a recognized excellence in cyber security, education, and research from the National Security Agency (NSA) and The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that is central to our technological mission.  DSU currently holds four prestigious Center of Academic Excellence Designations from NSA and DHS, including the most technical for Cyber Operations and the prestigious Cyber Defense Consultative Regional Resource Center.

Collaborative Program

This is a collaborative program between Dakota State University (DSU) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) through delivery and sharing of courses via distance delivery between the two universities and sharing of research facilities.  A student will be accepted into the program though the application process for that particular university and will be governed by that university’s graduate policies and procedures.  Both programs share a common core that will provide an essential body of knowledge for undertaking research in the area. Each program will offer distinct specializations and/or electives to allow students to specialize and tailor their plan of studies to meet their career goals as professionals in the field.  

Residency Requirements

This program is offered as ON-CAMPUS only.  The program’s core courses are offered face to face at either DSU or SDSU or if required, will be shared over the internet between schools.  Electives may or may not be shared electronically and may require on campus attendance. The universities are 50 minutes apart by car.  Both campuses are also approximately 55 minutes from the Sioux Falls area.

Goals and Objectives

The Ph.D. in Computer Science student learning outcomes were developed to ensure that all graduates are prepared to enter employment in academia or in public and private industry. Those goals include the ability to:

• be able to demonstrate a broad and comprehensive understanding of core knowledge and fundamental principles in computer science
• be able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge and ability to demonstrate prevalent technologies of computer science
• be able to demonstrate a highly developed knowledge of literature in their area of computer science or closely related research
• be able to effectively formulate, execute, communicate, present, and defend the result and conclusions of original research

Program Completion

The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with classes offered in three academic terms: fall, spring, and summer. Full-time students entering the program with a master’s degree in computer science can complete this program in 3 years. The program must be completed within 7 years of the semester of the student’s admission. 

Admission Requirements Specific to the Ph.D. in Computer Science

Dakota State University seeks highly motivated individuals with education and professional credentials that will enable them to be successful doctoral students. The typical applicant will hold a master’s degree in computer science, or in a closely related field with an academically strong computer science/ computational background.  Applicants not holding a master’s degree in computer science (30 credits or equivalent) may be required to complete additional hours of foundational work.

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree. International students must have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree that is the equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the U.S. 
    
2. Students should have a bachelors or master’s degree in computer science or a closely related field with an academically strong computer science/ computational background. Applicants not holding a master’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science may be required to complete additional hours of foundational coursework. 
    
3. Students who have not earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science (or closely related field) from an institution of higher education with full regional accreditation for that degree are required to take the GRE (see Standardized Graduate Admission Tests (GRE/GMAT) under Admissions to Graduate school)
    
4. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent on an alternative grading system) for full admission.

Program Faculty

DSU:   Stephen Krebsbach, Program Coordinator

            Tom Halverson, Austin O’Brien, Bhaskar Rimal, Mark Spanier, Yong Wang

SDSU: please refer to the SDSU Graduate Catalog

Program Requirements

The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with classes offered in three academic terms: fall, spring, and summer. Overall, the program requirements for the Ph.D. in Computer Science include a total of 72 semester credit hours:

Required Courses	18 credits
Electives	24-30 credits
Dissertation	27-30 credits
Total	72 credits

Courses supporting the Ph.D. Program

The doctoral curriculum assumes that a student enters the program with a master’s degree in Computer Science. Students with a Master of Computer Science will be awarded 30 total Core and/or Elective credits.  Students who enter the program with a master’s degree in a closely related field may be awarded up to 30 Core and Elective credits.