Ph.D. in Computer and Statistical Sciences
Milestone 1: Qualifying Exam
The qualifying examination will consist of written exams, with the purpose of testing the student’s knowledge of specific core areas for their concentration of studies. A waiver could be granted to a student from taking an exam in one of the areas where the student can demonstrate competence in that area. Waivers could be granted at the time of admission.
The qualifying examination should be taken within the first 30 program credits.
Core areas for Computer Science Concentration Qualifying Exam
The qualifying examination requirements cover the material of CSC 301, 340, 411, 412, 440, and 445. These requirements are checked at the time of admission.
Core areas for Statistics Concentration Qualifying Exam
The qualifying examination requirements cover the material of MTH 451 and 452, STA 502, 542, and 545. These requirements are checked at the time of admission.
Milestone 2: Comprehensive Exam
Students must take a comprehensive examination, which is composed of a written examination and an oral examination. Typically, a student would be expected to take the comprehensive examination within two years after joining the program. A candidate whose comprehensive exam performance is deemed as failing by the Graduate Committee may, with the recommendation of the committee and the approval of the Graduate School, be permitted one re-examination, to be taken no sooner than four months and no later than one year after the initial examination.
Milestone 3: Dissertation Defense
Students are expected to write a Ph.D. dissertation, under the supervision of a Major Professor and a graduate committee, according to the rules established by the Graduate School.