• Discover Nevada
• Admissions
• Academics
• Student Life
• Research
• Partnerships

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering

Program Requirements

There are three main requirements for the doctoral degree: required and elective coursework, comprehensive exams and a research-based dissertation. In addition, doctoral students are expected to attend department colloquia, participate in proposal writing and present their research.

While your Ph.D. program allows you to specialize in one area of computer science and engineering, graduates of the program should be broadly familiar with key topics within the field. You must show that you have taken at least one graduate-level course in each of the areas listed below:

• Operating systems
• Computer architecture
• Computer networks
• Artificial intelligence
• Analysis of algorithms
• Software engineering
• Theory of computing

You will work closely with your advisory committee to develop a program of study that suits your goals and interests. Your committee will also play a key role in guiding your progress through your comprehensive exams and dissertation.