Doctor of Philosophy (Computing Science)

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete 12 units in coursework and a thesis.

Coursework (12 units)

Courses are to be chosen in consultation with an advisor/supervisor and approved by the Associate Chair (Graduate)

Three 3-unit graduate-level courses. This may include one 3-unit Special Topics course (CMPUT 605 )
CMPUT 603 (3 units) - Teaching and Research Methods

Thesis

Registration required in 900-level THES. The major part of the student’s program will consist of original research that will culminate in a doctoral dissertation.

Candidacy Exam

Students are required to write a candidacy document and take a candidacy oral examination. Students must demonstrate that they have adequate knowledge of the discipline and subject matter relevant to the thesis topic and the ability to pursue and complete original research at an advanced level.

Seminar

PhD students are required to present three publicly-announced Departmental seminars.

Academic Standing Requirement

PhD students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 in three graduate courses (excluding CMPUT 603) with no grade lower than B-.

Residence Requirement

The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program

Students are encourage to finish their PhD program within 5 years.

The maximum time to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.