Plan of Study

The Ph.D. program in information technology is made up of a core curriculum and in-depth study and research in the student's field of concentration, followed by preparation of a dissertation. Generally, a student will have obtained a master's degree in a field appropriate to information technology. This master's program often contains many of the doctoral core courses. Under the guidance of the doctoral supervisory committee, the student prepares a plan of study. This lists the intended courses and their expected timing in both the breadth and advanced specialty parts of doctoral study. The plan should also contain the intended date of the comprehensive examinations and the tentative subject of the dissertation research. An evaluation of previous efforts is given to students with an explanation of how these satisfy both the fundamental entrance requirements and the breadth requirements for the Ph.D. degree. Completion of the broad scope and in-depth advanced doctoral studies is followed by a comprehensive examination on the advanced work. In addition, preparation and oral presentation of a dissertation proposal is required. The doctoral program is completed with successful presentation and defense of a doctoral dissertation representing an important contribution to fundamental or applied knowledge in information technology.