The Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary area of study where innovation meets exploration. The doctoral degree promotes strong collaborations across several computing disciplines whose bodies of knowledge influence and intertwine with each other.
The faculty, curriculum, and resources for this program come from two departments, Computer Science and Information Science, which are housed in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
This 75-hour program is offered both on campus and fully online. Graduates are prepared to thrive in diverse computing- and knowledge-based industries as well as in research and education at academic, industry, and federal agencies.
Explore Our Doctoral Program
The Ph.D. in Computer and Information Sciences includes three tracks:
Computer Science Track
This track focuses on the application architecture whose integrated software systems support the data and functional needs of the enterprise across diverse computing networks. This program is only available on campus.
Information Science Track
This track focuses on the theory, applications, technologies, and systems that classify, manipulate, store, retrieve, and disseminate information. This program is available on campus and online.
Information Quality Track
This track focuses on the theory, principles, models, and techniques for maximizing the value of an organization’s information assets and assuring the information products produced by the organization create value for the people who use them. This program is available on campus and online.
Learning Goals
- Research Conception: A student will be able to conceive and formulate a research plan in their computer and information science area of emphasis following an established research methodology and supported comprehensive literature review.
- Research Execution: A student will be able to carry out his or her research plan by gathering and analyzing data in an effective and ethical manner.
- Research Dissemination: A student will be able to communicate and disseminate their research to colleagues and to the broader research community through presentations, published papers, and other appropriate channels