Computer Engineering (PhD)

نظرة عامة على البرنامج

The PhD in Computer Engineering at UCF is a research-focused program designed for students aspiring to careers in academia or research. It offers four specialization areas: Computer Networks and Security, Computer Systems and Reconfigurable Hardware, Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning, and Software Systems and Algorithms. The program requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including coursework, electives, and a dissertation. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge and research skills in their chosen field of computer engineering.

مخطط البرنامج

Degree Overview:

The Computer Engineering PhD program at UCF prepares students for careers in research or academia. The program focuses on areas such as computer systems and VLSI design, software engineering and algorithms, intelligent systems and Machine Learning, computer networks and computer security, and simulation systems. The program is designed for students with a master's degree in Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Outline:

The Computer Engineering PhD program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. This includes:

• Required Courses (36 credit hours):
• Students must complete 36 credit hours of formal coursework, excluding independent study.
• The program offers four specialization areas:
• Computer Networks and Computer Security (CNCS)
• Computer Systems and Reconfigurable Hardware (CS/RH)
• Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning (ISML)
• Software Systems and Algorithms (SSA)
• Students must choose a specialization area and complete a majority of their courses from that area (at least 19 credit hours, typically 7 graduate courses).
• A list of suggested courses is provided for each specialization area.
• Elective Courses (21 credit hours):
• Students must complete at least 21 credit hours of elective courses.
• These can include formal coursework, directed research hours, doctoral research hours, dissertation research, and no more than 12 credit hours of Independent Study.
• Dissertation (15 credit hours):
• Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of dissertation research (XXX 7980).
• The program allows a maximum of 24 credit hours of dissertation coursework.
• Qualifying Review (0 credit hours):
• The Qualifying Review is an annual assessment of the student's progress conducted by their research/academic advisor and advisory committee.
• The review assesses academic performance (course performance) and research performance.
• Students must pass the Qualifying Review no later than the semester they complete 24 credit hours after admission or within two calendar years after admission, whichever occurs later.
• Failure to pass the Qualifying Review by the deadline results in dismissal from the program, with the option to complete a master's degree (if applicable).
• Dissertation Committee (0 credit hours):
• The dissertation committee must consist of at least five members, including the chair.
• The committee chair must be a Regular Appointment faculty member in ECE or a Secondary-Joint Appointment faculty member in ECE.
• At least 50% of committee members (including the chair) must be ECE regular faculty.
• A majority of committee members must vote in favor of passing for the student to pass.
• All college and university requirements (such as one member outside of ECE) must be met.
• Candidacy Examination (0 credit hours):
• After passing the Qualifying Review, students must successfully complete the candidacy examination.
• The exam is administered by the student's dissertation advisory committee.
• To be prepared for the candidacy examination, students must demonstrate readiness by authoring an accepted journal article or high-quality conference paper.
• The student must be the first author on this paper, and the research advisor must also be an author.
• The publication should reflect the work related to the student's PhD research.
• Candidacy is typically attempted after completing required coursework and must be passed before registering for doctoral dissertation hours (EEL 7980).
• Continuous enrollment in at least 3 hours of doctoral dissertation hours is required once a student starts taking dissertation credits.
• Admission to Candidacy (0 credit hours):
• To be admitted to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours, students must:
• Complete all required formal coursework, except for dissertation hours.
• Successfully complete the candidacy examination.
• Form a dissertation advisory committee consisting of approved graduate faculty and graduate faculty scholars.
• Submit an approved program of study.
• Dissertation Proposal Exam (0 credit hours):
• After passing the candidacy examination, students must write a dissertation proposal and present it to the dissertation advisory committee for approval.
• The proposal must include a description of the research performed to date and the research planned for the dissertation.
• The presentation of a written dissertation proposal must be deemed as passing requirements by the majority of the dissertation committee.

Careers:

The Computer Engineering PhD program prepares students for careers in research or academia.

Other:

• Students admitted with an earned master's degree may request to have up to 30 of those credit hours counted toward their doctoral program.
• The student's doctoral advisor, in conjunction with the graduate office, will determine the precise number of hours to be counted, subject to Graduate Studies regulations.
• The Program of Study (POS) form must be approved by an advisor in the selected specialization area no later than the end of the second semester after admission.
• The program of study must meet all university requirements specified in the graduate catalog.
• Students in the Computer Engineering PhD program pay a $28 equipment fee each semester they are enrolled.
Part-time students pay $14 per semester.
• The Independent Learning requirement is met by successful completion of the student's candidacy and dissertation defense examinations.