Ph.D. Computational Science: Computer Science

Program Information:

The purpose of the Ph.D. of Computational Science program is to prepare graduates to apply and innovate advanced computational science, design, modeling, simulation, and analytics for interdisciplinary areas. Graduates are also prepared to contribute their expertise in an environment of interdisciplinary teamwork. They will impact nationally critical areas such as national security, sustainable energy, medical and healthcare, incorporate and manufacture critical infrastructure, etc. The Computational Science Ph.D. program thereby offers a unique educational environment in which students participate in interdisciplinary team research, with exposure to real-world problems and opportunities for significant interaction with multiple researchers. Admission to the Computational Science Ph.D. program is open to qualified Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates of recognized curricula in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or related natural sciences.

Each student’s Program of Study, including possible prerequisite requirements, is tailored to his or her background and research goals. Each applicant is advised about any prerequisite courses before entering the doctoral program. Students are expected to include at least 6 hours of coursework in Computer Science (two courses out of these: CPSC 5210, CPSC 5410, CPSC 5260) and another 6 semester hours in Math (two courses out of these: MATH 5210, MATH 5600, MATH, 5610) in their Programs of Study.

Watch a Video from on of our students in the program

For Prospective Students

The Computational Science: Computer Science program is open to qualified students with an undergraduate degree in computer science. Prospective students should have an aptitude for scientific computer programming.

All programs of study must incorporate preparation in each of the three core areas of Computational Science.

Application Requirements:

• Official Transcripts from every college attended
• Supplemental Application
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• International Applicants must also submit GRE Scores

Prospective students can apply by following application procedures of the UTC Graduate School at UTC | Graduate School.

The application and all application requirements must be submitted and complete by the stated deadlines below:

• Fall Admission: February 1st
• Spring Admission: September 1st

International students should also visit International Student Services website for additional admissions related information.

Program Contact Information

Dr. Mina Sartipi
UC Foundation Professor and Computational Science PhD: Computer Science Graduate Coordinator
314F EMCS
423-425-5336 (ph)
[email protected]

Program Requirements

The purpose of the Computer Science concentration within the Computational Science PhD program is to prepare graduates to apply computing skills and innovations to advanced computational science design, modeling, simulation, and analytics for interdisciplinary applications. 

Graduates will also be prepared to contribute their expertise in an environment of interdisciplinary teamwork and impact national critical infrastructure areas such as security, energy, medical and healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. 

The Computer Science concentration in Computational Science thereby offers a unique educational environment in which students participate in interdisciplinary team research, with exposure to real-world problems and opportunities with significant interactions with multiple researchers.

Admission to the Computational Science: Computer Science program is open to qualified Bachelor’s or Master’s graduates of recognized curricula in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or related natural sciences. Although students with a bachelor’s degree can be admitted into the doctoral program without first obtaining a master’s degree, these students are strongly encouraged to apply instead for admission into the Master’s in Computer Science.

• Each student’s Program of Study, including possible prerequisite requirements, is tailored to his or her background and research goals.
• Each applicant is advised about any prerequisite courses before entering the doctoral program.
• Students entering the program from outside computer science should have a strong mathematics and physical sciences background.
• For admission to the doctoral program, students are required (as a minimum) to complete two of the following courses, CPSC 5210, CPSC 5260, CPSC 5240, and CPSC 5440.
• Students are required to complete nine additional courses from the core Computer Science master courses. The intent of these courses is to provide students with a sufficient background in Computer Science.
• To assure the students have the appropriate Mathematical background, students are required to complete a minimum of 6 semester hours of coursework in mathematics selected from MATH 5130, MATH 5210, MATH 5600, and MATH 5610 and exclusive of a first course in ordinary differential equations.  

Course Requirements

• A total of 72 semester hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of 24 semester hours are required in Doctoral Research and Dissertation.
• 6 semester hours in Computer Science must be selected from:

If this is partially or fully met as part of the student’s Master’s degree program, then an additional 3 to 6 semester hours of graduate coursework in Computer Science or other disciplines related to the student’s dissertation topic (approved by the student’s supervisor) will be required. 

• 6 semester hours in Mathematics must be selected from:

If this requirement is partially or fully met as part of the student’s Master’ degree program, then an additional 3 to 6 semester hours of graduate coursework on Computer Science or other disciplines related to the student’s dissertation topic (approved by the student’s supervisor) will be required.

• An additional 12 semester hours of graduate coursework will be selected from Computer Science courses that are related to the student’s dissertation topic.
• A minimum of 6 semester hours of courses is required at the 7000 level.  These are exclusive of thesis or dissertation credit.  The student’s supervisory committee can approve a student’s petition to replace one 7000-level course with one or more 5000-level course(s) that are more appropriate.
• An additional 24 semester of graduate coursework is required.  This can be credited for having a master’s degree or taking an additional 24 semester hours of coursework in Computer Science or other disciplines related to the student’s dissertation topic (approved by the student’s supervisor).