Ph.D. Computational Science: Computer Science
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 Requirement:
- 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:
| Subject/Course | Course Name | Fall | Spring |
| CPSC 5210 | Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms | ||
| CPSC 5260 | Introduction to Parallel Algorithms | ||
| CPSC 5240 | Principles of Data Analytics | ||
| CPSC 5440 | Introduction to Machine Learning |
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:
| Subject/Course | Course Name | Fall | Spring |
| MATH 5130 | Fundamentals of Probability and Statistics | ||
| MATH 5210 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | ||
| MATH 5600 | Numerical Analysis I | ||
| MATH 5610 | Numerical Analysis II |
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).
For Prospective Students
The Computational Science program is interdisciplinary and open to qualified students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or the natural sciences. Prospective students should have an aptitude for scientific computer programming.
Each program of study is tailored to reflect individual educational backgrounds and research goals within an established concentration area.
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.