The doctoral program requires a master's degree in an appropriate field at an accredited institution; successful completion of a minimum of 23 credit hours above the master's degree; a written doctoral qualifying examination and a written comprehensive examination; completion of an approved dissertation in a selected area; and passing of an oral examination of the dissertation. Doctoral programs are arranged in close consultation with a faculty advisor. 

Coursework

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 53 credit hours (typically 18 courses):

• For students with a Master of Science degree from another institution, 24 credits may transfer towards to doctoral degree, leaving a minimum of 29 credit hours (i.e., 10 courses) to be completed at Catholic University.
• For students with a Master of Science from Catholic University, 30 credits transfer towards doctoral study, leaving 23 addition credits (i.e., 8 courses) for the doctorate.

Doctoral coursework is available in a variety of concentrations within Computer Science, as described on the Computer Science Graduate Programs page.

Comprehensive Exam

Doctoral students must take Comprehensive Examination (typically in the final semester of coursework or the following semester).The exam consists of two-hour examinations in three (3) subject areas, for a total of six (6) examination hours. These subject areas are proposed by the student's Dissertation Advisor in a recommendation to the Department Chair, who then forwards the recommendation to the Dean for final approval.