Program: Computer Science (Ph.D.) - South Dakota State University

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Apr 06, 2025

View of a computer screen.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Sungyong Jung, Department Head
Kaiqun Fu, Assistant Professor/Graduate Coordinator
McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Daktronics Engineering Hall 214, Box 2222
605-688-4526

Program Information

The McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers the Ph.D. in Computer Science. The Computer Science program prepares graduates for positions in the design and development of computer languages, systems, and applications in business and industry and for higher academic positions in research and education. The program will emphasize expertise in fundamental topics of Computer Science like machine learning and data analytics with special applications to domains such as precision agriculture and energy management.

Course Delivery Format

A majority of the courses are taught on campus in smart classrooms. The smart classrooms allow for a variety of methods for student engagement and faculty are able to record and post their lectures online.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

72 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

(Instruction of some courses shared between DSU and SDSU campuses.)

CSC 705 - Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms (COM) Credits: 3
CSC 710 - Structure and Design of Programming Languages (COM) Credits: 3
CSC 718 - Operating Systems & Parallel Programming Credits: 3 (DSU)
CSC 720 - Theory of Computation (COM) Credits: 3
CSC 722 - Machine Learning Fundamentals Credits: 3 (DSU)
CSC 770 - Software Engineering Management Credits: 3
CSC 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (24-30 credits required)
Choose remaining elective courses (6 - 12 credits) with advisor approval from graduate level CSC, INFA, INFS, MATH, STATS, or other approved areas (supporting dissertation research). Credits: 6-12

Select from the following

Complete 18 credits with two courses from each of the 3 areas listed below - Theory, Systems, Application. Credits: 18

Theory

Must select two minimum. Credits: 6

CSC 533 - Computer Graphics Credits: 3
CSC 547 - Artificial Intelligence (COM) Credits: 3
CSC 574 - Computer Networks Credits: 3
INFA 723 - Cryptography Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 766 - Advanced Database Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 768 - Predictive Analytics for Decision Making Credits: 3 (DSU)
MATH 575 - Operations Research (COM) Credits: 3
MATH 675 - Operations Research II Credits: 3
STAT 601 - Modern Applied Statistics I Credits: 3
STAT 602 - Modern Applied Statistics II Credits: 3

Systems

Must select two courses. Credits: 6

CSC 574 - Computer Networks Credits: 3
or INFS 750 - IT Infrastructure, Technology and Network Management Credits: 3 (DSU)
CSC 592 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-5 (3 credits required) (Advanced High Performance Computing)
CSC 600 - Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Credits: 3
CSC 716 - Secure Software Engineering Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 760 - Enterprise Modeling and Data Management Credits: 3 (DSU)

Application

Must select two courses. Credits: 6

CSC 592 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-5 (3 credits required) (Mobile Applications)
CSC 592 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-5 (3 credits required) (Internet Programming)
CSC 630 - Principles Data Base System Design Credits: 3
CSC 750 - Recent Advances in Parallel Process Credits: 3
INFA 701 - Principles of Information Assurance Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFA 735 - Offensive Security Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 730 - Web Application Development Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 736 - Technology for Mobile Devices Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 764 - Information Retrieval Credits: 3 (DSU)
INFS 766 - Advanced Database Credits: 3 (DSU)
MATH 515 - Advanced Linear Algebra (COM) Credits: 3
MATH 773 - Numerical Optimization Credits: 3

Courses Supporting the Ph.D. Program

The doctoral curriculum assumes that a student enters the program with a master’s degree in Computer Science. Students with a Master of Science in Computer Science will be awarded 30 total core and/or elective credits. Students who enter the program with a master’s degree in a closely related field may be awarded up to 30 core and elective credits.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 90 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 9.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

Three letters of reference with one being from master’s advisor, a letter of research interest and intent with a focus on area of research interest, transcripts, and a resume.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .

Computer Science (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main CampusClose