Doctoral Degree#
The doctorate degree in computer science (PhD CS) is a research degree emphasizing creativity and original approaches to problem solving. PhD students must satisfy the Loyola University Graduate School credit requirements.
Timeline and Overview#
Semester |
Milestone |
|---|---|
Semesters 1-4 |
Take MS-level coursework, including qualifying courses. Start research project. |
Semester 4 |
Checkpoint: Apply for qualification. This is a hard deadline. |
Semesters 5-8 |
Take remaining coursework. Continue working on research. |
Semester 8 |
Stand for preliminary exam. This is a flexible timetable. |
Semester 10 |
Stand for final oral defense. This is a flexible timetable. |
Credit Requirements#
Students must take a total of 60 credits during the PhD degree consisting of:
21 credits of MS level coursework [1], including:
COMP 413, Intermediate Object-Oriented Development
COMP 417, Social and Ethical Issues in Computing
COMP 460, Algorithms & Complexity
4 COMP electives
9 credits of qualifying courses (3 COMP 4xx level courses, see the Qualifying Courses table and Qualifying Coursework for more detail). Students must select courses from three of the four topic areas of Theory, Systems, Software, and Artificial Intelligence.
21 credits of dissertation research (4xx and 5xx-level courses of directed study)
9 credits of upper level PhD requirements:
COMP 501 (Equitable and Inclusive Computer Science Pedagogy)
COMP 502 (Structure of Research Management and Funding)
COMP 503 (Technology Entrepreneurship)
Seminar Courses#
Students may count seminar courses (usually listed as COMP 488) toward their qualifying courses provided that the course clearly falls within one of the four topic areas in the Qualifying Courses table. Students must submit written notification to the graduate committee including a copy of the course syllabus and a brief (no more than one-page) explanation of how the course fits within one of the topic areas.
Courses Outside CS#
Courses from other departments related to the area of study may be taken with approval from the thesis advisor. The thesis advisor must submit a letter to the graduate committee granting approval for course(s) taken outside the CS department. The letter should include the course number and a brief explanation of how it will fit within the student’s course of study.
Research Courses and Independent Study#
COMP 590 Independent Project
For MS research option students working on a thesis.
For PhD students getting an MS along the way.
MS research students may count up to 6 credits of COMP 490 toward MS level coursework.
COMP 610 Doctoral Study
Only for PhD students who have passed their qualifying courses before passing the Preliminary Exam.
0-credit class that enables PhD students to remain enrolled full-time while working on their PhD thesis.
COMP 600 Dissertation Supervision
Only for PhD students who have passed their preliminary exam.
Note: COMP 610 precedes COMP 600 even though it has a higher number.
0-credit class that enables PhD students to remain enrolled full-time while working on their PhD thesis.
Students must enroll individually under the specific section number of the research advisor for all research and independent study courses. Research courses and independent study courses are variable-credit courses. Students must agree upon and confirm the number of credits with their research advisor. Normally, 3 credit hours of research per semester is an appropriate workload for MS students taking other courses. The credit load may be higher for doctorate students who are not enrolled in other courses.
Students should complete and turn in their PhD coursework form at the beginning of the last semester in which they are taking a classroom course required for PhD coursework. Forms should be turned in to the CS Department Manager, who will verify the student’s grades and pass the forms to the CS Graduate Committee for approval. Before submitting the PhD course forms, all temporary grades must be resolved. All incomplete grades and progress grades, for example, must be changed to final grades.
Theory |
Systems |
Software |
Artificial Intelligence |
|---|---|---|---|
COMP 431/450 – Theory of Cryptography |
COMP 410 – Adv. Operating Systems |
COMP 474 – Software Engineering |
COMP 429 – Natural Language Processing |
COMP 471 – Programming Languages |
COMP 439 – Distributed Systems |
COMP 473 – Advanced OOP |
COMP 458 – Big Data Analytics |
COMP 476 – Automata & Formal Lang. |
COMP 464 – High Performance Computing |
COMP 453 – Database Programming |
COMP 479 – Machine Learning |
– |
COMP 462 – Adv. Computer Architecture |
– |
COMP 487 – Deep Learning |
– |
COMP 472 – Compiler Construction |
– |
– |
Course Restrictions#
Courses taken as Audit or Pass-Fail may not be counted toward the 60-credit degree requirement.
ESL courses do not count toward the PhD course requirement.
Students are allowed to take more than 60 credits but are expected to graduate within a reasonable time.
Responsible Conduct of Research#
Students in the PhD program are required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research course before engaging in research tasks. If applicable, IRB approval or exemption should be obtained before the Graduate School approves the thesis proposal.
Annual Reviews#
Each PhD student will receive an annual performance review from their primary advisor. The purpose of the review is to help students grow professionally by highlighting strengths and helping to identify areas of growth.
Annual reviews will be conducted at the end of every Spring semester. Advisors will submit a short evaluation of each student to the Graduate Program Director who will share the review with the student.
Prior Coursework and Transfer Credits#
With approval from the graduate committee, credits taken prior to enrolling in the PhD program may be counted toward the 21 credits of MS level coursework. Students who intend to use prior coursework to satisfy the 21 credits of MS level coursework must petition the graduate committee with a written document that details the specific transfer courses they wish to apply to the requirement. The written petition should include a syllabus from each course to be applied to the MS level requirements if the course was taken at a different institution along with a clear explanation of which course will apply to which MS requirement.
The graduate committee may deny requests if (1) sufficient documentation of the course content is not provided or (2) the course is not a close enough match to the Loyola CS department’s MS level coursework.
Transferring Research Credits#
Research credits taken as a part of a Master’s degree in a closely related discipline can generally be applied toward the 21 credits of research coursework for the PhD. The Graduate Committee makes decisions about whether transfer research credits can be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Students should petition the Graduate Committee with an explanation of the research credits they wish to apply in a document outlining what they accomplished while registered for those credits and who supervised their work.
Qualifying Coursework#
To qualify for the PhD program, students must earn a grade of A in at least three qualifying courses, listed in the Qualifying Courses table. Students must also maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.5 among all courses taken in residence during the PhD at Loyola. The qualifying courses must be selected from three of the four subject areas listed in the Qualifying Courses table. All three qualifying courses must be taken in residence at Loyola during the student’s PhD – they cannot be transfer courses or prior coursework taken before enrolling in the PhD program. The nine credits of qualifying coursework may not overlap with the 21 credits of MS level coursework.
Applying for Qualification (Formerly Advanced Graduate Standing)#
Following the completion of qualifying coursework, students shall petition the CS Graduate Committee to obtain advanced graduate standing. AGS evaluation is based on:
The student’s performance in the qualifying coursework.
The student’s performance in other graduate courses. Although a cumulative GPA of 3.5 is the minimum requirement, a higher overall GPA in overall coursework is usually required to achieve AGS.
A letter of recommendation from the student’s research advisor submitted directly to the graduate committee (sent separately from the rest of the packet from the advisor to the PhD Program Director).
The student’s submitted plan for meeting all course requirements, including a projected timeline for their next one or two publications and the semester in which they plan to take the preliminary exam.
Additional supporting materials, such as publications in top venues, that the student wishes to provide.
An updated copy of the student’s curriculum vitae that lists relevant work or internship experience, publications and academic achievements.
Students should prepare a single PDF document with all of the items listed above and send it to the Graduate Program Director along with a request to be evaluated for AGS.
The Advanced Graduate Standing milestone is a checkpoint intended to ensure that PhD students are making progress toward their PhD. Each PhD student is evaluated for AGS in their 4th semester. Notification of the outcome of the review is made via email. If a student is turned down after the first AGS review, they are notified of the reasons with an indication of how and to what extent the student’s chances of receiving AGS at the subsequent evaluation can be improved. Students not receiving AGS at the initial review are evaluated for AGS a second time by the end of the semester following the first review. No student is reviewed for AGS more than twice. A student who is turned down for AGS a second time will be required to leave the CS PhD program.
Students should allow 4 weeks for the graduate committee to review AGS applications and respond with a decision.
After achieving advanced graduate standing, students may begin registering for 500-level courses that focus on their chosen research direction and the successful development and defense of a PhD thesis.
Publication Venues#
The Computer Science department expects that most of its PhD students will publish work primarily in computer science related venues (those sponsored by ACM or IEEE). However, the department understands that some students working on interdisciplinary research may publish their results in venues overseen by other disciplines. In rare cases, it may be acceptable for PhD students to publish work in non-CS venues, but the department expects at least some of their work to appear in CS-related outlets. Students publishing in non-CS venues should specifically address the issue in their application for Advanced Graduate Standing and when presenting their Preliminary Examination.
Preliminary Examination#
Around this time, students are also required to submit an abstract of their dissertation to the Graduate School.
The Preliminary Examination is a detailed examination covering the proposed research leading to the PhD thesis. The purpose of the exam is to ascertain the capability of the student to perform the proposed research and the quality and appropriateness of the project. Upon successful completion of the Preliminary Examination and PhD requirements (except the completion of the dissertation), students are classified as dissertators.
Every PhD student is required to pass the Preliminary Examination. Before taking the Preliminary Examination, the student must first achieve Advanced Graduate Standing (AGS). There is no limit to the number of times a student may take the Preliminary Examination.
The Preliminary Examination must be taken for the first time no later than three semesters after receipt of Advanced Graduate Standing.
The preliminary exam is intended to be a proposal, not a nearly completed thesis. The goal is to present the student’s plans for their thesis to a committee and receive feedback at an early stage in their research. The examination is generally oral and is administered by a committee convened by the student with the approval of the student’s research advisor. The committee consists of no less than three members, but preferably four members, at least two of which must be selected from the CS Department. It is recommended that the committee satisfy all the requirements of the Final Oral Examination committee and that the Preliminary Examination Committee be selected with the intention of also serving as the Final Oral Examination committee.
Preliminary Exam Format#
The preliminary examination is a two-part exam that follows a similar format to the final thesis defense. The exam consists of (1) writing a preliminary document and (2) making a presentation to the PhD committee. The preliminary document should be circulated to the committee at least two weeks prior to the preliminary exam presentation date to give the committee adequate time to read and make comments. On the date of the presentation, each committee member will return the preliminary document to the student with comments.
Following the preliminary presentation, the committee will deliberate in private to discuss the quality of the student’s work. After deliberation, the committee will render a decision about whether the student passed or failed the preliminary examination.
Checklist for the PhD Preliminary Exam
Send calendar invitations to faculty and PhD students
Arrange for food
Arrange for an option to join the presentation remotely. Be sure that audio works.
Preliminary Document
A preliminary document is an exposition of the best work the student has done during the PhD program to date. It should cover 1-2 research papers the student has written.
Forming a PhD Committee
PhD students must formally identify their committee prior to standing for the preliminary exam. Committee members should be identified in the Graduate School Progress System. A PhD committee should consist of three to four faculty members, including one from outside of the Computer Science department.
Committee members from the following categories must be approved by the CS Graduate Committee: faculty from a department without a graduate program, academic staff (including emeritus faculty), visiting faculty, faculty from other institutions, scientists, research associates, and other individuals deemed qualified by the Graduate Committee. To seek approval, students should prepare a 2-4 sentence written explanation of why an individual should be allowed to serve on the committee. This explanation must be submitted to the CS Department Program Manager no later than 1 month before the student’s preliminary exam date.
The format of the exam typically involves public presentation of selected research conducted to date by the student and a description of the proposed research to be completed for the PhD degree. Questions may be asked at any point in the presentation. After the presentation, the chair of the committee will ask any public attendees to leave the room, and the committee will ask further questions of the student. Then the student will be asked to leave so the committee can discuss the student’s performance and form recommendations to be shared with the student.
There are no departmental documentation requirements for the preliminary exam. However, students should consult with their advisors for advice on how to best communicate their current/to-date and proposed work to the committee. Typically, students will prepare a written report and a presentation. A detailed written report is strongly encouraged, as it provides a document the student and committee can refer to later.
At least two months prior to the Preliminary Examination, students are required to turn in their PhD course forms with their advisor’s signature to the CS Department Manager. Before a Preliminary Examination Warrant can be requested, a student’s PhD course forms must be approved by the CS Graduate Committee. The CS Department Manager will verify the student’s grades and pass the forms to the CS Graduate Committee for approval. Students should complete and turn in their PhD course forms at the beginning of the last semester in which they are taking a classroom course required for PhD coursework. Before submitting the PhD course forms, all temporary grades must be resolved. All incomplete grades and progress grades, for example, must be changed to final grades. Once a student’s PhD course forms have been approved, they may submit the Preliminary Examination Warrant Request form. This form should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of the examination.
Dissertator Status#
When a student has completed and passed all requirements of the PhD degree with the exception of the completion of the dissertation, a student is classified as a dissertator. Specifically, a student must:
Have completed 30 graduate level credits, including 9 credits of qualifying coursework.
Have achieved advanced graduate standing.
Have passed the preliminary examination.
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
Dissertator status is achieved by turning in the signed and dated Preliminary Examination Warrant to the CS Department Manager. Dissertator status is effective at the beginning of the semester following the completion of all dissertator requirements for the doctoral degree except for the dissertation. Students will receive a confirmation email from the CS department when they have achieved dissertator status.
Dissertators must continue to enroll in at least three credits of COMP 595 every semester until the PhD is conferred.
Final Oral Examination#
The final oral examination normally covers a student’s dissertation and areas of study. Students may not take the final oral examination until they have satisfied all other requirements for their degree. A final oral examination is required of all PhD students. There is no limit to the number of times a student may take the final oral examination. Doctoral students are expected to take their initial final oral examination within five years of entering the CS PhD program. For example, students entering in Fall 2022 should schedule their initial defense prior to the end of the Summer 2027 session. Students have a maximum of five years from the date of passing their Preliminary Examinations to pass their final oral examination and submit their dissertation. The final oral examination is administered by a committee chosen by the student and their research advisor and approved by the Graduate School. The committee is chaired by the student’s academic advisor. If the student has multiple advisors, all advisors should be on the committee. The committee must consist of at least four members. At least three members of the committee must be current Loyola graduate faculty or former Loyola graduate faculty up to one year after resignation or retirement. Two members, at minimum, must be from within the CS Department. The committee must have at least one member whose primary appointment is not within the CS department. Students must designate at least three members of their committee to be readers of their dissertation. For detailed information, see Doctoral Committees.
Committee members from the following categories must be approved by the CS Graduate Committee: faculty from a department without a graduate program, academic staff (including emeritus faculty), visiting faculty, faculty from other institutions, scientists, research associates, and other individuals deemed qualified by the Graduate Committee. To seek approval, students should prepare a 2-4 sentence written explanation of why an individual should be allowed to serve on the committee. This explanation is due to the CS Department Manager no later than 1 month before the student’s defense.
The format of the defense typically involves public presentation of selected research conducted to fulfill the requirements of the PhD degree. Questions may be asked at any point in the presentation. After the presentation, the chair of the committee will ask any public attendees to leave the meeting and the committee will ask further questions of the student. Then the student will be asked to leave so the committee can discuss the student’s performance and whether to recommend or require changes to the PhD thesis.
A student must provide a copy of their PhD thesis to the defense committee members at least two weeks prior to the scheduled defense.
At least four weeks prior to the defense date, students must turn in the Final Oral Examination Warrant Request Form to the CS Department Manager.
Progress Report#
The Graduate School’s policy is that the PhD must be completed within eight years from the beginning of PhD study. This timeframe can be extended in the event that the student is making good progress.
Students who are unable to hold their defense within five years must submit a progress report to the Graduate Committee. The progress report should be prepared in consultation with the advisor and include the following:
Date of the progress report
Name of the student and matriculation date
Name of the advisor
Accomplishments to date (300 words or less)
Extenuating circumstances, if any
Plans and timeline for degree completion, including a planned defense date
A list of papers published, in press or submitted, including authors
Letter from the advisor supporting the plans to complete the degree
Progress reports are emailed to the CS Department Manager. Progress reports will be evaluated by the CS Graduate Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Graduate School regarding whether an extension should be granted.
Graduation Procedures and Checklist#
In the final semester (graduation term), the following must be completed:
Must be enrolled in at least three credits
Apply to graduate in the Student Center
Notify CS Department Manager of plans to graduate via email (include name, degree, faculty advisor’s name, and approximate date of defense).
Thoroughly read the Graduate School’s Formatting Manual for Theses and Dissertations and complete all the respective tasks.
Final thesis format must be approved by the Graduate School in the semester you are graduating. The Graduate School circulates an email with deadlines each semester. Be sure to have your thesis formatting approved by the deadline!
Confirm all final grades are entered, with exception to the current semester (no incomplete, unreported, or progress grades).
Schedule and complete a pre-check appointment with the Graduate School to answer formatting questions.
Confirm defense time with committee members (Note: defense date and time can change as long as it is within the same semester, but committee members must stay the same).
Request final oral examination warrant at least four weeks prior to defense date by turning in the final oral examination warrant request form to the CS Department Manager.
Send thesis to committee members at least two weeks prior to defense date.
Make sure your “diploma” and “mailing” addresses are up to date in Student Center to receive diploma.
If a student needs proof of degree sooner than the degree conferral date, they should make sure all grades are submitted prior to making this request and reach out to the CS Department Manager.
After the degree conferral date is posted on a student’s transcript, students may request a Degree Completion Letter in order to prove their degree prior to receiving their diploma.
Grades and GPA#
Students in the CS PhD program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 across all courses during their graduate studies at Loyola. They must further earn a grade of A in their three qualifying courses.
Grades and GPA are taken into consideration for satisfactory progress evaluation. Furthermore, the Graduate Committee also reviews a student’s grades when deciding whether to grant Advanced Graduate Standing.
Participation in Commencement#
Loyola University Chicago holds commencement ceremonies in May only. A student is eligible to participate in Loyola University Chicago’s May commencement celebration if the student (1) has successfully defended and submitted their materials to the Graduate School or (2) has submitted their thesis for format check by the deadline for August conferral and has scheduled their defense prior to July 1. December graduates are invited to participate in the May commencement of the following calendar year.
Graduation Application#
The Graduate School reviews applications for graduation (conferral of degree) three times a year, during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Graduate applications are completed on LOCUS. Below are the application deadlines for degree conferral that correspond to each term:
Review Term |
Deadline |
Degree Conferral |
|---|---|---|
Fall |
August 1 |
December |
Spring |
December 1 |
May |
Summer |
February 1 |
August |
For more information on graduation applications, refer to the Graduate School website.
Earning a Master’s Degree Along the Way#
Students admitted to the CS PhD program may earn a Master’s degree along the way – see Master’s Degree for the requirements of the corresponding MS degree.
To earn an MS degree, the Graduate School must officially enroll the student as an MS student. The Graduate School’s Associate Dean of Student Academic Services can officially add PhD students to the MS degree. Once a student is officially added to the MS degree and has completed the degree requirements, they may apply for graduation through the Graduate School Progress System.