About the Program

Computing and information phenomena are at the center of a current scientific, technological and social revolution. The information era is fast evolving and as such, it promises unforeseen transformations and opportunities. As computation drifts from explicit contacts with isolated computers to implicit and pervasive interactions with interconnected computing resources embedded in our daily life, a deep understanding of the nature and philosophy of data representation and transformation is essential to ensure the feasibility, reliability, and accuracy of computer solutions, the accessibility and privacy of their users, and the proper employment and evolution of the information technology. All these needs generate a huge demand for creative scientists and technology innovators, worldwide.

The doctoral program in Computing and Information Sciences and Engineering is designed to satisfy the demands for researchers posed by higher education institutions, information technology industry, the society and the government. Rooted in a well-established tradition of research in science and engineering disciplines, the program envisions computing and information sciences and engineering as an integrated activity resulting from a convergence of computer science, computer engineering and mathematics fostered by advancements in digital technology.

The central aim of the doctoral program in CISE is researcher training. In order to earn the degree, students must perform a substantial piece of original research of worldwide relevance, and communicate it in a scholarly manner. The program estimates that an average of three years is to be solely devoted to this purpose. Coursework is a complement to the doctorate profile, and should be reduced to the first two years of the program.

The CISE program is a join program between the Mathematics Department and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.  Faculty from the Math Department compose the faculty of the Scientific Computing Concentration and faculty from the ECE Department compose the faculty of the Computer Science and Engineering Concentration.  The Coordinator runs the administration of the program with the support of the program staff. A CISE Graduate Committee evaluates applications for admission to the program, and prepares and grades the Qualifying Examination.  The membership of this Committee is consists of four professors from the Math Department (Scientific Computing Concentration) and four from the ECE Department (Computer Sciences and Engineering Concentration).

A more detailed Overview of the Program is available in pdf format.