PhD of Program in Computer Science
Objectives | Mission | Outcomes | Admission | Study plan
- Program Guide
Ph.D. Program in Computer Science (Courses and Thesis Option) Guide
- To promote advanced research and scientific publication and to contribute to the future scientific and technical world advancement in computer science and engineering, and information technology.
- To prepare highly specialized scholars, professionals and Saudis research personnel, manpower and expertise that meet the Saudi society development needs, and jobs demand; and support the successful transfer of advanced information technologies in industry, academic and scientific sectors.
- To create solutions for the persistent IT problems in the public and governmental institutions through a higher level of applied research and IT technology transfer.
- To provide graduate students and Saudis researchers with skills, means, methodology, innovation and scientific approaches necessary for distinguished professionals in IT sectors.
Provide educational and research environment to prepare graduates for careers as university educators, research scientists or specialized professionals in computer science and in interdisciplinary areas that extend the scope of computer science.
- A- Knowledge and Comprehension
- Demonstrate a mastery in applying theories, methodologies, and knowledge, to address research questions.
- Demonstrate ability to carry out independent and original research.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge required for undergraduate teaching and assessment of student learning.
- B- Mental Skills
- Develop critical and creative thinking to address fundamental questions in computer science.
- C- Professional and Practical Skills
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in teaching and conducting research.
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to be able to publish scientific papers, present technical work in computer science, and communicate with people from various backgrounds.
- Demonstrate teamwork and managerial skills needed for working within research groups.
- D- General Skills
- Follow the principles of ethics in academia and society.
- Develop intellectual independence.
In addition to the admission requirements mentioned in the unified regulations for postgraduate studies in Saudi universities and the organizational and executive rules and procedures for postgraduate studies at King Saud University, the department requires the following to join the program:
- The applicant must have a master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems obtained with a (regular) mode of study from King Saud University or from any other recognized institution with a grade of no less than (Very Good) -if the university grants a grade- with a GPA of (3.75/5) or its equivalent.
- The applicant must have a score of at least (6) in the IELTS test or its equivalent (TOFEL iBT, TOFEL PBT, STEP).
- The applicant must have a score of no less than (150) in the quantitative part of the GRE General Test, or achieve a score of (75) in the quantitative part of the General Aptitude Test for Undergraduates.
- The applicant must have a score of at least (65) in the General Aptitude Test for Undergraduates.
Applications are made through the unified admission portal of the Deanship of Graduate Studies. To find out about the application dates, please visit the the application periods link.
Successful completion of 25 credit hours of graduate courses in the PhD program as follows:
- 3 credit hours of program general courses or university graduate courses as approved by the supervisor.
- 6 credit hours outside student's track from the common courses offered by other tracks of the program.
- 7 credit hours of compulsory courses in student's track.
- 9 credit hours of elective courses in student's track.
No more than two courses from the Master Program level are counted for the course requirements in the PhD program.
- To pass a comprehensive exam in his speciality or other subspecialties decided by the program council and according to the general rules for the comprehensive exam as issued by the deanship of graduate studies.
- Completion and successful defence of an original thesis.
- To publish or obtain an acceptance for at least one publication in a specialized referred venue according to student's track.
Number of required units is (26) in addition to (12) units for a thesis.
Type of Courses | No. of Courses | No. of Units Required |
General Courses | 1 | 3 |
Courses from IS or CENX Ph.D. programs | 2 | 6 |
CS Core Courses | 4 | 8 |
CS Elective Courses | 3 | 9 |
Thesis | 1 | 12 |
Total | 11 | (26) study units and (12) thesis units |
- First Level:
# | Course Code | Name | No. of Study Units |
1 | --- | General course | 3(3+0) |
2 | --- | Course from IS or CENX Ph.D. programs | 3(3+0) |
3 | --- | Course from IS or CENX Ph.D. programs | 3(3+0) |
Total | (9) study units |
- Second Level:
# | Course Code | Name | No. of Study Units |
1 | CSC 601 | Advanced Computing Science and Applications | 3(3+0) |
2 | --- | Elective course (1) | 3(3+0) |
3 | --- | Elective course (2) | 3(3+0) |
Total | (9) study units |
- Third Level:
# | Course Code | Name | No. of Study Units |
1 | CSC 696 | Independent Research Study -1- | 2(2+0) |
2 | --- | Elective course (3) | 3(3+0) |
3 | CSC 699 | Thesis Proposal Preparation | 1(1+0) |
Total | (6) study units |
- Fourth Level:
# | Course Code | Name | No. of Study Units |
1 | CSC 697 | Independent Research Study -2- | 2(2+0) |
Total | (2) study units |
- Fifth Level:
# | Course Code | Name | No. of Study Units |
1 | COM 700 | Comprehensive exam | 0 |
Total | (0) study units |
- Sixth Level:
# | Course Code | Name | No. of Study Units |
1 | CSC 700 | Thesis | 12 |
Total | (12) study units |