Graduate Programs
Degree Programs
- Computer & Information Science M.S.: Program Goals, Program Information
- Information Science & Technology M.S.: Program Goals, Student Guidebook,Program Information
- Computer & Information Science Ph.D.: Program Goals, Program Information
- AI&Applications Concentration
- Information Systems Concentration
- Software Systems Concentration
- Course Descriptions
Program Overview
This document describes the MS and PHD Computer and Information Sciences Programs in the College of Science and Technology. To ensure all University, College, and Departmental requirements and procedures are adhered to, students must also consult the Temple University Graduate Bulletin.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADMISSION INFORMATION
Admission Application Deadlines
Fall Semester: December 15th
Spring Semester: August 1st
CLICK TO APPLY
Minimal Admission Requirements: Master of Science
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system. The GRE examination is required. A minimum score of 1000 (verbal plus quantitative) and a minimum 25th percentile verbal score is expected. Students from non-English speaking countries need a minimum TOEFL score to be accepted: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.
Minimal Admission Requirements: Doctor of Philosophy
Admission to the PHD program is given only to applicants with a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Management Information Systems (or related field) from an accredited institution. Minimum GRE Quantitative and Verbal (or equivalent GMAT) scores are 70th percentile or better. One of these two scores must be in the 75th percentile or better. For students from non-English speaking countries, the minimum TOEFL score is 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based. Acceptance by the CIS Graduate Faculty in at least one track is required. A statement of goals and three letters of recommendation are required with the admission application.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Financial Aid
Full-time graduate students are eligible for teaching assistantships and a variety of fellowships. Awards are made on the basis of academic merit.
All admitted MS and PHD students will be considered for Assistantships and Fellowships.
Transfer Credits
Toward the Master’s degree: A maximum of six credit hours earned in computer science or related areas at another university may be counted toward the MS degree.
Toward the PHD degree: After admission to the PHD program, advanced credit may be granted toward the PHD for work done at other institutions. The amount of credit granted will be determined by the CIS Graduate Committee and recommended to the Dean of the Graduate School but no more than 24 credits advanced standing will be awarded. Requests and decisions for advanced standing are normally not made until after the student has satisfactorily completed the CIS PHD Qualifying Examination and formed an Advisory Committee.
The following are College of Science and Technology regulations
- The credits must be obtained no more than five years prior to the student’s matriculation into the graduate program.
- Each of the credits has received a grade of “B” or better; and
the “B” grades not exceed l/3 of the total number of credits transferred in. - There be a rationale for applying these credits to the graduate program.
Requests for transfer credit must be initiated by the student and must be made in writing to the CIS Graduate Program Committee. No transfer credits will be allowed without the written permission of this committee; credit will not be given for coursework done elsewhere but repeated at Temple.
Time and Campus of Courses
All courses in the MS and PHD programs will normally be given in the late afternoon or evening at the Main Campus.
Non-matriculation Policy: Upon approval of the CIS Graduate Program Director, students may be granted up to six credits for graduate courses taken at Temple University prior to admission to the degree program.
Graduation Application Procedures
There are three graduations: August, January, and May. Applications should be obtained from the CIS Academic Programs Coordinator at the very beginning of the semester you are graduating. You must meet with the CIS Academic Programs Coordinator for a Graduation Review when returning your application.
Laboratory Facilities - ACM Student Chapter
Students are encouraged to join the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter at Temple. This is a major professional organization for Computer and Information Scientists.
MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Master of Science in Computer Science emphasizes a general approach to the study of computing, including courses in artificial intelligence, operating systems, computer architecture, networking and communications, software engineering, graphics and image processing, data base systems, collaborative systems and theoretical areas. The curriculum is not oriented toward any specific applications area of computing, but emphasizes general graduate level studies in computing, preparing students for careers in systems analysis, teaching and research.
The MS program in Computer Science is an advanced degree intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to hold professional positions oriented toward the development and design of computer systems. Graduates with this degree would be able to seek employment as systems programmers for research organizations, computer centers, or for computer manufacturers.
Alternatively, graduates could become involved in the design and implementation of new applications software or the planning and evaluation of computer based systems. Prospective employers would include the government or industrial firms that utilize computers for research and/or production purposes.
The MS program also prepares students for further education in computer science. Graduates can pursue the PHD degree if they desire to teach at the college or university level or carry out academic or industrial research. It is also possible for students who obtain the MS degree in Computer and Information Sciences to teach in secondary schools (with the proper teacher certification) or community colleges.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MS DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
To earn an MS in Computer and Information Science, a student normally must complete nine graduate courses: three core courses, one theory course, plus either, one project course (3 credits) and four electives OR , one thesis course (6 total credits) and three electives.
The plan of study may not include any course taken towards an undergraduate degree.
The three core courses are: CIS 8513 (510) Automata and Formal Languages, CIS 8511 (511) Programming Techniques, and CIS 8512 (512) Operating Systems.
The one required theory course is: CIS 9615 (615) Design and Analysis of Algorithms.
The project course is: CIS 9991 (751)*, Project in Computer Science.
The thesis course is: CIS 9996 (752) *, Thesis in Computer Science.
The electives are normally selected from the graduate CIS (MS/CST) courses. Elective courses may also be selected from other departments upon approval of the CIS Graduate Committee.
The CIS Graduate Committee policy for waiving the prerequisites for the core graduate courses is an equivalent course in a University Computer Science Program. For CIS 8513 (510) this means a course equivalent to (both CIS 2166 (166) and CIS 3242 (242)) or to CIS 5503 (500), for CIS 8511 (511) this means a course equivalent to (both CIS 2168 (68) and CIS 3223 (223)) or to CIS 5501 (501), and for CIS 8512 (512) this means a course equivalent to (both CIS 2107 (72) and CIS 3207 (207)) or to CIS
5502 ( 502).
Students must take at least two core courses before or concurrent to taking a first non-core course and must take all three core courses before or concurrent to taking a second non-core course.
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COURSES OFFERED IN THE MS/PHD PROGRAM IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Note: All courses are 3 semester hours.
[Students with little or no background in CIS may be required to take additional undergraduate coursework.]
CIS 8513 (510) Automata and Formal Languages
CIS 8511 (511) Programming Techniques
CIS 8512 (512) Operating Systems
CIS 8525 (525) Neural Computation
CIS 8526 (526) Machine Learning
CIS 8527 (527) Data Warehousing, Filtering and Mining
CIS 8590 (595) Topics in Computer Science
CIS 9182/9282 (598/599) Independent Study [only one independent study towards MS]
CIS 9602 (600) User Interface Design and Systems Integration
CIS 9601 (601) Computer Graphics and Image Processing
CIS 9603 (603) Artificial Intelligence
CIS 9615 (615) Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CIS 9616 (616) Principles of Data Management
CIS 9617 (617) Computer Networking and Communications
CIS 9618 (618) Principles of Software Engineering
CIS 9651 (651) Artificial Intelligence, Heuristic Models, and Education
CIS 9664 (664) Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
CIS 9665 (665) Advanced Topics in Data Base Systems
CIS 9666 (666) Advanced Networking and Client-Server Computing
CIS 9668 (668) Integrating Computing Technologies in Commercial Web Site Development
CIS 9669 (669) Distributed and Parallel Computer Systems
CIS 9590 (750) Seminar in Advanced Topics in Computer Science
PHD PROGRAM
The Computer and Information Sciences PHD program prepares a student to undertake independent research in either an academic or non-academic setting. The program is structured around the PHD thesis; course and seminar work are designed with the requisite quality of the thesis in mind. A criterion for the thesis is that it be publishable in a recognized journal.
SUMMARY OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PHD DEGREE IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES
- Students must take 16 courses from among those approved for their track .
- No more than 8 of the 16 courses may be independent study 9182/9282 (CIS 598/599), project 9991 (CIS 751), thesis 9996 (CIS 752), preliminary exam prep 9994 (CIS 799), or pre-dissertation research 9998 (CIS 899).
- Graduate credits from other institutions can be considered for transfer credits.
- A minimum of 7 courses is needed beyond the Master’s Degree.
- Requirements to Waive Examination on a course that is part of the Qualifier Exam:
- Course must be taken at Temple University;
- Student must have received an A or A-;
- Student must have completed the course within four (4) years of admission to the doctoral program.
The three research tracks for the Ph.D. are:
1.Artificial Intelligence and Applications (AI) -- concerned with systems that exhibit intelligent behavior.2. Information Systems (IS) -- concerned with systems that provide information to improve the performance of organizations.
3. Software Systems (SS) -- concerned with the creation of software and its associated methodologies.
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES PHD TRACK REQUIREMENTS
Artificial Intelligence - three required CIS Core Courses: CIS 8513 (510) Automata & Formal Languages, CIS 8511 (511) Programming Techniques and CIS 9603 (603) Artificial Intelligence;
- four approved CIS elective courses or approved Cognate electives.
Normally at least 11 courses must be in the CIS Required or CIS Electives areas.
Information Systems
- at least one and up to three theory area topics: CIS 8511 (511) Programming Techniques, CIS 9615 (615) Design & Analysis of Algorithms, Stat 8003 (503) Statistical Methods I;
- at least one and up to three systems area topics: CIS 8512 (512) Operating Systems, CIS 9616 (616)
Principles of Data Management, CIS 9617 (617) Computer Networking and Communication, CIS 9666 (666) Advanced Networks and Client-Server Computing;
- at least two and up to four IS Track Specific areas: CIS 8525 (525) Neural Computation, CIS 8526 (526) Machine Learning, CIS 8527 (527) Data Warehousing, Filtering and Mining, CIS 9618 (618) Principles of Software Engineering, CIS 9664 (664) Knowledge Discovery & Data Mining, CIS 9665 (665) Advanced Topics in Data Base Systems, CIS 9668 (668) Integrating Computing Technologies in Commercial Site Development, 9590 (750) Advanced Topics in Computer Science.
Software Systems - seven required CIS courses: CIS 8513 (510) Automata & Formal Languages, CIS 8511 (511) Programming Techniques, CIS 8512 (512) Operating Systems, CIS 9615 (615) Design & Analysis of Algorithms, CIS 9616 (616) Principles of Data Management, CIS 9617 (617) Computer Networking & Communication, CIS 9618 (618) Principles Software Engineering;
- Approved CIS electives; Approved Cognate electives.
Normally at least 11 courses must be in the CIS Required or CIS electives areas.
THE PHD QUALIFIER EXAMINATION
This exam tests the student on the fundamentals of computer and information sciences and the basic body of knowledge in a track. It consists of a written closed book exam on theory and algorithms, systems, and track specific material. The Qualifying Exam is given every Spring semester (usually late January). The exam consists of seven written questions. [Note: Questions on individual courses may be waived if the student has taken the course at Temple University within four years of admission to the doctoral program and received a grade of A or A- in that course.]
The Qualifier requirements by track:
Artificial Intelligence
— two Theory/Algorithms courses: CIS 8513 (510), 8511 (511)
— one Track Specific course: CIS 9603 (603)
— four approved CIS elective courses or approved Cognate electives.
Information Systems
— at least one and up to three Theory/Algorithms courses: CIS 8511 (511), 9615 (615), Stat 8003 (503)
— at least one and up to three Systems courses: CIS 8512 (512), 9616 (616), 9617 (617), 9666 (666)
— at least two and up to four Track Specific courses: CIS 8525 (525), 8526 (526), 8527 (527), 9618 (618), 9664 (664), 9665 (665), 9668 (668), 9590 (750) Advanced Topics in Computer Science.
Software Systems
— three Theory/Algorithms courses: CIS 8513 (510), 8511 (511), 9615 (615)
— three Systems courses: CIS 8512 (512), CIS 9616 (616), CIS 9617 (617)
— one Track Specific course: CIS 9618 (618).
The seven courses on which a student’s qualifier examination will be based must be approved in writing by the student’s Advisor and Track Chair.
The exam may be retaken only once (either in full or in part), normally within one year of the first attempt, and only with the permission of the Graduate Committee. The Committee may, at its discretion, recommend a passing grade for a student conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a list of courses prescribed by the Committee for the purpose of remedying specific deficiencies.
WRITING SKILLS
The writing skills of each PHD student will be formally assessed. A student must pass a two-hour essay exam given once a year, normally a week after the Qualifier Exam. It should be taken in the same semester as the Qualifier Exam. The exam may be retaken once but must be passed before Prelim II is scheduled.
TEACHING REQUIREMENTS
As part of the normal graduate training program, all PHD candidates are expected to teach at least one course. Exception may be granted by the CIS Graduate Program Committee in consultation with the student’s Advisory Committee.
ADVISORY COMMMITTEE
Once students have passed the Qualifying Examination, they are expected during that same semester to choose the area in which they plan to do their research and to find an advisor willing to supervise them. The student and advisor should formulate a Plan of Study to complete the coursework requirements for the PHD degree.
The advisor and the student will then select at least two additional graduate faculty members for the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee must contain at least one other member of the CIS Department (in addition to the advisor) and it must be approved by the Graduate Program Committee.
The student’s Plan of Study must be approved by this Advisory Committee and the Graduate Program Committee, normally before the end of the semester in which the Qualifier Examination is passed. The Advisory Committee administers the Preliminary Examinations.
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS (ADVISORY COMMITTEE)
The goal of the prelims is to test the research skills and knowledge of the student and the appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed research.
The prelims focus on:
1. Testing advanced track knowledge
2. Testing in-depth knowledge in the selected research area
3. Ensuring that the selected research problem is of reasonable scope and significance
4. Ensuring that the proposed dissertation is feasible
The Prelims are completed in two stages.
Prelim I will include at least items 1 and 2. Prelim I consists of written and oral components testing advanced track knowledge and in-depth knowledge of the research area and includes a literature review of the area. In conjunction with items 1 and 2 Prelim I will also be used to determine whether the student needs to take additional courses in order to support research in the chosen area. Prelim I is open only to the committee and to members of the department.
Prelim II will include at least items 3 and 4. Prelim II consists of written and oral components to assess the appropriateness of the research including the approach and methodology. The written portion of Prelim II should be of sufficient quality to be publishable as a department technical report. This exam is open to the public.
Both Prelim I and II must be scheduled, and all relevant information made available, at least four weeks in advance. The advisor must schedule the exams with the CIS Graduate Program Director.
The successful completion of Prelim II will produce a written understanding among the student, faculty advisor, and dissertation committee, specifying the work to be done to obtain final approval of the dissertation.
After passing both parts of the Preliminary Exam, students are admitted to PHD candidacy and begin work on their thesis under the direction of their Advisory Committee. Students must enroll for at least six credits of CIS 9999 (999) Dissertation Research. The thesis should be prepared according to the requirements of the Graduate School.
DISSERTATION DEFENSE
EXAMINING COMMITTEE – Evaluates the student’s dissertation and oral defense. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advising Committee and at least one additional Graduate Faculty member from outside the CIS Department. This Outside Examiner should be identified no later than the beginning of the semester in which the student will defend the dissertation. The chair of the Examining Committee should not be the student’s PHD advisor.
The student must complete the writing of the dissertation and submit it to the committee at least four weeks prior to the scheduled oral defense. The student defends his research at this time; discussing the major contributions and its significance to the field. The advisor must schedule the defense with the CIS Graduate Program Director. This exam is advertised through the Graduate School, as well as the department, and is open to the public.
TIME-LINE
A full-time student (with the Master’s Degree) will normally be expected to complete all requirements for the PHD within three to four years. Many PHD students will be working 20 hours per week as Teaching Assistants. Thus, under normal circumstances each student will be supported for up to four years beyond the Master’s degree. The proposed timeline is as follows:
1. Qualifier
Normally taken the first time it is offered after admission to the PHD program (usually January).
2. Writing SkillsShow evidence by end of semester qualifier is passed (must be passed before Prelim II scheduled).
3. Advisory Committee
Select dissertation advisor and form Advisory Committee by end of semester
qualifier is passed.4. Prelim I (Advisory Committee)
Within 1 year after passing Qualifier.
5. Prelim II (Advisory Committee)
Within 1 year after Prelim I is passed.
6. Dissertation Defense (Examining Committee)
Within 1 year after Prelim II is passed.
Sample Timeline for student starting in Fall Semester
Year 1
Three courses per semester
Show evidence of writing skills
Spring Semester: Take Qualifying Exam, form Advisory Committee
Year 2
Fall Semester: Additional courses (chosen in conjunction with committee) plus begin research on dissertation topic.
Spring Semester: Literature search, formulate research problem, take Preliminary I Exam.
Year 3
Fall semester: Dissertation research
Spring Semester: Take Preliminary II Examination
Year 4
Dissertation Defense
GUIDELINES FOR CIS PHD PROGRESS
1. A student is admitted to the CIS PHD program only via admission to one of three areas. It is important that the student work closely with faculty in this area and carefully follow the guidelines for preparing for the specific area Qualifying Exam.
2. The Qualifying Exam should normally be taken the first year of PHD studies. It is currently given the first week of the Spring Semester. This exam measures breadth of CIS knowledge, especially in the core subject areas. Students who fail the first time are allowed to re-take it once. Failing this exam a second time means automatic dismissal from the program.
3. As part of preparing for PHD work, the student must demonstrate, by the end of the Semester in which the Qualifying Exam is passed, a sufficient level of writing skills has been achieved.
4. In the same Semester in which the Qualifying Exam is passed the student is expected to choose an adviser and , in consultation with the adviser, form a Doctoral Advisory committee. It is critical that this be done as soon as possible since the committee is responsible for recommending specific courses that will aid in the student’s research. [For the PHD, students are required to take a minimum of 21 credits beyond the 27-credit Masters degree.]
5. The Doctoral Advisory Committee must include at least three graduate faculty members from Temple University; two of which, including the chair, must be from the student’s program.
6. Each Doctoral Advisory Committee will meet at least once a year to review the advisee’s progress and make suggestions concerning future research. A written record of this meeting, including the findings of the committee and suggestions made, must be placed in the student’s file. A copy must be given to the student.
7. The adequacy of the student’s in-depth preparation and research objectives are examined in the first of two Preliminary Exams taken in preparation for dissertation research. The second of the two Preliminary Exams focuses on the student’s research proposal.
8. Timing is everything! It is critical that each member of the Doctoral Advisory Committee has adequate time to read the material being presented at Preliminary Exams I and II. Therefore, the Preliminary I and II Exams must be scheduled a MINIMUM of three weeks AFTER approval from the graduate committee. [Approval is requested by the major advisor sending the appropriate documentation to the Graduate Committee Chair. The approval process normally takes a week.]
9. The oral defense of the dissertation is administered by the Dissertation Examining Committee. The Dissertation Examining Committee consists of the Doctoral Advisory Committee and at least one faculty member not from the student’s program. This Outside Examiner should be identified no later than the beginning of the semester in which the student will defend the dissertation. The chair of the Examining Committee should not be the student’s PHD advisor.
10. For the oral defense, the student’s Dissertation Examining Committee needs a month to read the final dissertation, especially since there will be one, or possibly more, new members. Thus, students should allow AT LEAST a month after approval of the graduate committee for scheduling the final defense.
11. Students have up to seven years to finish their PHD from the date they begin the program. If more time is needed it is currently possible to request an additional three years [one year at a time] without major difficulty as long as the student is making “reasonable progress.” However, obtaining an extension of time beyond (a total of) 10 years is VERY difficult and should be avoided!
12. Students who no longer are receiving support from the University and who are official PHD candidates [having passed Prelim II in our program] can apply for a one-time Dissertation Completion Grant. Students receiving such awards are not allowed to receive University funding again.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES
In general, students must satisfy the requirements of the CIS Department, the College of Science and Technology, and the Graduate School.
These currently include the following:
a. Students must register EVERY SEMESTER and must complete the program within seven years from the date of admission, unless permission is given by the Dean of the Graduate School;
b. Students must have a 3.0 (or “B”) average and no incomplete courses at the time of graduation;
c. Students may not receive more than two grades of less than “B-”.
Language Requirement: There is no University or CIS Department language requirement for the PHD degree.
Courses from Other Disciplines: There is no limit on the number of credits earned from other Temple departments. However, such courses must be approved by the Graduate Program Committee in consultation with the student’s Advisory Committee.