Skip to main content

Cybersecurity Ph.D. Degree Plan – Software Security

Download Cybersecurity Ph.D. Degree Flowchart (PDF)

Year One

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

COMPUT 601 – Introduction to Graduate Studies

CS 546 – Computer Security

CS 567 – Applied Cryptography or MATH 508 – Foundations of Cryptographic Computing and Cryptanalysis or take MATH 509 – Symmetric Key Cryptography and Cryptanalysis in the Spring semester. If taking MATH 509 in spring, take an additional elective this semester.

One elective course as approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors

Fall Tasks:

By the end of the semester, student will select an advisor and submit the Student and Advisor Agreement.

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring Semester:

CS 575 – Software Security
MATH 509  – Symmetric Key Cryptography and Cryptanalysis. Enroll in this course if CS 567 or Math 508 were not taken in the Fall semester. If either CS 567 or Math 508 were taken, enroll in an additional elective course.

One elective course as approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors

Spring Tasks:

There are no additional tasks for this semester

Year Two

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

Three elective courses as approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors. If an additional elective course was taken in a previous semester, then enroll in only two elective courses.

Fall Tasks:

Option to submit Pre-Registration form to complete Comput 691 – Comprehensive Exam. Once approved, submit a Presentation Notification Form.

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring semester:

Two elective courses as approved by the supervisory committee and Computing Program directors

Spring Tasks:

Final semester to complete the Comprehensive Exam.
If Comprehensive Exam was completed in the Fall semester, student may complete their Dissertation Proposal in the Spring semester. To schedule, submit a Presentation Notification Form. Then student will submit an Application for Admission to Candidacy once dissertation proposal is passed.

Year Three

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

COMPUT 693 – Dissertation

Fall Tasks:

Student will complete their dissertation proposal in the Fall semester. To schedule, submit a Presentation Notification Form. Then student will submit an Application for Admission to Candidacy once dissertation proposal is passed.

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring Semester:

COMPUT 693 – Dissertation

Spring Tasks:

There are no additional tasks for this semester

Year Four

Enroll in the following courses in the Fall semester:

COMPUT 693 – Dissertation

Fall Tasks:

There are no additional tasks for this semester

Enroll in the following courses in the Spring semester:

COMPUT 693 – Dissertation

Spring Tasks:

Student will complete their Dissertation Defense.
Graduation!