PhD in Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Science at UNB Fredericton is a research-based doctoral program built primarily around independent original research intended to make a significant contribution to a field of computer science. Beyond the master's degree, students complete a minimum of three approved graduate courses, or nine credit hours, of which no more than two may come from their own supervisor and one may be a directed studies course. Students must pass a PhD proposal or area examination within 20 months of starting the program. An advisory committee, consisting of the supervisor or supervisors plus two additional faculty members with at least one from computer science, assesses each student's background in core areas such as algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages, and software engineering, and can require further coursework or a comprehensive examination where gaps are identified. The program can be completed within three years, though a seven-year overall time limit applies. Full-time residency is normally required, with part-time study possible under specific conditions and employer approval. The program suits candidates with a strong computer science background seeking to conduct original research under faculty supervision at UNB's Fredericton campus.