PhD in Computer Science

A- Knowledge and Comprehension

1- Demonstrate a mastery in applying theories, methodologies, and knowledge, to address research questions.

2- Demonstrate ability to carry out independent and original research.

3- 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

1- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in teaching and conducting research.

2- 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.

3- Demonstrate teamwork and managerial skills needed for working within research groups.

D- General Skills

1- Follow the principles of ethics in academia and society.

2- 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:

1. 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.
2. The applicant must have a score of at least (5.5) in the IELTS test or its equivalent (TOFEL iBT, TOFEL PBT, STEP).
3. The applicant must have a score of no less than (144) 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.
4. The applicant must have a score of at least (65) in the General Aptitude Test for Undergraduates.

First Year – First Semester

CSC610 – Advanced Algorithms & Complexity – 3 Credit Hours
Elective (List A) – Core Specialization – 3 Credit Hours
Elective (List A) – Core Specialization – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

Elective (List A) – Core Specialization – 3 Credit Hours
Elective (List B) – Advanced Topic – 3 Credit Hours
Elective (List B) – Advanced Topic – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

Elective (List B) – Advanced Topic – 3 Credit Hours
Elective (List B) – Advanced Topic – 3 Credit Hours
CSC696 – Independent Research Study 1 – 2 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

CSC697 – Independent Research Study 2 – 2 Credit Hours
CSC670 – Computer Science Seminar – 1 Credit Hour

Third Year – First Semester

COM700 – Comprehensive Exam – 0 Credit Hours

Third Year – Second Semester

CSC699 – Thesis Proposal Preparation – 1 Credit Hour

Fourth Year – Full Year

CSC700 – PhD Dissertation – 12 Credit Hours

Notes on Electives :

List A (Core Specializations) – Choose from:

• Advanced Networking & Security

• Advanced Software Systems

• Advanced Artificial Intelligence

• Advanced Data Science & Management

List B (Advanced Topics) – Choose from:

• Deep Learning

• Machine Learning

• Natural Language Processing

• Intelligent Robotics

• Human-Computer Interaction

• Big Data Analytics