Program Mission Statement

Equip students with up-to-date knowledge of computer science and engineering, as well as the methods, tools, and technologies needed to explore this rapidly evolving field.

 

Program Overview

The mission of the PhD Computer Science and Engineering Program is to advance knowledge and innovation in computer science and engineering through cutting-edge research and education, producing globally competitive graduates who are experts in their specialization, and contributing to Qatar's knowledge-based economy through research and collaboration with industry and academic partners worldwide.

 

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

  • Develop a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of computer science and engineering through rigorous research in a chosen specialization, contributing to new knowledge and innovative solutions in the field.
  • Pursue intellectual development and lifelong learning through continuous education, professional development, and research in the field of computer science and engineering.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills by presenting research findings at international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications, and effectively communicating complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership and collaboration skills by participating in multidisciplinary research teams involving international collaborations and supervising research projects and junior researchers.
  • Conduct research with a high degree of professional ethics, recognizing and addressing ethical considerations in their work, and contributing to society through their research.

Language

English

Program Duration

3.5 Years

Certification

Doctorate

Program Structure

The curriculum of the PhD in Computer Science and Engineering includes a course work component as well as a thesis research component.

The course work includes the following:

  • 3 Core Courses: Core courses provide a coherent learning environment to tackle issues in Computer Science and Engineering for students with diverse backgrounds.
  • 3 Elective Courses: These courses, covering engineering and science fundamentals plus a variety of Computer Science and Engineering electives, provide students with a solid base to fully understand different aspects of Computer Science and Engineering and the interrelations between them.

The research component consists of:

  • 2 Semesters minimum of Graduate Research Seminars
  • Minimum of 42 credit research dissertations under the supervision of an adviser and a Ph.D. dissertation committee.

Curriculum Overview

This program comprises a minimum of 60 credits taught in English and requires a master’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; it can be completed typically in three to four years

Two core courses provide students coming from diverse backgrounds with a coherent learning environment that enables them to tackle complex issues in computer science and engineering.

The core courses are:

  • Research Methods and Ethics in ICT
  • Applied Data Analytics
  • One of the following two courses is required to complete the three-core course requirement, depending on whether the student is interested in a hardware or software research area:
  • Principles of Computer System Design
  • Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures

Three elective courses

Three elective courses covering some engineering and science fundamentals plus a variety of computer science and engineering electives, which provide students with a solid base to fully understand different aspects of computer science and engineering and the interrelations between them

Two semesters of graduate research seminars

A research thesis with a minimum of 42-credits under the supervision of an adviser and a PhD dissertation committee

PhD students should additionally

  • Pass a qualifying examination in their third semester
  • Successfully defend their thesis proposal to the committee
  • Pass a candidacy examination in their fifth semester
  • Successfully complete a PhD dissertation

Course Categories

  • Core courses: 9 credits — ICT 601 (Research Methods and Ethics, 3) + ICT 705 (Applied Data Analytics, 3) + CSEG 710 or CSEG 780 (3)
  • Electives: 9 credits — Elective 1, 2, 3 (3 credits each)
  • Dissertation: 42 credits — ICT 890 across five semesters (9+9+9+9+6)
  • Seminars: 0 credits — ICT 701 (taken twice, non-credit)
Study Plan

Number of Career Pathways

1

Pathway Title

PhD Computer Science and Engineering

Academic Requirements

Applicants seeking admissions to the College of Science and Engineering graduate programs at HBKU should have a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized university. Applicants to the master’s programs should have a bachelor’s degree, while applicants to the PhD programs should have a master’s degree. Applicants should check the program they are applying for in order to make sure that they have majored in one of the disciplines mentioned under “required field of study.”

English Language Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a valid IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79 to demonstrate their proficiency in English. Further details about the language proficiency requirement and the process to seek exemption (where this is an option) are available from CSE Admissions.

Standardized Tests (if applicable)

GRE or GMAT test score (Optional)

Required Documents

https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cse/admission-requirements?tabid=admissions_requirements

Student Funding Information

https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/scholarship

Program Coordinator Name

Dr. Bo Wang

Coordinator Email

bwang@hbku.edu.qa