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Department of Computer Science

Ph.D. Program

Requirements for the Ph.D. Program

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, or a Bachelor’s degree and the equivalence of the courses in Data Structures (CCOM3034) and Algorithms Design and Analysis (CCOM5050).
    • Students without the skills provided by the Algorithms course can complete that requirement during their first semester.
  • A minimum general grade point average of 3.50 (on a scale of 0-4).
  • Adequate knowledge of both written and spoken Spanish and English.

Documents Required for the Admission Application

  • Application for Admission to Graduate Studies through https://solicitud.upr.edu/
  • Two official copies of the most recent transcript of all academic degrees.
  • A minimum of two letters of recommendation, preferably three, from professors or employers. It is recommended that at least one of the letters be from a professor or supervisor familiar with recent academic or professional achievements and establish the applicant’s ability to complete the desired degree.
  • Statement of purpose: Essay expressing the applicant’s goals, interests, and ability to pursue graduate studies in Computer Science. The essay should contain details of the academic background and achievements and should not exceed two pages.
  • Curriculum Vitae that includes academic and professional experience, publications, creations or products, presentations, and distinctions. It is recommended that it does not exceed 4 pages.
  • Participate in an interview, if required by the Graduate Affairs Committee.

Curriculum – 54 Credits

  • Required Courses (click on link for syllabus)

  • Pass a Qualifying Exam before continuing to dissertation work
  • Computer Science Electives
    • 27 credits in CCOM or related courses ; 21 at the 8000 level, 6 at the 6000 level
  • Free Electives
    • 9 credits free electives at the 6000 level or above

Curricular Sequence

Recommended curricular sequence for Full-time students – 54 credits

First Year First Semester First Year Second Semester
CCOM 6029 High Level Languages 3 crd CCOM 6050 Algorithms 3 crd
CCOM 6XXX Systems course* 3 crd CCOM elective course** 3 crd
CCOM elective course** 3 crd Free elective** 3 crd
Second Year First Semester Second Year Second Semester
CCOM 6035 Development of Applications with Social Impact 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
Free elective** 3 crd Free elective** 3 crd
Third Year First Semester Third Year Second Semester
CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
CCOM 8996 Doctoral Dissertation 3 crd CCOM 8996 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 3 crd
Fourth Year First Semester Fourth Year Second Semester
CCOM 8997 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 0 crd CCOM 8997 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 0 crd

* some options are Operating Systems, Databases, Networking, Cyber Security and Computer Architecture

** 6000 level or above

Curriculum (for students with a Master’s Degree in CS) – 30 credits

  • Required Courses
    • 6 credits for dissertation
  • Pass a Qualifying Exam before continuing dissertation work
  • Computer Science Electives
    • 18 credits in CCOM at the 8000 level
  • Free electives
    • 6 credits of free electives at the 6000 level or above

Curricular Sequence

Option for students with a Master’s Degree in Computer Science – 30 credits

First Year First Semester First Year Second Semester
CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
Free elective** 3 crd Free elective** 3 crd
Second Year First Semester Second Year Second Semester
CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd CCOM 8XXX elective course 3 crd
CCOM 8996 Doctoral Dissertation 3 crd CCOM 8996 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 3 crd
Third Year First Semester Third Year Second Semester
CCOM 8997 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 0 crd CCOM 8997 Doctoral Dissertation Continuation 0 crd

** 6000 level or above

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the program online?
    • No, the program is face-to-face, but we intend to offer some hybrid and some online courses, but it will vary from semester to semester.
  • Is it a nightly program?
    • No, but we intend to offer some of the courses late in the afternoon so working students can take advantage of it.
  • I do not have the Algorithm Design and Analysis (CCOM5050) requirement but I do have the Data Structure (CCOM3034) requirement. What I can do?
    • In that case we can accept you on the condition that you take CCOM5050 in your first semester.
  • I do not have the Data Structure (CCOM3034) requirement nor the Algorithm Design and Analysis (CCOM5050) requirement. What I can do?
    • In that case, you can take a placement exam that we are preparing and will be offering in mid-April. The exam will consist of three parts, the first test a level equivalent to the course Introduction to Computer Science (CCOM3030), the second test a level equivalent to the course Introduction to Programming (CCOM3033) and the third test a level equivalent to the course Structure Data (CCOM3034). If you pass the three parts we can accept you on the condition that you take CCOM5050 in your first semester.
  • What are the costs?
  • Is there any financial aid?

 

More Information

Here is a link to the graduate proposal so you can get familiarized with the structure of the programs: Graduate proposal.

Stay tuned to this page and our social networks – https://www.facebook.com/ccom.uprrp!

Follow the link, Certificaciones Junta Instituciones Post secundarias, to see the certifications of approval.

For help or questions please contact: ccom-graduate-news@upr.edu

Here is a link to a presentation which includes more information about our professors and their research.

Graduate Program Coordinator
Ivelisse Rubio ivelisse.rubio@upr.edu

Graduate Committee
Marie Lluberes marie.lluberes@upr.edu
Edusmildo Orozco edusmildo.orozco1@upr.edu
Humberto Ortiz humberto.ortiz@upr.edu
Rafael Arce Nazario rafael.arce@upr.edu