Doctor of Computer Science
The degree of Doctor of Computer Science (DCS, DCompSci, DSc.Comp, D.C.Sc.) is an applied research doctorate in computer science awarded on the basis of advanced study and research in the field of computer science.[1] While it is considered a terminal degree and requires coursework and research beyond the masters' level, the DCS is not considered equivalent to a Ph.D. in Computer Science.[1][2][3]
Structure
Typical entry requirements include master's degrees in computer science or a related field. The degree is intended for those who will make meaningful contributions to either the theory or practice of computing and as such involves both research and taught courses beyond master's degree level.[1] Applied doctorates such as the DCS are aimed at practitioners with professional careers in the field rather than at those aiming for research careers in academia.[4] The DCS is may completed in three years (less than 20% of candidates complete it in this timeframe) with a split of approximately two years of coursework and one year equivalent (36 credits out of a total of 96) spent on the dissertation.[5]
Relationship to the Ph.D.
Structurally the Doctor of Computer Science differs from the PhD in that the DCS has, as noted above, a minimum three year duration (although less than 20% of candidates complete the program within 4.5 years or less, with the majority requiring extensions for dissertation completion). While dissertation focused classes are one year in duraction, every course in the curriculum includes required work towards a dissertation. An American Ph.D. normally requires a minimum of five years (often longer), with at least three years spent on the dissertation.[5][6] However, the typical Ph.D. program includes the achievement of a masters level degree, whicle the DCS requires the completion of a masters level degree prior to admission to the program.
There are two active definitions of what comprises a research doctorate or similar in the U.S. The National Center for Education Statistics defines a Doctor's degree-research/scholarship as "A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement." The awarding institution defines which degrees meet this description themselves.[7] The National Science Foundation defines a research doctorate as "a doctoral degree that (1) requires completion of an original intellectual contribution in the form of a dissertation or an equivalent culminating project (e.g., musical composition) and (2) is not primarily intended as a degree for the practice of a profession."[2] Under this definition, the DCS, which (as noted above) is intended for professionals in the field of computer science,[4] is recognized by the National Science Foundation as a research doctorate equivalent to a Ph.D in Computer Science.[3] as it requires a contribution in the form of a dissertation.
References
- ^ a b c "Types of Computer Science Degrees". CollegeAtlas.org. 2017-02-09. Doctor of Computer Science. Retrieved 2017-04-18.
- ^ a b "Technical Notes". Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2015. National Science Foundation. December 2016. Retrieved 2017-04-23.
- ^ a b "Types of research doctoral degrees recognized by the Survey of Earned Doctorates: 2014" (PDF). National Science Foundation. December 2015. Retrieved 2017-04-20.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ a b "Ph.D. or Applied Doctorate - Not all Doctoral Degrees are a Ph.D." Colorado Technical University. 2014-09-23. Retrieved 2017-04-19.
- ^ a b "Doctor of Computer Science". Smart Catalog. Colorado Technical University. Retrieved 2017-04-18.
- ^ Colleen Flaherty (2014-11-25). "Where the Time Goes". Inside Higher Ed.
- ^ "Doctor's degree-research/scholarship". Glossary. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved 2017-04-23.