Doctor of Science in Computer Science
Program Description:
The Doctor of Science in Computer Science program recruits individuals from diverse settings and communities who seek to become effective technological innovators, who exhibit a foundational knowledge in computer science (e.g. Object Oriented Programming, data structures, analysis of algorithms, and discrete mathematics) and use this knowledge to ask questions and creatively think in order to determine the best uses of technological innovation in a variety of fields and apply technological methods to create systems that benefit and improve business and society.
The mission of the Doctor of Science in Computer Science program is to provide quality education grounded in theoretical and empirical research, in order to prepare students to assume positions as technological innovators in the professional workforce. The program provides an academically rigorous learning environment that encourages creative thought in technical and theoretical issues so that students have the ability to apply their educational foundation in a variety of real-life settings.
The mission of the Doctor of Science in Computer Science program is to provide a deep understanding and systemic ability to apply doctoral-level research and writing, discrete and statistical mathematics, economic and operations theory, technology and innovations management, simulation, modeling, algorithmic design, logic, programming constructs, and automata complexity theory to business and societal topics.
This doctorate program is broad in scope, preparing students in the application, research, analysis, and evaluation of past and emerging computer software design topics and applications.
Throughout the program, students engage in the research, inquiry, and application of computer software design related topics, with a special focus on the evaluation and identification of new possibilities for computer technology and algorithm-based applications. Students work individually and in the learning community setting through applied course projects, assignments, deep research, ideation, cross-disciplinary assignments, and online communications. Completion of the dissertation follows Aspen University’s mentorship model and produces a unique new piece of knowledge of societal value to the field of computer science.
Degree Requirements: 60 Credits, including doctoral residency requirements in RSH900 and RSH912
Program Learning Goals:
It is intended that graduates of the Aspen University Doctor of Science in Computer Science program will learn or be able to do the following:
- Computer Proficiency: Reflect on their own possibilities and current opportunities in the computer science field.
- Literature: Read and study a broad range of highly interdisciplinary literature.
- Research Skills: Acquire the skills necessary to research and more fully grasp the complexity of the computer science field.
- Knowledge: Draw on the knowledge and experience of both faculty and fellow cohort members.
- Critical Thinking: Develop a profound understanding of business, personal, and societal transformation opportunities as they relate to the computer sciences.
- Innovation: Articulate effective vision and describe possible new applications within the computer science field.
- Scholarly Writing: Practice scholarly writing expected in doctoral-level work.
- Computer Application: Apply computer science concepts and best practices.
- Technology: Understand and be able to leverage the computer sciences in an economic and operational context.
- Application: Produce unique research and application of computer science topics that advance the field.
Academic Schedule
Courses:
| RSH906 | Technology and Innovation Management | 3 |
| RSH900 | Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research | 3 |
| DCS901 | Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists | 3 |
| DCS902 | Concurrent and Distributed Systems | 3 |
| RSH901 | Techniques and Interpretation for Advanced Statistical Research | 3 |
| DCS903 | System Metrics & Risk Management | 3 |
| RSH910 | Research Design and Methodology | 3 |
| DCS904 | Modern Compiler Design | 3 |
| DCS905 | Simulation and Modeling | 3 |
| DCS906 | Automata Complexity Theory | 3 |
| RSH912 | Introduction to the Dissertation | 3 |
| DCS907 | Algorithm Design | 3 |
| DCS908 | Computer Ethics | 3 |
| DCS909 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| RSH916 | Problem-Based Research in Action | 3 |
| DIS995 | Dissertation I: Concept Paper and Doctoral Committee Selection | 3 |
| DIS996 | Dissertation II: Literature Review | 3 |
| DIS997 | Dissertation III: Methodology and Ethics | 3 |
| DIS998 | Dissertation IV: Research and Results | 3 |
| DIS999 | Dissertation V: Conclusion and Oral Defense | 3 |
Additional Information:
Students are expected to be competent Object Oriented Programming (OOP) developers who are comfortable using appropriate data structures, algorithm performance concepts, and discrete mathematic principles in their work. If a student can provide official transcripts proving that they have completed an OOP course in the last seven years or recent evidence or professional programming work using an OOP language, they will be allowed to start the program with RSH900. Without evidence of current skill programming using an OOP language and building upon computer science principles, students may be required to take a prerequisite course, DCS900 Logic & Programming Constructs, before beginning their doctoral program work.
All doctoral programs at Aspen University must be completed with 10 years of the initial date of enrollment.