Doctor of Computer Science: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:58, 21 April 2017

Latest revision as of 07:46, 4 August 2024

(45 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)

Line 1:

{{Short description|none}}

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.<ref name=CollegeAtlas>{{cite web|url=https://www.collegeatlas.org/computer-science.html|title= Types of Computer Science Degrees|publisher=CollegeAtlas.org|at=Doctor of Computer Science|date=2017-02-09|accessdate=2017-04-18}}</ref> ItWhile 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. or a [[Doctor of Science]] (D.Sc. or Sc.D) in computer science.<ref name=CollegeAtlas/><ref name=SED2015>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17306/technotes.cfm|title=Technical Notes|work=Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2015|publisher=National Science Foundation|date=December 2016|accessdate=2017-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607153226/https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17306/technotes.cfm|archive-date=7 June 2017}}</ref><ref name=SED2015list>{{cite web|url=https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17306/data/taba1.pdf|title=Types of research doctoral degrees recognized by the Survey of Earned Doctorates: 2014|date=December 2015|publisher=[[National Science Foundation]]|accessdate= 2017-04-20}}</ref>

==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.<ref name=CollegeAtlas/> 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.<ref name=AppDoc>{{cite web|url=http://www.coloradotech.edu/resources/white-papers/september-2014/doctorate-guide|title= Ph.D. or Applied Doctorate - Not all Doctoral Degrees are a Ph.D.|date=2014-09-23|accessdate=2017-04-19|publisher=[[Colorado Technical University]]}}</ref> The DCS is normally completed in three years, 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.<ref name=DCS>{{cite web|url=http://coloradotech.smartcatalogiq.com/2016/Catalog/Degree-Programs/Doctoral/Doctor-of-Computer-Science|title=Doctor of Computer Science|work=Smart Catalog|publisher=[[Colorado Technical University]]|accessdate=2017-04-18}}</ref>

==Relationship betweento DCS andthe Ph.D.==

TheStructurally, the Doctor of Computer Science isdiffers not recognized byfrom the [[NationalPhD Sciencein Foundation]] orthat the [[U.S.DCS Department of Education]]has, as anoted research doctorate equivalent toabove, a Ph.D in Computer Science<ref name="ed.gov"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2016/nsf16300/technotes.cfm|title=Technical Notes|work= Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2014 |date=December 2015|publisher=[[National Science Foundation]]|accessdate=18 April 2017}}</ref> In contrast to the three -year duration of the DCS, with only one year equivalent on the dissertation,<ref name=DCS/> while an American Ph.D. normally requires a minimum of fivefour years (often longer), with at least three years spent on the dissertation.<ref name=DCS/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/11/25/analysis-says-humanities-phds-get-take-longer-coursework-dissertations|work=[[Inside Higher Ed]]|date=2014-11-25|title=Where the Time Goes|author=Colleen Flaherty}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/VisGlossaryPopup.aspx?idlink=941|title=Doctor's degree-research/scholarship|work=Glossary|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|accessdate=2017-04-23}}</ref> 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."<ref name=SED2015/> Under this definition, the

DCS, which (as noted above) is intended for professionals in the field of computer science,<ref name=AppDoc/> is not recognized by the National Science Foundation as a research doctorate equivalent to a Ph.D. in Computer Science.<ref name=SED2015list/>

==References==