Doctor of Computer Science: Difference between revisions

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{{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> 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. inor Computera [[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==

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==Relationship to the Ph.D.==

Structurally, the Doctor of Computer Science differs from the PhD in that the DCS has, as noted above, a three-year duration, with only one year equivalent on the dissertation, while an American Ph.D. normally requires a minimum of four years, 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>

The Doctor of Computer Science and the Ph.D in Computer Science, although structured differently are equivalent degrees. Both doctorates are research doctorates representing the highest academic qualification in computer science in the United States. As such, both D.C.S. and Ph.D programs require students to develop original research leading to a dissertation defense. Furthermore, both doctorates enable holders to become faculty members at academic institutions. The D.C.S and Ph.D in Comptuer Science are terminal degrees, allowing the recipient to obtain a tenure-track position. Distinguishing features are that the DCS focuses on applied research, and the DCS program requires completion of a master level degere prior to entry into the program, while a master level degree is typically included in the longer Ph.D. 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.<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==