Protected: Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

Protected: Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

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DCS Program Learning Outcomes

DCS Program Learning Outcomes

The program will enable students to explore the evolution of knowledge within a chosen computer science discipline to address pressing real-world technical challenges. Students can engage in ethical research and scholarly writing that contributes to advancements in the field, driving innovation and practical solutions in diverse and dynamic environments. The program focuses on cultivating analytical and critical thinking skills to effectively apply computer science principles and models in problem-solving. Graduates of this program will be prepared to demonstrate deep expertise in specialized concentrations, showcasing proficiency and leadership in advancing the forefront of computer science.

The Doctor of Computer Science program encourages students to achieve the following educational objectives:

1
Assess the evolution of knowledge within the chosen computer science discipline in addressing a real-world technical problem.
2
Contribute to the body of knowledge within the computer science discipline through ethical research, scholarly writing, dissemination of research and real-world innovations in evolving, diverse environments.
3
Develop analytical and critical thinking proficiencies that clearly articulate applying computer science principles and models in solving real-world technical problems.
4
Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
5
Demonstrate deep knowledge and expertise in one or more specialized concentrations within computer science.

Program Requirements

  • Admissions Requirements

    For acceptance into the Doctor of Computer Science degree program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

    An applicant with a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or comparable recognized institution outside of the United States in the field of information technology, engineering, computer science, or related fields (i.e., Electrical or Electronics Engineering) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

    Graduate Writing Assessment
    After acceptance into a Doctoral program at Westcliff University, each student will take a writing specific placement test. Based on the results of the placement test, students will either move directly into their first program course or will be enrolled in the EDU 701 writing support course that will be taken in tandem with the first program course. This course is focused on helping students develop the academic writing skills necessary to excel in their coursework at the graduate level.

  • Graduation Requirements

    Students must complete fifty-six (56) prescribed credit hours with a program GPA (PGPA) of 3.0 or higher to graduate, including the successful defense of their dissertation or doctoral capstone project. Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Doctor of Computer Science degree.

  • Practical Learning Experience Requirements

    Westcliff University has integrated Practical Learning Experience (PLE) as a graduation requirement for the Doctor of Computer Science. This graduation requirement is satisfied by completing eight (8) credit-bearing internship courses that are assessed on a Credit/No Credit basis. Students are encouraged to complete as many PLEs as their schedules permit in pursuit of the completion of their program(s). To this end, Westcliff University students may require a start date up to 30 days prior to the start of classes to meet the onboarding requirements of the professional workplace where the PLE will be conducted. Students wishing to meet this graduation requirement in this manner must notify the university in advance.

Program Information

  • Required Courses

    Doctor of Computer Science - Applied Program Requirements - 56 credit hours total

    Core Classes - 12 credit hours

    DCS 800 Data Structures & Algorithms Design 3 credit hours
    ITM 800 Modern Operating Systems 3 credit hours
    MIS 850 Big Data Analytics and Visualization 3 credit hours
    ITM 810 Networking Management 3 credit hours

     
    Research and Dissertation/Capstone Project Classes - 18 credit hours

    RES 890 Computer Science Research Methods 3 credit hours
    RES 891 Pre-Dissertation/Capstone Research Project 3 credit hours
    RES 892 Dissertation/Capstone Research and Seminar I 3 credit hours
    RES 893 Dissertation/Capstone Research and Seminar II 3 credit hours
    RES 894 Dissertation/Capstone Research and Seminar III 3 credit hours
    RES 895 Dissertation/Capstone Research and Seminar IV 3 credit hours

     

    Practical Learning Internship Classes - 8 credit hours

    INT 701 Internship I 3 credit hours
    INT 702 Internship II 3 credit hours
    INT 703 Internship III 3 credit hours
    INT 704 Internship IV 3 credit hours
    INT 705 Internship V 3 credit hours
    INT 706 Internship VI 3 credit hours
    INT 707 Internship VII 3 credit hours
    INT 708 Internship VIII 3 credit hours

     

    Doctor of Computer Science - Areas of Concentration - 18 credit hours
    In addition to the core requirements, students choose a concentration within the applied Doctor of Computer Science program.

    Business Information Systems and Operations Management

    MIS 800 Management Information Systems and Technology 3 credit hours
    CYB 802 Cyber Operations and Monitoring 3 credit hours
    CYB 804 Compliance and Assessment 3 credit hours
    TEM 830 Strategic Technology Management 3 credit hours
    DATA 800 Principles of Data Management 3 credit hours
    OPM 800 Operations Management 3 credit hours

     

    Information Technology

    CLD 801 Virtualization and Storage 3 credit hours
    CYB 801 Software and Systems Security 3 credit hours
    PRG 804 Software Testing and Quality Assurance 3 credit hours
    CLD 804 Strategic Cloud 3 credit hours
    DATA 810 DataBase Design and Management 3 credit hours
    DEV 830 Web Programming I 3 credit hours

     

    Trends in Computing

    AVR 804 3 credit hours
    CLD 802 AWS and Azure Cloud Computing 3 credit hours
    CYB 803 Digital Forensics and Incident Response 3 credit hours
    EMT 800 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 3 credit hours
    DATA 840 Cloud Data Visualization 3 credit hours
    EMT 810 MetaVerse 3 credit hours

     

  • Program Concentrations

    Doctor of Computer Science Areas of Concentration

    Business Information Systems and Operations Management - The Doctor of Computer Science with the concentration in Business Information Systems and Operations Management is designed to prepare students to address and formulate strategic technology and operations systems to increase business efficiency. Students will have in-depth knowledge of data management principles, cyber operations and monitoring, and compliance and assessment.

    Information Technology - The Doctor of Computer Science with the concentration in Information Technology focuses on preparing students to solve practical problems using a combination of database design, visualization and storage, and software management. This concentration emphasizes the practical application of advanced IT knowledge and strategic problem-solving. Students will study innovative information technology approaches and develop key business strategies.

    Trends in Computing - The Doctor of Computer Science with the concentration in Trends in Computing prepares students with advanced, research-based knowledge in the computing field. This specialized program equips students with expertise in emerging technologies and practical applications to tackle real-world challenges and lead innovation in the field. Become a master of cloud architecture, deployment, and management on leading platforms and gain skills to investigate cyber incidents and secure digital infrastructures.

  • Course Catalog and Student Handbook
    Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Scholarship Application

    As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

    Apply Now
  • Scholarship Application Deadlines

    2023-2024 Academic Year Calendar

    Semester Session Scholarship Deadline Start Date End Date
    FALL Session 1 07/07/23 Start: 8/28/23 End: 10/22/23
      Session 2   Start: 10/23/23 End: 12/17/23
    SPRING Session 3 11/17/23 Start: 01/08/24 End: 03/04/24
      Session 4   Start: 03/05/24 End: 04/28/24
    SUMMER Session 5 03/16/24 Start: 05/06/24 End: 06/30/24
      Session 6   Start: 07/01/24 End: 08/25/24

     

Program Requirements