العربية PhD in Computing
The Ph.D. in Computing program at the University of Science and Technology (UST) is a premier research-intensive degree designed to advance knowledge and innovation in the dynamic field of computing. This program is administered by the Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology. It equips researchers with the expertise to address complex technological challenges and contribute to cutting-edge research in academia, industry, and beyond.
Originally the PhD in Computing offered from 2014 to 2017 as a coursework-and-thesis program, before being redesigned and relaunched in 2025 as a thesis -based program with enhanced research requirements, including the publication of two research articles. This restructuring aligns with global academic benchmarks and standards, and ensures graduates are competitive in both theoretical and applied computing disciplines.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computing program is developed to cultivate world-class researchers capable of advancing the frontiers of computing through original, high-impact research. In a rigorous research-centered environment, the program fosters critical thinking, deep technical proficiency, and scholarly excellence. Graduates will demonstrate leadership in academia, industry, and society while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.
- To develop students’ comprehensive and critical understanding of state-of-the-art theories, research frontiers, and emerging technologies in computing, and their ability to apply such knowledge in specialized contexts.
- To enable students to formulate, investigate, and solve complex research problems using rigorous scientific methods, advanced computational approaches, and innovative tools, leading to original contributions that expand the body of knowledge.
- To empower students to design, implement, and critically evaluate novel computing solutions that address significant interdisciplinary and societal challenges, and to disseminate their findings through high-quality publications.
- To foster students’ commitment to ethical research conduct, scholarly integrity, social responsibility, effective communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration across cultural and professional boundaries.
- To prepare students for lifelong learning, professional leadership, and active participation in the global research community.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Program, the graduates will be able to:
A1. Demonstrate a critical, comprehensive, and authoritative understanding of the state-of-the-art knowledge, emerging research trends, and unresolved challenges in computing, and identify opportunities to advance the frontier of knowledge in the field.
Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills:
Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Program, the graduates will be able to:
B1. Formulate, analyze, and investigate complex, original research problems using advanced computing theories, methodologies, and emerging technologies, and develop innovative solutions that extend or redefine existing knowledge.
Practical and Professional Skills:
Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Program, the graduates will be able to:
C1. Design, implement, and rigorously evaluate novel computing-based systems, models, or frameworks that address significant research challenges and demonstrate originality and innovation.
C2. Conduct high-quality, ethical research, and effectively present, defend, and publish findings in peer-reviewed and indexed international journals or equivalent scholarly venues.
General and Transferable Skills:
Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Program, the graduates will be able to:
D1. Communicate complex research concepts, results, and implications effectively to expert and non-expert audiences across diverse academic, industrial, and societal contexts.
D2. Demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and adherence to legal, ethical, and social responsibilities in computing practice and research.
D3. Engage in lifelong learning and collaborative, interdisciplinary research to address emerging challenges in computing and related fields.
Upon completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computing, the graduate will have the following attributes:
- Independent Researcher: Conducts original and independent research that contributes new knowledge in computing.
- Critical Analyst: Critically analyzes complex problems using advanced theoretical and practical tools.
- Effective Communicator: Communicates complex ideas clearly to academic, technical, and non-technical audiences.
- Research & Innovation Leader: Demonstrates leadership in research, innovation, and development in academic and industry settings.
- Ethical Professional: Applies ethical principles and professional standards in computing research and practice.
- Scholarly Contributor: Engages in academic discourse and contributes to the advancement of computing knowledge.
- Academic Mentor: Possesses teaching and mentoring skills suitable for higher education.
- Interdisciplinary Innovator: Applies computing innovatively to solve interdisciplinary challenges.
- Global Team Player: Collaborates effectively in diverse teams at local and international levels.
- Tech-forward Adaptor: Adapts to emerging technologies and leads forward-thinking computing solutions.
Graduation Requirements for the PhD Program in Computing
Attendance and Presentation of Seminars
- The student/researcher must attend at least five seminars or academic discussions as specified by the program.
- The student is required to present their research progress or findings through a series of seminars. These presentations help assess the development of the research and guide its future direction.
- The student must deliver seminars on research progress and participate in thesis discussion seminars and academic workshops. Four seminars are scheduled throughout the program, with one to be presented every six months.
Publication of Two Research Papers:
- The student/researcher must publish two peer-reviewed research papers.
- At least one of these publications must appear in the university journal or in an indexed journal listed in databases such as Scopus or Web of Science.
PhD Thesis Preparation:
- The student/researcher is required to prepare a scientific thesis that demonstrates originality and contributes new knowledge to the field.
- The thesis must be submitted for final defense after fulfilling all prior requirements.
- English Language Proficiency: The student must obtain a certificate of English language proficiency issued by the university’s English Language Center or by providing a Toefl/IELTS certificate.
- Seminars and discussion groups: It is essential that the student/researcher present seminars on the progress of his/her research work and participate in thesis discussion seminars and academic workshops.
- Ongoing Evaluation: The student must receive continuous evaluation from their academic supervisor. Periodic reports detailing research progress must be submitted regularly.
- Delivery of Academic Lectures: The student/researcher is required to deliver at least two academic lectures per semester to undergraduate or master’s students. These lectures aim to enhance the student’s communication, presentation, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
- Supervisor’s Approval of the Thesis: The thesis may only be submitted for defense after the primary supervisor formally approves it, based on their assessment and feedback.
- Review by Academic Examiners
- Following the supervisor’s approval, the thesis is sent to independent academic reviewers.
- Each examiner provides a detailed report evaluating the thesis ’s quality, methodology, scientific content, findings, originality, and writing structure.
Public Defense
- Upon satisfying all previous requirements, a defense committee is appointed.
- The student must defend the thesis publicly before a panel of academic supervisors and field experts.
Completion of 45 Credit Hours
The student must complete a total of 45 credit hours, which include credits earned through seminar presentation, research publication, and thesis preparation.
The program focuses on high-impact domains in computing, including but not limited to:
- Algorithms and Computational Theory
- Programming Languages and Software Development
- Computer Systems and Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cybersecurity and Cryptography
- Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Software Engineering and Systems Design
- Computer Networks and Internet of Things (IoT)
- Information Systems and Technology Management
- Computer Graphics and Computer Vision
The Potential Career Pathways for the Graduate are:
- University Professor
- Research Scientist
- R&D Specialist
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Systems Architect
- Data Scientist
- Innovation Consultant