For students interested in the Ph.D program, it requires a a master's degree or successful completion of a minimum of one academic year of graduate study, from an institution of recognized standing in an area related to the proposed doctoral study. All applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination scores for the general test. Student will take a written qualifying examination soon after gaining admission to the program. Additional examinations, as described in the general Graduate School requirements, are given throughout the program, culminating with the defense of the dissertation. There is no language requirement for the Ph.D. The program typically includes at least one academic year of course work and one year of research beyond the master's level. The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 66 semester credit hours of course work beyond the bachelor's level, including 18 hours of research and dissertation.<br><br>Graduate study in computer science and software engineering provides students with opportunities to further their education through advanced courses in their areas of interest, and to exercise and sharpen skills developed during their undergraduate education. The graduate curriculum is directed toward creative research with the CSSE faculty members.