A student can be admitted as a regular degree student if the student satisfies the following conditions:

1. The student holds a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in any of the branches of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), homeland security, or closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing. Depending on the PhD track, program candidates may be required to the complete prerequisite courses in STEM and/or homeland security policy. A student who is admitted without a master's degree may earn that degree as a part of the Ph.D. studies.
2. The student has at least a 3.3 grade point average (on a scale of 4.0) in the bachelor or master degree program attempted. Graduate students in the University's Homeland Defense Certificate program must complete the certificate with a 3.3 GPA or better prior to starting Security PhD studies.
3. U.S. resident applicants that have not graduated from a program of recognized standing, must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a mimimum score of 148 (new grading scale) on the quantitative portion.
4. International applicants must follow the international applicant requirements located on the 'How to Apply' page to include the GRE and proof of English proficiency either via the TOEFL examination with a minimum score of 80 (internet based), or IELTS with a minimum of 6; or have been enrolled in an accredited U.S. university for at least one year and have performed satisfactorily; or complete an English as a Second Language program through level 5 or level 112 (depending on the program).

Provisional Degree Students

A student who does not meet requirements for admission as a regular student may be admitted as a provisional student upon recommendation of the Ph.D. in Engineering - Security Committee. Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their academic background and experiences. With the concurrence of the chair(s) of Ph.D. Governance Committee, the Ph.D. in Engineering - Security Committee may admit provisional students for a probationary period. After completing nine semester hours of courses, the provisional student will be considered for regular admission. If admission is denied at this time, the student will be dismissed from the program. Recommendation for change from provisional status to regular degree status will be based on grades received in all courses taken during provisional status. Credit earned while in provisional status will count towards the Ph.D. if and when the student moves from provisional to regular status.

For application information: How To Apply

For additional information, please contact the Computer Science Department.