Introduction

Ph.D. in Software Engineering focuses on the advancement of theory and practice in the area of Software Engineering and relevant computing domains. The Software Engineering discipline is highly interdisciplinary including the application of mathematical, computer science, systems, and software engineering concepts. Ph.D. Software Engineering program thus focuses on producing well-educated researchers who can contribute by the creation of new knowledge and propose solutions to challenges faced by the practitioners and researchers of the discipline.

Program Mission

To enhance the theory and practice in the domain of Software Engineering by creating of new knowledge and highly qualified academicians and fostering innovation in the core areas of Software Engineering and applied computing disciplines.

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of Ph.D. (Software Engineering) program are:

• To equip scholars with the necessary knowledge, relevant tools, and techniques to make a significant contribution to the field of study by conducting quality research independently or in collaboration.
• To prepare scholars to effectively disseminate results in the form of written and oral presentation
• To produce skilled professionals who can take up the challenges associated with the advancement of science and technology in industry or in academia.

Program Learning Outcomes

Ph.D. scholars who successfully complete their Ph.D. in Software Engineering will be able to:

PLO 1: Synthesize content knowledge, concepts, and principles grounded in the domain of Software Engineering and relevant allied disciplines (Engineering, Mathematics, and Computing).

PLO 2:  Design and conduct research that is grounded in theory, and practice and further extends the existing research in the field.

PLO 3:  Conduct research that positively impacts the domain and society.

PLO 4:  Communicate effectively both in oral and written formats to a diverse audience.

PLO 5:  Collaborate with peers in the domain of Software Engineering and computing to integrate diverse perspectives.

Program Structure

The Ph.D. program consists of 18 credit hours of coursework and 36 credit hours of research work. Coursework should be completed in the first two semesters. After successful completion of coursework, a Ph.D. scholar is required to appear in the comprehensive examination. After passing the comprehensive examination Ph.D. scholar can register in the research phase by registering for THS 900 Ph.D. Thesis course. The first milestone in the research phase is to prepare and submit a research proposal under the guidance of a supervisor. The scholar appears before a panel of examiners to defend the research proposal. After a successful defense, the scholar needs to carry out his/her research and complete a total of 36 credits of research. The scholar will present the research finding in the form of a written thesis, which shall be evaluated as per HEC and BU rules. For further details about rules governing Ph.D. programs refer to Ph.D. Rules Handbook.

Semester wise breakdown of the program is as follows.

Ph.D. Coursework

1. 1. A Ph.D. scholar will select 6 courses in consultation and approval of the supervisor/advisory committee from the following list of courses.
   2. Scholars can choose a minimum of 3 courses from Category-1 courses and a maximum of 3 courses from Category-2 courses. Scholars will also be able to take all 700+ courses from the MS Software Engineering program as Category-1 courses.
   3. Relevant 700+ courses of MS/Ph.D. programs in Computer Science, Data Science, and Information Security will be included in category-1 or 2 based on the subject area. The supervisor/Advisory committee will decide on the relevance of such courses for each scholar.

It is mandatory to study ESC 701 Research Methodology if the scholar has not studied this or an equivalent course in the MS program.

*It is mandatory to study ESC 701 Research Methodology if the scholar has not studied this or an equivalent course in the MS program.