授予博士学位的目的是承认候选人的最高学术能力，并证明其能够独立进行和报告计算机科学与工程学的重大研究。要取得这一成就，不仅需要在规定的居住时间内积累课程学分。学术能力是通过对所选学科的高级系统研究和调查来实现的。主要教授和至少两名委员会成员将来自计算机科学和工程系。研究能力是在学习过程中发展的，并且是通过完成重大而独立的研究来实现的。该研究的结果必须以书面论文形式正式提出，并在审查委员会之前得到成功辩护。论文必须证明研究的意义以及候选人以专业的方式组织和展示其结果的能力。
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of a candidates highest level of scholarly competence and demonstrated capability to independently conduct and report significant research in computer science and engineering. This achievement requires more than an accumulation of course credits over a stated period of residence. Scholarly competence is achieved through systematic study and investigation in the chosen discipline at an advanced level. The major professor and at least two committee members will be from the Computer Science and Engineering department. Research capability is developed during the course of study and is achieved through the completion of significant and independent research. The results of this research must be formally presented in a written dissertation and successfully defended before an examining committee. The dissertation must demonstrate the significance of the research as well as the candidates ability to organize and present her/his results in a professional manner.