Introduction

PhD in Software Engineering focuses on advancement of theory and practice in the area of Software Engineering and relevant computing domains. Software Engineering discipline is highly inter-disciplinary including application of mathematical, computer science, systems and software engineering concepts. PhD Software Engineering program thus focuses on producing well-educated researchers who can contribute by 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 creation 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 PhD (Software Engineering) program are:

• To equip scholars with necessary knowledge, relevant tools and techniques to make significant contribution in the field of study by conducting quality research independently or in collaboration.
• To prepare scholars to effectively disseminate result 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

PhD scholars who successfully complete their PhD 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, 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 the peers in the domain of Software Engineering and computing to integrate diverse perspectives.

Program Structure

The PhD program consists of 18 credit hours of course work and 36 credit hours of research work. Coursework should be completed in the first two semesters. After successful completion of coursework, a PhD scholar is required to appear in the comprehensive examination. After passing comprehensive examination PhD scholar can register in the research phase by registering THS 900 PhD Thesis course. The first milestone in 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 successful defense, the scholar needs to carry out his/her research and complete total 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 PhD programs refer to PhD Rules Handbook.

Semester wise breakdown of the program is as follows.

PhD Coursework

1. 1. A PhD scholar will select 6 courses in consultation and approval of supervisor/advisory committee from the following list of courses.
   2. Scholar can choose minimum of 3 courses from Category-1 courses and maximum of 3 courses from Category-2 courses. Scholar will also be able to take all 700+ courses from MS Software Engineering program as Category-1 courses.
   3. Relevant 700+ courses of MS/PhD programs in Computer Science, Data Science and Information Security will be inclusive in category-1 or 2 based on subject area. Supervisor/Advisory committee will decide about 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 equivalent course in MS program.

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