2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 18, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Computational Sciences, Ph.D.


The Philosophy Doctorate Program in Computational Sciences at Harrisburg University is a pioneering interdisciplinary program designed to advance research in science, math, engineering, and technology. Our mission is to cultivate deep expertise in the design and implementation of contemporary computing systems and their contingency research domains, enabling students to tackle complex technological challenges both critically and creatively. Our curriculum is rigorously structured to develop robust independent research skills, preparing scholars to meet future technological challenges and excel in scientific investigation and innovation. This includes a diverse range of course work, internal and inter-program colloquia, and workshops led by distinguished lecturers.

Mission Statement

The Computational Sciences Ph.D. is committed to making fundamental and impactful contributions to computational sciences and engineering. This commitment is manifested in our support for innovative thinking and entrepreneurship, aiming for significant impacts at both global and local levels. Collaborations with other Harrisburg University graduate programs, external research institutions, and industry partners enrich our research opportunities and provide expert guidance across various specialties. Furthermore, our program is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards and moral obligations in all research and professional practices. We prepare our students not only to enhance their quality of life but also to contribute effectively to society by applying advanced technology and engaging in collaborative problem-solving. Through these efforts, we strive to be at the forefront of shaping the future landscape of computational science and engineering, fostering a generation of leaders equipped to innovate and inspire.

Program Goals

The Ph.D. Computational Sciences Program will produce graduates who:

  • Perform independent, competitive scientific research;
  • Utilization of the scientific method;
  • Realize computational solutions to real-world problems;
  • Make contributions to the discipline through disseminated results;
  • Adhere to the ethical and moral obligations in all professional activities; and,
  • Promote quality of life through local and global computing systems.

*Work experience is a requirement for successful applied learning during the full course of your degree program. If you are an F1 student, eligible CPT authorizations are required. If you are unable to work, you must submit a Waiver of Required Work Experience to your program lead.

Computational Sciences Requirements


The following comprises the requirements for the Ph.D. in Computational Sciences. Requirements include a minimum of 36 semester hours and non-credit program requirements. When applicable, the semester hour value of each course appears in parentheses ( ). Additional information regarding Doctorate programs can be found in the Doctorate Guidebook.

Milestone 1


Complete 9 semester hours from the following doctoral Breadth courses:


Complete 6 semester hours from the following doctoral Depth courses:


(A list of potential Computational Science Areas of Study is provided below)

Complete 3 semester hours of Research Symposium:


Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training


CITI Training includes training modules on human subjects and ethical research. Harrisburg University requires that all research involving human subjects, including the use of secondary and primary data, be reviewed by the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure protection of the rights of human subjects.

Qualifying Exam


The student will demonstrate fundamental knowledge by successfully completing a Qualification Examination (QE).

Milestone 2


Complete 6 semester hours of Doctoral Research Seminar:


(specific to the area of research)

Milestone 3


Research Proposal Defense


The student will be required to have a Doctoral Dissertation Committee established.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval


The student will receive approval of research from Harrisburg University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Milestone 4


Complete 12 semester hours of Doctoral Dissertation:


Milestone 5


Dissertation Defense


Potential Computational Science Areas of Study


Research and development topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Contemporary Computing Systems
    • HPC
    • Optical
    • Quantum
  • Accelerated Computational Solutions
  • Knowledge Engineering
  • Next Great Scientific Theory
  • Automated Theorem Proving
  • Computer Vision & Image Processing
  • Digital Signal Processing