Doctor of Computer Science Program - Westcliff University College of Technology and Engineering

Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

Program Description

The Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) is designed for candidates with existing knowledge, academically or experientially, in computer science or a closely related field of information technology. Research-oriented students are provided with knowledge in the major areas of computer science and information technology, the ability to develop creative solutions to complex real-world problems, and practical experience in application of theory and research. Its unique format allows students to complete their studies in a synchronous hybrid or online format. The program emphasizes the development of advanced computer science knowledge and the practical application of research in artificial intelligence, operating systems, data structures and computation, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity. Coursework and research culminate with the completion of a Dissertation or Applied Doctoral Research Project in a relevant area of computer science, information technology or other emerging technologies.

*Not SEVP approved for international students

Admissions and Tuition Benefits for US Military & Veterans

Westcliff proudly supports U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. Our flexible hybrid learning model makes it possible to pursue your education during active duty and after discharge.

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program is one of Westcliff University’s programs that are CSAVE approved or approved for GI Bill® benefits based on the GI Bill® and the Department of Military Tuition Assistance program.  Service members and their families may use the GI Bill® education benefits to pay the cost of tuition and many other education services. Your eligibility for VA education benefits is determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs. (Find more information here)

At Westcliff, every military student is paired with a dedicated military advisor—a fellow veteran who understands your journey and provides personalized guidance. From navigating benefits and admissions to excelling in academics and career planning, your advisor offers both educational expertise and a veteran’s perspective.

By building on your military background with a master’s in AI, you’ll strengthen your credentials and stand out in one of today’s most in-demand fields.

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DCS Program Learning Outcomes

DCS Program Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) Program aims to prepare students for advanced careers in computer science and software by combining practical and problem-solving skills with business skills, proving their ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing tech industry.

The Doctor of Computer Science program encourages students to achieve the following educational objectives:

1
Assess the evolution of knowledge within the chosen computer science discipline in addressing a real-world technical problem.
2
Contribute to the body of knowledge within the computer science discipline through ethical research, scholarly writing, dissemination of research and real-world innovations in evolving, diverse environments.
3
Develop analytical and critical thinking proficiencies that clearly articulate applying computer science principles and models in solving real-world technical problems.
4
Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
5
Demonstrate deep knowledge and expertise in one or more specialized concentrations within computer science.

Program Requirements

  • Admissions Requirements

    For acceptance into the Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) degree program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

    An applicant with a Master-level degree and a 2.5 GPA from a regionally or nationally accredited institution can apply to Westcliff University.

    Strong consideration will be given to candidates with a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or comparable recognized institution outside of the United States in the field of computer science, information technology, engineering, or closely related discipline.

  • Dissertation Onboarding Program

    All doctoral students are required to take the DOC 700 (Doctoral Foundations) course within the first two terms of the Program. This course provides students with a solid foundation for understanding the research and dissertation process at WU, helps build momentum toward a topic of study, and provides opportunities for students to connect with their cohort of peers for support.

  • Practical Learning Experience (PLE) Requirement

    Westcliff University has integrated Practical Learning Experience (PLE) as a graduation requirement for the Doctor of Computer Science. This graduation requirement can be satisfied by completing at least one credit-bearing internship course that is assessed on a Credit/No Credit basis. Students are encouraged to complete as many PLEs as their schedules permit in pursuit of the completion of their program. To this end, Westcliff University students may require a start date up to 30 days prior to the start of classes to meet the onboarding requirements of the professional workplace where the PLE will be conducted. Students wishing to meet this graduation requirement in this manner must notify the university in advance.

  • Doctoral Dissertation or Applied Capstone Project Review

    In support and pursuit of candidacy for the Doctor of Computer Science degree, doctoral students must submit a scholarly written report, with original research and investigation as to its foundation. This report is commonly and collectively referred to as the Dissertation and is indicative of high academic integrity and rigor, congruent with Doctoral level studies. Alternatively, doctoral students can complete an applied Doctoral Research Project that focuses on a real-world problem, situation or phenomenon, adhering to a comparable level of academic integrity as the dissertation. The doctoral dissertation and Applied Capstone Project can result in a new theory that is created, or it may be focused on contextual topics or phenomenon. The resulting report must have at a minimum a problem, purpose, research question, methodology, data collection, and an analysis of the results.

    The oral defense of the Doctoral Dissertation or presentation of the applied Doctoral Research Project is performed as a final step in conclusion of the program. Following the oral defense or project presentation, the doctoral committee chair confers with committee members and reaches a consensus as to whether the candidate receives a grade of pass, pass with minor content revisions, or fail.

  • Graduation Requirements

    Students in the Doctor of Computer Science must complete forty-eight (48) prescribed credit hours with a program GPA (PGPA) of 3.0 or higher to graduate. As an option, students can take an additional twelve (12) credit hours to obtain a certificate in one of several areas of concentration. Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Doctor of Computer Science degree.

Program Information

  • Required Courses

    Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) Course Requirements - 48 Credit Hours Total

    Core Courses (21 Credit Hours)

    DOC 700 Doctoral Foundations 3 credit hours
    PRG 705 Python and Computation 3 credit hours
    CYB 750 Advanced Cyber Threats and Intelligence 3 credit hours
    CLD 704 Cloud Architecture and Design 3 credit hours
    AIT 706 Machine Learning 3 credit hours
    CSCI 750 Advanced Operating Systems 3 credit hours
    AIT 705 Artificial Intelligence and Behavior Modeling 3 credit hours

     
    Research Courses (15 Credit Hours)

    RES 891 Pre-Dissertation/Capstone Research Project 3 credit hours
    DOC 705 Quantitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 710 Qualitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 715 Prospectus 3 credit hours
    DOC 720 Literature Review 3 credit hours

     
    Advanced Research Course (Select one of the following):

    DOC 706 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 711 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods 3 credit hours
    DOC 712 Applied Research for Real-World Impact 3 credit hours

     
    Dissertation or Capstone Courses (12 Credit Hours)

    DOC 901 Dissertation I 3 credit hours
    DOC 902 Dissertation II 3 credit hours
    DOC 903 Dissertation III 3 credit hours
    DOC 904 Dissertation IV 3 credit hours

     
    OR

    DRP 901 Doctoral Research Project I 3 credit hours
    DRP 902 Doctoral Research Project II 3 credit hours
    DRP 903 Doctoral Research Project III 3 credit hours
    DRP 904 Doctoral Research Project IV 3 credit hours
  • Program Concentrations

    Certificate Areas of Concentration -12 Credit Hours Total (Optional)

    Cybersecurity (12 Credit Hours)

    CYB 809 Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance 3 credit hours
    CYB 806 Cyber Risk Analysis and Management 3 credit hours
    CYB 807 Advanced Cryptography 3 credit hours
    CYB 808 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing 3 credit hours

     
    Cloud Engineering (12 Credit Hours)

    CLD 810 Edge Computing and Artificial Intelligence 3 credit hours
    CLD 806 Containerization and Microservices 3 credit hours
    CLD 807 Scalable Data Analysis and Visualization 3 credit hours
    CLD 809 Cloud Automation and Orchestration 3 credit hours

     
    Artificial Intelligence (12 Credit Hours)

    AIT 800 AI Ethics and Societal Impact 3 credit hours
    AIT 805 Deep Learning 3 credit hours
    AIT 810 Computer Vision 3 credit hours
    AIT 815 Natural Language Processing 3 credit hours
  • Course Catalog and Student Handbook
    Student Handbook/Catalog

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Scholarship Application

    As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.

    Apply Now
  • Scholarship Application Deadlines

    2025-2026 Academic Year Calendar

    Semester Session Scholarship Deadline Start Date End Date
    FALL Session 1 07/11/25 Start: 9/01/25 End: 10/26/25
    Session 2 Start: 10/27/25 End: 12/21/25
    SPRING Session 3 11/14/25 Start: 01/05/26 End: 03/01/26
    Session 4 Start: 03/02/26 End: 04/26/26
    SUMMER Session 5 03/13/26 Start: 05/04/26 End: 06/28/26
    Session 6 Start: 06/29/26 End: 08/23/26
Program Requirements