Develop original computational or sociotechnical research
Degree Program
Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science & Artificial IntelligenceDegree Program · Computing, Communication & Enterprise
Computational Systems, Communication & Enterprise
Original research on computational systems and the institutions, communications, markets, and human environments through which they operate.
Program purpose
Doctor of Philosophy
The doctoral program supports work across AI, research computing, complex systems, human-computer relationships, knowledge infrastructure, publishing, organizational design, and technology enterprise.
Learning outcomes
What graduates are prepared to do
Program outcomes connect disciplinary knowledge to methods, judgment, communication, and independently evaluated work.
Integrate technical evaluation with human, institutional, and communicative evidence
Advance a system, method, theory, or organizational capability
Publish and defend independent doctoral scholarship
Curriculum architecture
How the pathway is organized
Coursework progresses from foundations to methods, integration, and a culminating demonstration of capability.
Foundations
Build the knowledge, skills, and mindset for inquiry.
Application
Apply methods and tools to real-world questions.
Integration
Synthesize across disciplines and perspectives.
Demonstration
Produce and present work that creates impact.
- 01
Advanced computational systems theory
- 02
Research design, evaluation, and reproducibility
- 03
Specialization in AI, data, communication, complex systems, or enterprise
- 04
Institute, laboratory, and applied project research
- 05
Comprehensive review, proposal, dissertation, publication, and defense
Course sequence
Selected curriculum
AI-330
Applied AI Systems
Builds AI-enabled applications using models, retrieval, tools, evaluation, guardrails, and human review within a documented system architecture.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Research Computing & Visualization
Uses computational notebooks, scripting, visualization, statistical workflows, and research software practices to analyze and communicate complex evidence.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Complex Adaptive Systems
Examines emergence, feedback, adaptation, networks, path dependence, scale, and agent interaction across social, biological, environmental, and technological systems.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Methodological Notes Studio
Produces concise, transparent methodological publications that document workflows, adaptations, validation, failures, and reusable research practice.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Technology Enterprise & Innovation
Connects technical capability to customer discovery, value creation, organizational design, finance, operations, intellectual property, and responsible growth.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Quantum Foundations & Contextuality
Examines foundational quantum concepts, measurement, contextuality, symmetry, information, interpretation, and responsible interdisciplinary use.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Learning environments
Field, laboratory & studio work
- Research computing and AI systems
- Publishing and knowledge infrastructure
- Applied projects and companies
- Simulation and visualization
Professional directions
Where the capability can lead
- Research and university appointments
- AI and computational leadership
- Knowledge and communication systems
- Technology enterprise and policy
Culminating work
Capstone, thesis, dissertation, or professional demonstration
The dissertation makes an original contribution to computational systems and their technical, communicative, organizational, or social contexts.
Admissions preparation
Materials and background
Admissions review considers preparation, purpose, prior work, and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the program.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree appropriate to the proposed field
Evidence of advanced research preparation and independent work
Research statement defining a tractable problem and faculty or institutional fit
Substantial writing, research, technical, or creative sample
Three academic or professional recommendations
Faculty & academic leadership
Program relationships
Next step
Connect this pathway to your academic goals.
Request information for a focused conversation or begin an application through the Stella Nova Student Information System.