PhD in Computer Science & PhD in Information Systems – SMU

We develop researchers and educators who address deep technology challenges in real information systems that impact business processes or management, or who develop tools and methodologies to translate business goals to technological solutions.

Our faculty members, being experts in their respective research areas, consistently publish in top-tier business journals and win awards in internationally-renowned conferences with our PhD students.

Many students on this programme carry out their dissertation work in one of the several research centres in the SMU School of Information Systems, where they are given opportunities to collaborate with fellow students, professors, industry partners and eminent visitors.

The programme, which encourages multidisciplinary work, and provides opportunities for applied research and industry-relevant training, prepares our graduates for careers in R&D units, academic institutions and the industry.

Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents may pursue the PhD degree as full-time or part-time students. We currently only accept international students on full-time study.  

This programme produces graduates with the ability to address deep technological challenges in real-world information systems that impact business processes or management, as well as develop tools and methodologies to translate business goals into technological solutions.

Our graduates will be trained to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines, design technology solutions for real-world problems and applications, and produce top-rated academic publications. The programme will equip them for careers with research and development laboratories, academia and industry.

The curriculum comprises the following:

• Coursework (6 Course Units)
• Empirical Research Projects (4 Course Units)
• Advanced Research Topics (2 Course Units)
• Dissertation (28 Course Units)

Graduate Coursework
In the first two years of study, students will enrol in intensive courses to build their research depth and breadth, as well as professional skills.

Depth Requirements
Students will enrol in the advanced course in the primary area and undertake research apprenticeship with their primary advisors. Each advanced course covers important research papers on key topics and techniques that students need to be acquainted with in order to carry out research in an area.

Breadth Requirements
Students will attend courses in the five areas of research concentration shown above. These requirements are intended to help the PhD students to establish their networks and to expose them to industry practices. In addition, students will attend the advanced course in one of the breadth areas.

Professional Skills
To round up the PhD training, the curriculum includes workshops on Information System Research Methodology; Intellectual Property Management; and Research Writing and Presentation.

Dissertation
Oral Defence of the Dissertation Proposal
This is an oral presentation of the proposed topic to a Dissertation Committee. A written dissertation proposal will have to be submitted before the presentation. A supervisor, with the expertise in the chosen topic, will be appointed. He or she guides and mentors the student throughout the dissertation work.

Oral Defence and Completion of the PhD Dissertation
This is an oral presentation of the written dissertation report to the Committee. After possible revision(s) to the report and upon fulfillment of all necessary requirements, the Committee will recommend to the University to award the PhD degree. Students will also attain an MSc degree upon completion of the PhD programme.

• At least a good Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree is useful but not required.
• Good GRE or GMAT results.

Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.

Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.

Office of Postgraduate Research Programmes
Administration Building, Level 12
81 Victoria Street
Singapore 188065

Tel: (65) 6828 0100
Email: phd@smu.edu.sg