Computer Science

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
University of Bridgeport Computer Science
Engineering Department Proposal for a Ph.D.
degree in Computer Science Engineering
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Outline

• UB CSE Profiles
• Is CSE Ready for a PhD program?
• Students
• Faculty
• Laboratories
• Collaboration with Industry
• Research
• Recent Achievements
• Unique Characteristics
• The Program
• Review of Comparable Programs
• Proposal feedback
• Areas of Study
• Milestones
• A Typical Program
• Conclusions

University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
1. UB and CSE Profiles
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
University and CSE Profile

• University of Bridgeport founded in 1927 as the
  
• Junior College of Connecticut
• Became the University of Bridgeport in 1947
• Private, Independent, Non-sectarian and
• International
• UB Total Students 3300
• CSE is the Largest Department on Campus (500
  students )

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
University and CSE Profile

• Location 1 hour north of NYC, 2 hours south
  of
• Boston, Seaside Campus.
• Other Schools (Education, Health Sciences,
• Business, etc.)
• Emphasis in UB is on Professional and
• Pre- Professional programs.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Academic Profile of Computer Science and
Engineering
CSE Offers B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Computer
Science and Computer Engineering on main
campus in Bridgeport and M.S. in C.S. on the
weekend in the Stamford Campus.
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
2. Is CSE Ready for a PHD Program?
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
2. Is CSE Ready for a PHD Program?

• Students
• Faculty
• Laboratories
• Collaboration with Industry
• Research
• Recent Achievements
• Unique Characteristics

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A National Crisis
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Number of nation wide and Canadian PhD
  graduates is 900
• There is an estimated 1500 job openings for
  faculty nationwide
• 100 150 ads per month in CS/CpE in leading
  magazines 1 4 positions per ad
• 1 4 daily ads in the NEEDHA newsletter

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A National Crisis
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• CSE used to receive 150 applications for a new
  opening
• In the last 2 years we had an ongoing research
  for two positions
• We received only 40 applications in two years

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Students

• High percentage of international students.
• Very active and high quality
• High grades, co-ops, internships, publishing
  and
• research (graduates and undergraduates),
• tutoring, awards, entrepreneurial
  activities.
• CSE Department is largest in School of
  Engineering.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Faculty

• Faculty background in CS , CE, MATH, and EE
• Very active faculty in research
• publishing in quality journals and conferences
• attracting external funds
• Distinguished teaching
• This years UB Distinguished teacher of the year
  award
• Developing new courses, course materials, web
  pages, labs
• Strong collaboration with with industry

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Laboratories
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Extensive Research and Development Labs. in the
  areas of
• Robotics / Automation and Control.
• Advanced digital design and VLSI / FPGA.
• Advanced networking and telecommunications.
• Wireless communications.
• High Performance Computing.
• Power Electronics.
• Others.
• Compute Platform Count for SED approximately 250
  (120 Sparcs,
• 130 PC)

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Research

• Several NSF and Industry grants for Equipment,
  Research and
• Development. (Helped in Establishing our
  labs.)
• Several R D projects with industry partners
  is the areas of
• Automation and Robotics.
• Product Design and Prototyping.
• Signal Processing.
• VLSI.
• Motion Control.
• Manufacturing / Reverse Engineering.
• Software Development.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Teaching and Innovative Programs

• Evening, weekend and continuing education
  offerings.
• On-site teaching in Industry.
• Distance learning version of M.S. in C.S.
• 3 - 4 Course graduate and undergraduate
  certificates

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Industry and Community Collaboration

• Co-ops and internships
• Joint development projects.
• On-site Training
• Industry Advisory Board
• ConnCap Program (Pre-Engineering) with
  Bridgeport School District
• and the School of Education.
• Sample of Companies
• Sagemaker, EMC, Pitney Bowes, Northrup Grumann,
  ADC Newnet, Dictaphone, Transwitch, Executone,
  Motorola,Sony, Lucent, Synopsis, NEC,Oracle,
  General Re,Lockheed Martin, IBM, UPS, SNET,
  Remington, Sikorsky Aircraft and others.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Recent Achievements and Work in Progress

• 2 American Society of Engineering Education
  (ASEE) awards (First,
• Second in undergraduate paper competition.
• This year award at ASEE (First in undergraduate
  paper competition)
• ACM (Association of Computing Machinery)
  regional competition
• top 3 - 5 placements for several years.
• Faculty research / best paper awards and
  grants.
• Recent Lab. upgrades and grants (Sun
  Microsystems 0.7M grant,
• Oracle 1M grant, NSF Lab. grants)

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Unique Characteristics

• 1 out of 2 ABET-accredited Computer
  Engineering
• programs in Connecticut.
• Largest CS-Graduate program in Connecticut.
• Only Weekend Masters in Computer Science in
  Region.
• (NY, NJ, CT, MA, RI, etc.)
• Co-op and internships programs (Virtually all
  students,
• graduate and undergraduate)
• Undergraduate research and publications.
• National and international awards.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
3. The Program
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
The Program

• Review of Comparable Programs
• Proposal feedback
• Areas of Study
• Milestones
• A Typical Program

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Review of Comparable Programs

• New Mexico Tech
• Tulane University
• Vanderbilt University
• Oklahoma State University
• John Hopkins University

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
New Mexico Tech

• Number of Faculty Six (plus 5 adjuncts).
• B.Sc., M.S. (with or without thesis) and Ph.D.
  degrees.
• 15 undergraduate classes (not for graduate
  credit), 10 grad/undergrad classes, 11 graduate
  classes

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Tulane University

• Number of Faculty Thirteen.
• B.S. (Computer Science and Computer
  Engineering), M.S. (with or without thesis),
  Ph.D., and Sc.D. degrees.
• The number of graduate classes offered are
  approximately 12 regular classes and other
  advanced topics in CS'' classes that vary from
  one semester to the other.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Vanderbilt University

• Number of Faculty Nine.
• B.Sc., M.E., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees.
• The number of graduate courses listed in the
  catalog is 33 and some special research seminars.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Oklahoma State University

• Number of Faculty Thirteen.
• B.Sc., M.S., Ed.D., and Ph.D. degrees.
• The department offers 17 undergraduate classes
  (not for graduate credit), 9 grad/undergraduate
  classes, 17 graduate classes, and some seminars
  and special topic classes.

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
John Hopkins University

• Number of Faculty Fourteen
• B.Sc., B.A., MSE, and Ph.D. degrees.
• Courses offered N/A

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
And finally, CSE in UB

• Number of Faculty
• Nine
• Three new openings for academic year 2001/2002
• Many distinguished adjuncts
• B.Sc., M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering
• Courses offered in Academic year 2000/2001
• Undergraduate 26
• Graduate 24

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Findings
These comparable departments, already with
established and successful Ph.D. programs, share
a lot with our department, including small
faculty size, and approximately the same variety,
complexity, and number of classes offered at the
graduate and undergraduate levels, plus
comparable facilities, computing power and labs.
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University of Bridgeport
Proposal Feedback
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Review by all faculty in the School of
  Engineering and Design
• Connecticut institutions were solicited for
  feedback
• Feedback and review received from about 20 US
  International Universities
• Feedback and review received from about 10
  Connecticut-based industries
• Potential Students feedback (market study)

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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Prof. Arthur C. Sanderson, Vice President for
Research, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA.
and Director, Electrical and Communications
Systems Division National Science Foundation and
Fellow of IEEE and AAAS, and a member of AAAI,
AIAA, ASEE, and SME         The proposal
describes a program that is well conceived and
well organized and will provide an important
educational resource for the University and for
the Bridgeport area.         I am familiar
with several of the key participants and feel
that their research and teaching records are
appropriate for this program.         I am
pleased to recommend that the proposed Ph.D.
program be approved by the Connecticut Board of
Governors for Higher Education.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Prof. Imre Rudas, Vice Rector, Budapest
Polytechnic, Vice President of IEEE Industrial
Electronics Society for Workshops         I
have very positive impressions regarding the
proposed courses.         It is based on a set
of well analyzed case studies.         The
proposed courses practically cover all the areas
on the basis of which young researchers of our
days can be active and useful for the society in
an industrially well developed environment      
   Congratulations for the proposal.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Prof. Mo Jamshidi, Director, Center for
Autonomous Control Engineering, University of New
Mexico, Currently, he holds the ATT
Professorship of manufacturing engineering, and a
consultant with the Los Alamos National
Laboratory and IEEE fellow.         You and
your colleagues are to be congratulated for a
very thorough review of the field.         The
proposal has covered breadth and depth of
computer science as well as a balanced approach
between education and research.         The
shortage of CS graduates is so high that almost
all industrialized nations are heavily importing
from Third World Countries and have gone to the
Global Market Place for experts in Computer
Science.         A lot of these jobs are at
the middle to upper scientific and managerial
levels and often require a Ph.D. in CS.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Dr. John R. James, Adam Chair in Information
Technology, United States Military Academy, USA
and former Director of the TRADOC Artificial
Intelligence Center at Ft. Monroe,
Virginia.         I have reviewed your proposal
and find it to be both feasible and
innovative.         It is feasible since you
have the faculty (with the anticipated
additions), facilities and courses to support the
program.         It is innovative in that it
adds a requirement for teaching that is not in
the norm of other programs and also explicitly
invites applicants who might be part-time
students for all or a portion of their
program.         It may be the case that
business would support employees as a full-time
students for some portion of the studies in
return for a commitment to the company fro some
period of time. I know of at least two companies
which have done this for both masters degree as
well as doctoral programs.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Abdelkader El Kamel, Centrale Lille,
France         There is a lack of Ph.D.
graduates in the areas of Computer Science and
Engineering.         The department of
Computer Science and Engineering has the
facilities and the qualified faculty to support
the new program         The program is
feasible and innovative.         The program
of study is well balanced and produces highly
qualified graduates for both academia and
industry.         Several well analyzed cases
studies were used.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Prof. Angela Di Febbraro, Politecnnico Di Torino,
Italy, Chairman of the IEEE Discrete event
Dynamic Systems Technical Committee         I
found the proposal excellent         The
proposed program should absolutely be
started.         The proposal is even more
validated by the comparison with the other
institutions granting a Computer Science
Ph.D.         The Department of Computer
Science and Engineering of the University of
Bridgeport appears to have a suitable faculty
number, as well as more than enough
qualifications, facilities, and students to make
the proposed program a success.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Prof. Nilanjan Sarkar, Vanderbilt University,
USA.         I find the proposal to be thorough
and well developed.         It presents
several key issues for having a Ph.D. program
that I completely agree with.         I
believe that the infrastructure for a Ph.D.
program in Computer Science and Engineering
already exists at the University of
Bridgeport. The credentials of the faculty are
excellent, the laboratories are there, and the
existing and proposed new courses are adequate to
start such program.
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Excerpts from Universities feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Kok-Meng Lee, Georgia Institute of Technology,
USA., Chair, IEEE Prototyping for Robotics and
Automation Technical Committee,         There
has been a shortage of Computer scientists in the
United States in recent years, and this shortage
is likely to continue due to rapid advancement in
computer, networking, tele-communications and
information technologies.         I am glad to
see that you have taken an active role to
establish a Ph.D. program in your school that
many high-tech industries would feel more than
welcome.         Your proposal has been well
written, and has touched on many essential
elements.
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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Dr. Hadi Abu-Akeel, FANUC Robotics, USA, Senior
Vice President Chief Engineer. (retired),
Technical Advisor, Genral Manager, FAUNC Berkeley
Laboratory         I find the program well
prepared and properly targeted.         The
program appears to cover all the elements
necessary for the education and preparation of
Computer Science and Computer Engineering
specialists.         I recognize the
increasing national need for computer science
graduates. There is definitely a critical
shortage of such expertise at all levels and the
contribution of the University of Bridgeport
should make positive impact.
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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Hugh F.McCann, Jr., President, Identification
  Products Corporation, Bridgeport
• Having a world-class PhD program at the
  University of Bridgeport would certainly be a
  very good start in firing up the economic engine
  of job growth and wealth creation within the
  region.
• As a business owner I applaud and support all
  your efforts to see your program come to
  fruition.

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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Northrop Grumman Corporation, Norden Systems,
  Norwalk
• Having a part time Ph.D. program within easy
  reach of our company location in Norwalk, CT
  would provide a path for my people to improve
  their skill base which otherwise wouldnt be
  available to them. Also, the Ph.D. program would
  provide an avenue for other students in the area
  to be more equipped to work for Northrop Grumman
  or other advanced technology companies in the
  area.

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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Lin Li, Senior Technology Manager, Thermal
  Analysis Business Unit, PerkinElmer Instruments,
  Norwalk
• In the high-tech concentrated state like
  Connecticut, the Ph.D. program will be even more
  important for local industries. This will offer a
  great opportunity to some working professionals
  for continuing improvements. Therefore, they can
  further enhance their technical background and
  develop the successful career path through the
  part-time study.
• Your very well written proposal has touched most
  essential subjects of a well-respected Ph.D.
  program. The proposed courses cover all areas of
  computer science and engineering in both breadth
  and depth.

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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Glenn E. Vallee, Director of Engineering and
  Quality Assurance, Remington Products Company,
  L.L.C.
• Speaking as one who has earned a Ph.D. while
  working full time, I cannot over state the
  importance of such a program which allows
  industry professionals the opportunity to pursue
  an advance degree without sacrificing their
  livelihood.
• The proposal is well developed and incorporated
  the elements necessary for a successful effort.
  It is consistent with other Ph.D. programs Im
  familiar with and should provide a diverse and
  interesting experience for the students.

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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Patrick Nolan, Manager, Industrial Design, New
  Britian
• It has been identified that the University of
  Bridgeport is equipped with state of art
  facilities, qualified faculty, and ample student
  population. Offering a quality Ph.D. program for
  part-time students is an insightful addition and
  should assist industries and industry
  professionals seeking advancement while retaining
  active employment status.

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Excerpts from Industry feedback
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• David S. Evans, Manager, Product Verification
  Test, Shelton
• In my opinion, the proposal is well thought out,
  and the listed resources should get such a
  program off to a good start. I think the
  requirements for teaching and refereed
  publication increase the value of the program to
  the students, whether or not they pursue an
  academic career. Also, providing for part-time
  students, while challenging, offers the benefits
  of this program to a wider group of serious
  technical professionals.
• There is increasing need in this region, as well
  as nation-wide, for CSE professionals with
  advanced skills and discipline.
•  

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Areas of Study

• A. Computation, Intelligence, and Robotics Area
• B. Languages and Systems
• C. Parallel Processing and Networks
• D. Computer Architecture and VLSI

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Computation, Intelligence, and Robotics
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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Languages and Systems
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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Parallel Processing and Networks
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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Computer Architecture and VLSI
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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Other Courses
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Courses Summary
Current Courses at 400 levels 20 Current Courses
at 500 Levels 23 New Courses 5 Courses Other
courses 7 Courses
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Course Work Requirement

• Masters degree course work requirement
  (typically 30 hrs)
• One course from each of the Areas of Study (12
  hrs)
• Two courses from Concentration Area (6 hrs)
• Two Electives (6 hrs)
• Two courses Teaching Requirement

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Milestones

• Admission to the Ph.D. program of computer
  science and engineering on a provisional
  status', if needed (section 2.1)
• Taking the deficiency courses and finishing
  master degree, if needed
• Getting the status restored to regular Ph.D.
  student, if needed
• Completing the course work requirement for the
  Ph.D. (section 2.2)
• Passing the comprehensive examination (section
  2.9)
• Admission to Candidacy' (section 2.11)
• Selection of a dissertation advisor (section
  2.10)

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Milestones

• Writing a dissertation proposal (section 2.12)
• Completion of the oral exam requirement and
  working on the proposed research topic (section
  2.8)
• Dissertation committee formation (section 2.10)
  
• Approval of the dissertation by the dissertation
  committee (section 2.12)
• Successful completion of the dissertation
  defense (2.13)
• Submission of dissertation to the Computer
  Science Engineering Department(section 2.13)
• Graduation with a Ph.D. degree in Computer
  Science and Engineering (section 2.13).

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A Typical Program after MSc Degree
University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
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University of Bridgeport
Unique Characteristics of the Program
Computer Science Engineering Department

• Teaching Requirement 2 courses
• Publication Requirement 2 journal papers
• Part-time Students allowed
• External member in the Dissertation Committee

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
4. Conclusions
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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• CSE is qualified to offer a PhD program
• Very productive Faculty.
• Dramatic growth.
• Very high student quality and research /
  education.
• Industry involvement.
• Facilities and labs      

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department

• New PhD will help CSE to
• join the ranks of Ph.D. granting institutions,
• get more visibility than we currently have,
• help our faculty to carry out the required
  research for funded projects,
• qualify UB for many research grants limited to
  Ph.D. granting institutions,
• increase student enrollment, and
• increase instruction quality and
  quantity.              

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University of Bridgeport
Computer Science Engineering Department
Thank you