I went to check the Columbia University webpage for something and noticed that they had removed the link to the Doctor of Engineering Science in Computer Science. I wondered if it was an error, so I checked the HTML source code and found that someone had specifically commented that link out. CVN - Columbia Video Network I called Columbia today and the gentleman I spoke with explained that the program had been put on hold, while they work on some logistical issues. He could not give me a time-frame as to when those issues would be settled, though. Since, I am AT LEAST 2 years away from even considering applying to the program, it does not affect me. However, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up, in case someone was wondering where the link went. As a side note, when I looked through the source code I found something else interesting. Also commented out were 2 other doctoral programs, one for operations research, and another for industrial engineering. Here is hoping that they get those programs started, as well.
I saw that it wasn't listed on their site anymore, but since the other doctorates were there, I figured it was just temporary. Like you, I'm a few years out at least. Maybe they got bombarded with applications for the program since putting the link up.
I suspect that was the case. Also, consider all of the various types of masters degrees prospective applicants might bring to the table. Some may have masters in computer science, but others may have them in Information Technology, Information Systems, Information Security/Assurance, Networking, MIS, Software Engineering, etc. They probably need some time to figure out exactly what kinds of qualifications an applicant should have. Should someone get a doctorate in CS, who has never taken an algorithms course at the undergrad or graduate level? What about theory of computation? I don't know. For what type of masters will they say "yes, that is sufficient" and what type will they say "sorry, you will need to also take courses A, B and C before you are ready"? That is for them to figure out.
I think you're dead on mcjon- The program needs to figure out what it is. Is it engineering or is it computer science? To answer your hypotheticals, no one should have a degree in computer science without undergraduate or graduate work in the discipline or significant examples of equivalent work. Reading through the program when it was online, all I was thinking was "If it wasn't Columbia would I even be thinking about this program based on the way it's presented?" Had to say no.
Well, you can start with the Professional Degree in Computer Science. After you done with that you can bridge into the Doctorate program without taking any additional courses except the 12 credits (4 classes) of dissertation. - Doctorate Program requires 30 credits beyond a master degree plus 12 credits of dissertation - Doctorate Program requires 12 credits of dissertation beyond Professional Degree from Columbia University.
