Software Engineering (PhD)
Doctorate (PhD)
Offered by:Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
Program overview
The PhD in Computer Science program leads to the highest degree offered by the Faculty and is designed to provide students an opportunity to obtain the greatest possible expertise in their chosen field through intensive research. Advancement of analytical and/or experimental knowledge through a combination of specialized courses and a research thesis under the supervision of an experienced researcher forms the main component of the doctoral program. Where possible, research of interest to industry is encouraged.
The objective of the PhD in Software Engineering program is to educate highly qualified researchers required for the expansion of fundamental knowledge and technological innovation through research and development, as well as the needs of institutions of higher learning.
Program details
Admission on a full-time basis
- Master’s degree or equivalent with high standing in engineering or computer science, or in a cognate discipline.
- Holders of a bachelor’s degree will, in general, be considered for admission to a master’s program only. After completion of a minimum of two terms of full-time study, they may, upon application, be considered by the GCS Graduate Studies Committee for admission to a PhD program.
Admission on a part-time basis
- Master’s degree with high standing in engineering, computer science or a cognate discipline.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
In addition to the general admission requirements, the Gina Cody School (GCS) may require applicants to write the Engineering Writing Test (EWT) as a condition of admission to all graduate programs in Engineering and Computer Science. Depending on the result, students may be required to complete remedial English language courses in addition to their program requirements.
Engineering Writing Test (EWT). The Engineering Writing Test examines students’ ability to provide reasoned assessment of a short technical composition in English or French, and their ability to provide a qualitative account of quantitative or graphically presented data. The test is offered a number of times throughout the year. Based on their performance in the test, students may be asked to take remedial courses.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
12 credits – Coursework
See the full list of Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses. Each student’s program must be approved by a supervisory committee consisting of three members of faculty, including the student’s research supervisor.
2 credits – PhD Seminar
ENCS 8011 - Doctoral Seminar in Electrical Engineering (2 credits)
Comprehensive Examination (no credit value)
ENCS 8501 - Comprehensive Examination (no credit value)
6 credits – Doctoral Research Proposal
ENCS 8511 - Doctoral Research Proposal (6 credits)
70 credits – Research and Thesis
ENGR 8911 - Doctoral Research and Thesis (70 credits)
or
COMP 8901 - Doctoral Research and Thesis (70 credits)
or
SOEN 8901 - Doctoral Research and Thesis (70 credits)
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
1. Submit your application and pay a $103.50 CAD application fee. A student ID number will be issued
2. Log on to MyConcordia.ca portal to upload documents
3. A completed file that is ready to be assessed will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts (with mark sheets if applicable) for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
4. An admission offer will not be issued until a supervisor match has been made. Students are encouraged to review the list of faculty members' field of interests and directly contact those with whom you would like to work.
For initial assessment purposes, scanned and uploaded copies of documents are accepted. To finalize a file, once admitted, Concordia University will require official documents.
| Degree | Fall (September) |
Winter (January) |
Summer (May/June) |
| Software Engineering | ||||
| Canadian / International / Permanent Resident |
PhD | June 1 | Oct. 1 | Feb. 1 |
Priority will be given to those who apply within the official deadlines listed above. Some programs may continue to accept applications after these deadlines. For more information, please contact the department.
Core and advanced courses that are typically offered include:
- Software engineering development process
- Mining large software system data
- Software re-engineering
- Software comprehension and maintenance
- Software architecture and design
- Software requirements, verification, testing and validation
- Human computer interface design
- Software project management
- Services computing: Foundations, design and implementations
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
