Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation

Curriculum Plan — Research Track

1. General Program Information

2. Program Overview

The Doctorate in Systems Engineering and Computer Science at Tesla University is a high-level research-oriented graduate program designed to train doctoral graduates capable of generating original and applied knowledge at the frontiers of computational science, information systems, and emerging technologies. The program responds to the needs of a digitally transformed world, where advanced computing is the cornerstone of global innovation.

With a duration of six (6) academic semesters and a total of one hundred and twenty (120) credits, the program integrates high-level theoretical training with the development of original research projects that culminate in a doctoral thesis of excellence, defended before a panel of national and international academic peers.

3. Program Mission and Vision

3.1 Mission

To train doctoral graduates in Systems Engineering and Computer Science with strong research competencies, the ability to generate frontier scientific knowledge, ethical standards, and social commitment, contributing to the technological and scientific development of Colombia and Latin America.

3.2 Vision

By 2030, the Doctorate in Systems Engineering and Computer Science at Tesla University will be recognized across Latin America as one of the doctoral programs with the greatest impact in research and technological innovation, with an international presence in indexed publications and registered patents.

4. Program Objectives

4.1 General Objective

To train doctoral researchers capable of generating, transferring, and applying original knowledge in the field of Systems Engineering and Computer Science, contributing to scientific and technological advancement at the national and international level.

4.2 Specific Objectives

• Develop advanced competencies in scientific and technological research methodology applied to systems engineering.
• Train students in the highest standards of computational thinking: artificial intelligence, distributed systems, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
• Promote high-impact scientific production through publications in indexed journals and participation in international events.
• Strengthen academic and research leadership capacity for directing research groups and projects.
• Stimulate knowledge transfer and technological innovation through alliances with the productive and governmental sectors.
• Contribute to solving complex problems in Colombian and Latin American society through engineering and computing.

5. Program Profiles

5.1 Admission Profile

The program is aimed at professionals holding a master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Mathematics, Physics, or related disciplines, who demonstrate research capacity, English proficiency at B2 level or higher, and motivation to contribute to the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge.

5.2 Graduate Profile

The Doctor of Engineering graduating from Tesla University will be able to:

• Design, execute, and lead original research in the field of systems and computing.
• Publish results in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Lead research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) groups and projects at universities, research centers, and technology companies.
• Formulate and manage public policies in science, technology, and innovation.
• Advise digital transformation processes and the adoption of emerging technologies in public and private organizations.
• Contribute to solving major social challenges through the development of technology with real impact.

6. Competencies to be Developed

7. Curriculum Plan — 120 Credits / 6 Semesters

The curriculum is organized into six academic semesters, distributed across three stages: advanced theoretical training (Semesters 1–2), experimental development and research production (Semesters 3–4), and doctoral thesis consolidation and defense (Semesters 5–6). Each semester concentrates 20 credits for a total of 120 credits.

7.1 Credit Distribution by Course Type

Semester 1 — Epistemological and Methodological Foundations

Semester 2 — Theoretical Deepening and Research Design

Semester 3 — Experimental Development and Conceptual Framework

Semester 4 — Applied Research and Original Contribution

Semester 5 — Thesis Consolidation and Scientific Dissemination

Semester 6 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense and Graduation

8. General Curriculum Summary

9. Research Lines

10. Graduation Requirements

• Have completed and passed all courses in the curriculum (120 credits) with a minimum GPA of 3.8 out of 5.0.
• Present and publicly defend the doctoral dissertation before a qualified panel of national and international academic peers.
• Have at least one scientific article accepted or published in a high-impact indexed journal (Q1 or Q2 in Scopus/WoS).
• Demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level or higher (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or institutional equivalent).
• Have completed a research residency or internship at a national or international academic or business institution.
• Have participated as a presenter at at least one national or international scientific conference during the program.
• Have fulfilled all administrative and financial requirements established by Tesla University.

11. Methodology and Pedagogical Strategies

The doctoral program adopts a research-oriented approach that integrates rigorous theoretical training with continuous research practice from the very first semester. Pedagogical strategies include: seminars with national and international experts, reading groups and discussion of cutting-edge articles, advanced computational laboratories, individualized tutorials with the dissertation advisor, and active participation in doctoral group projects.

Each student will have a dissertation director and an advisory committee composed of three researchers of recognized standing. The program encourages international academic mobility and promotes co-supervision of dissertations with foreign universities.

12. Infrastructure and Resources