The College expects that students starting work toward a PhD have a solid undergraduate background and Master's level background in Computer Science. If you are unsure of your background, you should consult your advisor.
Ph.D. Students are required to:
Sample Ph.D. Program
The following schedule shows one way in which a PhD-only student could progress through the program to complete the PhD in four years. Because people have different backgrounds and different skills, your progress will almost certainly vary somewhat from this. It can be a helpful guide nonetheless. Students supported by an RAship will be able to make progress more efficiently if their Synthesis project and dissertation are well aligned with the RAship.
Year | Fall | Spring |
1st | core (3cr) RA/TA |
core (3cr) core (3cr) RA/TA |
2nd | core (3cr) RA/TA Synthesis begins |
core (3 cr.) portfolio submitted |
3rd | core (3cr) RA/TA |
dissertation (9cr) thesis proposal RA/TA |
4th | dissertation (9cr) RA/TA |
RA/TA thesis defense PhD completed |
Most PhD students are supported by research or teaching assistantships.