This is intended to be an informal document, not policy. In the case of any discrepancy between this chart and the written policy, the written policy shall apply.
Note: All timing requirements (“N”) are counted as semesters formally enrolled in the department’s doctoral program, whether enrolled as MS/PhD, PhD or DES, referring to the end of the “Nth” semester. Semesters of approved “leave of absence” are not counted.
BY END OF |
MILESTONE |
CONGRATS IF MILESTONE(S) SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED |
REMEDY IF MILESTONE(S) NOT FULFILLED |
N = FIRST SEMESTER |
Advisor(s) established. All “imports” signed off. 2 new breadth areas completed. | Welcome! | Satisfactory progress unless there’s a “severe” problem. Reminder that a mutually-agreed research advisor must be established no later than the end of the second semester. Reminder that two new breadth areas per semester is required every semester until completion of the breadth requirement. |
N >= FIRST SEMESTER |
“Satisfactory progress” on research, meaning at least 50% time devoted to research, with promising results. | Wonderful, this is what you’re here for! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. First time: expect or require substantial attention to research during upcoming semester and thereafter. Second and subsequent repeats: probation or dismissal from program. |
N >= FIRST SEMESTER |
Two (2) teaching units must be completed sometime during the program. | Some students do additional teaching as a paid course assistant or teaching fellow after completion of the teaching requirement. | Most students assist their research advisor with whatever CS course they teach, so scheduling of a student’s teaching units depends on the scheduling of their advisor’s teaching assignments. Both teaching units must be completed to qualify for the MPhil. |
N = SECOND SEMESTER |
Algorithms prerequisite completed. | Analysis of Algorithms is the core of Computer Science | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Probation or dismissal from program. |
FIRST SEMESTER < N
|
Breadth requirement completed OR total 2*N breadth areas completed here (NOT counting “imports”) | Good for you, keep it up! If applicable, apply for your MS from SEAS and advanced standing from GSAS as soon as you’ve completed all MS/PhD requirements. | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. First time: expect or require a specified number of additional breadth areas completed the upcoming semester. Second and subsequent repeats: probation or dismissal from program. |
N = FIFTH SEMESTER |
Breadth requirement completed. | Glad that’s over! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion by end of upcoming semester or face dismissal from program. |
N = SIXTH SEMESTER |
Candidacy exam passed. | Now you’re a candidate! PhD students should apply for the MPhil as soon as possible after 6 RUs as well as all of the above requirements (prerequisite, breadth, teaching, candidacy). | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion by end of upcoming semester or face dismissal from program. |
N >= SIXTH SEMESTER |
Target semester for thesis proposal defined. | You’re on course. | Discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. |
N = EIGHTH SEMESTER |
Thesis proposal passed. | Now you’re what they call “ABD” (All But Dissertation). | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion by end of upcoming semester or face dismissal from program. |
N >= ELEVENTH SEMESTER |
Dissertation distribution and defense “coming soon”. | There’s a light at the end of the tunnel! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require plan for timely completion of dissertation or face dismissal from program. |
N = TWELFTH SEMESTER |
Thesis defense passed. | Congrats! | Unsatisfactory progress, discuss at the Semi-Annual Review. Place on or continue probation, require completion within a specified period or face dismissal from program. |
Last updated on June 4, 2024.