Expectations and Quality Control for Ph.D. Students Martha E. Pollack Computer Science and Engineering University of Michigan

A Case Study The University of Michigan model Similar processes throughout most U.S. departments

Admissions Quality control beings at the time of application Ph.D. applications treated separately from M.S. applications Applicants must submit Transcripts GRE Scores TOEFL Scores (International Students) Essay describing research interests 3 letters of recommendation

Screening Application folders First read by groups of faculty in the relevant area (hardware, software, theory, AI, interactive systems) Then, decisions are made by a faculty committee (“Graduate Committee”), using recommendations from the areas Nearly all admitted Ph.D. students are guaranteed 5 years of funding Most students complete Ph.D. in 5-6 years

Quality Control #1 Demonstrate breadth of knowledge in computer science and engineering Pass (B- or better) 4 courses: Hardware, software, theory, AI Observe an honor code for all work

Quality Control #2 Demonstrate depth of knowledge in an area High pass (A or A-) in two selected courses in the major area

Quality Control #3 Demonstrate research potential Complete an independent project and pass an oral preliminary exam on it Preliminary exam committee consists of 3 faculty members , but not the project supervisor After completing requirements #1-3, the student becomes a “candidate”

The “Real Test” Make an original research contribution in computer science and engineering Complete and defend a Ph.D. Dissertation

The Dissertation Process 1. Work with an advisor to define a research topic and do initial work 2. Form a dissertation committee At least 3 (preferably 4) faculty members, including the research advisor. 1 must be from outside CSE. 3. Write and orally present a dissertation proposal (pass, conditional pass, fail).

The Dissertation Process (cont’d.) 4. Conduct the approved research, under the supervision of the advisor. Meet at least annually with committee members. 5. [[Present the work to the community in conference and journal papers.]] 6. Complete a written dissertation, and defend it orally in a public forum. Dissertation committee grades it (pass, conditional pass, fail).

Summary: Quality Control Quality control begins with admissions. Early in the program, many checks on quality (courses, exams). During the dissertation, checks at proposal and defense. Includes multiple faculty members in the evaluation process throughout.

Summary: Expectations Ph.D. Student has broad knowledge of computer science deep knowledge of a subfield, and a demonstrated capability to produce and present research results In short, is ready for a faculty or industrial research position—is someone we’ll be proud to have amongst our alumni.