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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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”

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

9. 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).

10. 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).

11. 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.

12. 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.