Table of Contents
Ph.D. Survival Guide
a.k.a. “How to Get a Ph.D. in the Computer Science Department of Purdue University”
Disclaimer
This document is intended as a supplement to the information provide by the Computer Science Department and Graduate School Department at Purdue University. The information in this document might be incorrect or out-of-date. All efforts are made to update this document in a timely manor and provide accurate and up-to-date information. The last time this document was updated can be found on the bottom of the front cover of this document.
The Graduate Student Board and/or the authors of this document are not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided in this document. For the latest information check the Computer Science website and/or contact the head of the Computer Science Department.
If errors or inconsistencies are found in this document please contact the Graduate Student Board via e-mail. The authors of this document apologize for any inaccurate information.
Introduction
This document is a guide on how to earn a Ph.D. from the Computer Science Department at Purdue University. It provides information to supplement the advice given to you by your adviser, and the information found on the Computer Science website. This guide provides advice and information to students on all of the stages of advancement towards a Ph.D. For example, it attempts to answer obscure questions such as, “How does a student go about having a non-Purdue committee member?” Always consult with the graduate committee and your adviser.
Acknowledgements
Bill Speirs orginially completed this document in the Fall of 2005 with the help of Marina Blanton. In the Summer of 2007, it was moved from TeX/pdf format to this wiki by Nate Andrysco.
Overview
Requirements
The requirements that need to be fulfilled for a Ph.D. can be found on the department’s website. The website contains the most up-to-date information on the requirements for getting a Ph.D. The basic requirements consist of the following pieces:
- 12 3-Credit Courses
- Qualifying Process
- Advisory Committee
- Plan of Study
- Preliminary Exam
- Thesis
For more detailed and up-to-date information, see the department's website.
Timeline of Completion
The rate at which the requirements are completed is different from student to student, but the following basic order is usually followed.
- Complete Qual 1
- Complete Qual 2
- Complete a Master’s Plan of Study
- Complete the Qualifying Course Requirements
- Form and Advisory Committee
- Complete a Ph.D. Plan of Study
- Complete the Preliminary Exam
- Perform Research in the Area of Your Thesis
- Write Your Thesis
- Defend Your Thesis
Some of the requirements have the prerequisite that another requirement must be completed first. For example, you must pass the Qual 1 before attempting the Qual 2, and must have formed an advisory committee and completed a Ph.D. plan of study before completing your preliminary exam. Always reference the department’s website for up-to-date information on these requirements.
The first four semesters (2 years) are the most important with respect to choosing courses. There should be a good balance between required classes, for the Qual 1 process, and class of interest for your research area. It is required that you complete 4 qualifying exams (the Qual 1 process) by the end of your fourth semester.
| Year | Semester | Courses | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 courses (1 Qual and 2 of interest) | Register and take 2 qualifying exams |
| 2 | 3 courses (2 Quals) | Register and take 2 qualifying exams | |
| 2 | 3 | 3 courses (including remaining courses for 7-course requirement) | Complete Qual 1 Process, Begin looking for an adviser |
| 4 | 3 courses | Choose a research area, Pick an adviser, Qual 2 exam | |
| 3 | 5 | Any remaining courses | Work on prelim. requirements |
| 6 | Special interest courses or seminars | Take the preliminary exam | |
| 4 | 7 | Special interest courses or seminars | Research for thesis |
| 8 | Special interest courses or seminars | Research for thesis | |
| 5 | 9 | Special interest courses or seminars | Research for thesis |
| 10 | Special interest courses or seminars | Write thesis | |
| 6 | 11 | Special interest courses or seminars | Write thesis |
| 12 | Special interest courses or seminars | Defend your thesis |
The key is to focus on completing qualifying exams as quickly as possible; however, it is not recommended to take more then 2 qualifying exams in a single semester. Remember, it is usually required that a final examination also be taken with the supplemental qualifying exam.
