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The computer science PH.D. program at CMU

Published:01 June 1973Publication History
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Abstract

This document provides a model of the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at Carnegie-Mellon University. The Ph.D. is viewed as a certification by the faculty that the student has a broad foundation in Computer Science and has performed original research in the area. Every incoming student is assigned advisors who are charged with guiding him and certifying his education. To qualify for a degree, a student is required to pass a set of qualifying examinations and to write and defend a thesis.To help students fulfill these requirements, the Department provides educational opportunities consisting of:- The Immigration Course, an intensive six week program intended to provide a common foundation for students with diverse backgrounds.- A set of Core courses, covering a core body of knowledge in computer science which all computer scientists should know.- An area specialization, requiring a deeper study in a particular subarea of computer science.- Participation in directed research, providing experience in a research environment before starting the major piece of research which will be his thesis.- The environment to do a major piece of original work leading to a thesis.There are no required courses; competence may be acquired through either courses or independent study. There is a teaching requirement intended to develop communication skills.There are no formal grades. However, on a semi-annual basis the entire faculty evaluates each student's progress along several dimensions -- courses, core qualifier, area qualifier, directed research, teaching, thesis, etc. Support and/or permission to continue in the department depends on adequate performance along these dimensions. Thus, while a student is free to shape his educational program to suit his needs, he must continue to demonstrate satisfactory progress in at least some of the above dimensions.

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        cover image ACM SIGCSE Bulletin
        ACM SIGCSE Bulletin  Volume 5, Issue 2
        June 1973
        37 pages
        ISSN:0097-8418
        DOI:10.1145/382226
        Issue’s Table of Contents

        Copyright © 1973 Author

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        Association for Computing Machinery

        New York, NY, United States

        Publication History

        • Published: 1 June 1973

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