UMBC/Dept of CSEE
CMSC Ph.D. Checklist

Created June 2005

Instructions: Save this html file and tick off the check-boxes as and when you meet these requirements.

Name:
Semester in which PhD program was started:

X

When you arrive on campus

Check in with the department;
SUBMIT your original official transcripts of ALL previous degrees to the Graduate School and submit a copy to CSEE Dept.

X

When you arrive on campus

Meet with your temporary advisor; plan classes

X

Before classes start

Attend orientation sessions, including one for TA/RAs

X

Before classes start

International TAs must be tested by English Language Center

X

Before classes start

Subscribe to csee-grad-cs mailing list

X

Before classes start

Register for classes

X

At all times

Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, and obtain grades of B or better in the four core/breadth courses
Else, risk academic warning / probation / dismissal

X

If planning to go on Leave-of-Absence in a semester

(Domestic students ONLY – International students are not eligible for LOA)

Submit LOA request to GPD
Register for CMSC 999 BEFORE final course ADD date (usually 10 days after classes start)

X

In your first two semesters (three for part-time)

Get to know faculty in your area(s) of interest, and find a potential research advisor

X

In your first two semesters (three for part-time)

Register for 699 and/or work on a research project

X

By the end of the 6th week of the semester in which the courses are taken

Submit request for approval of non-CMSC course credits (at most 6 credits)

X

By the end of your 2nd semester (May 31 or Dec 31)  (before your 3rd semester begins [4th for part-time students]

Submit Initial Comp. Portfolio - Graduate Cmte will provide feedback

 

Before your 4th semester begins [5th for part-time students]

Complete comp courses (611, 621, 641, and one breadth course - obtaining grades of B or better in each course) and start preparing Comp. Portfolio

X

By the end of your 4th semester

File the change of advisor form to officially identify your permanent research advisor

X

As early as possible and before submitting the Program of Study

Secure approval from the GPD for course-equivalency requests for graduate courses taken elsewhere, if any

X

By the end of your 4th semester (Apr 15 or Nov 15)

File the CSEE Ph.D. Program of Study

X

Before your 5th semester begins [6th for part-time students]

Submit Final Comp. Portfolio - Graduate Cmte will decide whether you meet the criteria to continue in PhD program.

X

Within two weeks after being notified of your portfolio results

Submit an appeal if you wish to appeal the decision

X

When your comp. portfolio is approved

Start taking 899 credits [12 credits of 899 required to graduate]

X

After successful submission of comps portfolio, by April 15th each year

File a Research Progress Form, signed by your advisor

X

At least three months prior to taking the Ph.D. preliminary exam

Start forming your dissertation proposal committee

X

At least 30 days prior to taking the Ph.D. preliminary exam

Submit the Ph.D. preliminary exam scheduling form

X

At least three weeks before taking the prelim exam

Circulate a dissertation proposal to your committee

X

By the end of the 4th year [5th year for part-time students]

Pass the Ph.D. preliminary exam

X

Immediately after passing the preliminary exam

File the Graduate School Admission to Candidacy form;
Note the Graduate School requirements on minimum time between admission to candidacy and final Ph.D. defense

 

Within four years of passing the prelim (but no earlier than two semesters after passing the prelim)

Defend your dissertation

 

At least six months prior to final Ph.D. defense

File the Graduate School Nomination of Members for the Final Doctoral Examination Committee

 

In the semester you intend to graduate (2nd week of Feb, June 10 or Oct) - check Graduate School website for dates

File the Graduate School Application for Diploma and pay diploma fee

Register for at least one credit

 

At least 10 days before scheduling the final Ph.D. defense

File the Graduate School Certification of Completion of Doctoral Dissertation
Announce your dissertation defense to csee-grad and csee-faculty mailing lists

 

By the end of the semester that you plan to graduate (recommend doing this much earlier)

Complete 33 graduate-level credits that satisfy the CMSC Ph.D. degree requirements

 

Graduate School Commencement Day

Attend Commencement, if possible
Thank any family, friends, relatives, faculty, staff and others who made this achievement possible.
Remember to sign up with Office of Institutional Development, Alumni Association and generously give back to UMBC.

 

After Graduation

Stay in touch with your UMBC friends, faculty, Dept. and campus
Remember that "Learning Never Ends" and education is a life-long process.
Education is for Life; not merely for a Living.
Give back to society, whenever, whatever, however you can.
If you receive an alumni survey from UMBC, please take the time to fill out the survey: your feedback is essential in continuously improving UMBC's quality.

Please let the department know your plans after graduation.