Expectations and
Quality Control for Ph.D.
Students
Martha E. Pollack
Computer Science and Engineering
University of Michigan
A Case Study
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The University of Michigan model
Similar processes throughout most
U.S. departments
Admissions
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Quality control beings at the time of
application
Ph.D. applications treated separately from
M.S. applications
Applicants must submit
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Transcripts
GRE Scores
TOEFL Scores (International Students)
Essay describing research interests
3 letters of recommendation
Screening
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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
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Nearly all admitted Ph.D. students are
guaranteed 5 years of funding
Most students complete Ph.D. in 5-6
years
Quality Control #1
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Demonstrate breadth of knowledge
in computer science and engineering
Pass (B- or better) 4 courses:
• Hardware, software, theory, AI
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Observe an honor code for all work
Quality Control #2
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Demonstrate depth of knowledge in
an area
High pass (A or A-) in two selected
courses in the major area
Quality Control #3
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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
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After completing requirements #1-3,
the student becomes a “candidate”
The “Real Test”
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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
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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
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Ph.D. Student has
• broad knowledge of computer science
• deep knowledge of a subfield, and
• a demonstrated capability to produce
and present research results
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In short, is ready for a faculty or
industrial research position—is
someone we’ll be proud to have
amongst our alumni.