Graduate Studies in Computer Science

Degrees

  • Master's:

Half breadth, half depth

  • Ph.D.:

Depth (the goal is to become the best in the world in one’s narrow topic of study)

UNR

Three programs:

  • M.S. in C.S. (software emphasis)
  • M.S. in C.E. (hardware emphasis)
  • Ph.D. in C.S.E.

GRE

  • General test can be taken virtually anytime, but a few months are needed to get results to you and to your schools.
  • Subject (not typically required, but often highly recommended) test is only offered twice a year, in November and December.
  • Consider the costs both of taking these tests and sending scores to schools. For each test you take they send the scores to upto four schools for free. Each additional school costs money.

Preparing to apply

  • Apply to programs that span a range of rankings (don't apply only to top 10 schools, but also don't apply only to low-ranked schools).
  • Look for schools that are highly ranked overall, in computer science, and especially in your niche area (i.e. graphics, theory, etc.).
  • Ask for an appropriate number of transcripts from the registrar’s office. Each school usually wants two copies.
  • Prepare a good (and honest) resume.
  • Graduate programs typically require a statement of purpose (why you want to study advanced C.S.) and a personal statement (a brief personal history - some overlap with statement of purpose, but a different focus).

Though the exact requirements vary from school to school for these statements, one can expect to have to write them, so writing very good quality generic ones and having them proof read many times and then adopting them later is highly beneficial.

Applying

Anticipate how many schools you want to apply to and how much it will cost - a few schools don't have application fees (i.e. University of Utah, look to apply to these if applicable).

Research

The focus of graduate school is typically at least partially on research, though many schools do have non-thesis options for master's degrees.

Master's Degree Process

  1. Look into schools - look for application due dates especially (some have rolling admissions, others are due at specific times).
  2. Apply to schools (some schools have separate financial aid applications).
  3. Wait to hear back (most schools give acceptance notification and financial support notification separately).
  4. Many schools do not financially support Master's students - though it may be possible to solicit research assistantships upon getting to the school.
  5. If you are accepted somewhere, write back stating your acceptance to the school you prefer (sometimes they will fly you out to visit the school).
  6. First semester–You should get to know the school and a few teachers by taking classes.
  7. Second semester- you should have picked or started to pick your advisor.
  8. Summer- you should start doing research.
  9. Third semester- you should be finishing taking classes and finishing up research (you may wish to apply for your Ph.D. at this point).
  10. Fourth semester- you should be writing your thesis document and defending it.

Ph.D. Degree process

  1. Many schools want students to apply for the highest degree they wish to obtain.
  2. You can apply as a Ph.D. student even with a bachelor’s degree. You still have to put in the time though.
  3. Applying for Ph.D. admittance instead of master’s can mean the difference between no funding and funding – though it may be more competitive also.
  4. Most Ph.D. applications are due between December 1st and January 15th.
  5. Semesters vary alot for Ph.D. programs, but in general there will be some type of test that one has to take (i.e. comprehensive exam, to continue one's admission), an oral defense (dissertation proposal), and a written dissertation plus defense.

General Advice

  • Prepare early and leave yourself plenty of time to work on things - applications will take a long time each.
  • Publish when you get opportunities to.
  • Have professors review your generic application package.
  • Ask professors write you letters of recommendation well ahead of time.
  • Study for the GRE and subject tests (for several months).