Computer Science Department, Boston University

Specimen Curriculum

We attempt to describe a yearly schedule for a hypothetical post-B.A. PhD student. The following table provides an example for a student interested in Systems. The schedule of each student will differ based on course offerings and area of interest.

During the first year, the student takes one or two courses in his/her area of specialization if such an area has been identified. During this year, the student should be working toward identifying an area of research, as well as a potential faculty/research advisor.

Note that a student with a Master's degree in Computer Science prior to entrance, i.e. post-M.A. PhD student, should consult with his/her mentor regarding breadth courses. Such a student would normally petition for course equivalency and take courses only as necessary to fill in background gaps -- she/he would instead take directed study/research or advanced graduate courses toward her/his research goals.

By end of third semester, the student completes his/her breadth coursework requirement (6 courses with 2 courses in Theory, and at least 1 course from each of the other 3 areas). From now on, the student is strongly encouraged to undertake directed study/research or advanced graduate courses in the proposed area of study.

By end of second year, the student may choose to obtain the MA degree provided he/she has completed the MA degree requirements, which includes 8 courses and an M.A. Thesis.

The student continues to take advanced elective/research courses in his/her area of interest. During years 3-4, the student's time is devoted almost entirely to research. The student continues to undertake a series of more and more challenging research problems.

By end of third year, if not earlier, the student successfully passes the PhD depth (written) exam in his/her area of interest.

By end of fourth year, if not earlier, the student successfully passes the PhD oral exam in his/her area of interest. By that time, the student isolates a thesis problem. The student dedicates his/her time completely to the dissertation, successfully defending his/her PhD thesis proposal and final PhD thesis by approximately end of fifth year in theoretical areas, and more likely by sixth year in systems areas.