Guidelines for MS students in preparation for graduation:

1.

Students must have met the following criteria to schedule the defense:

(a)

30 credit hours (project option) or 24 (thesis option) of CS graduate courses (at least 1/2 in 600-level). CS685 can be taken for credit no more than twice. At least 2/3 of credits must be in regular courses (this excludes CS610, CS612)

(b)

No incomplete in any course, including CS 610

(c)

Completed core course requirement: 4 core courses with grade B or higher, with (a) two selected from CS505 (Databases), CS541 (Compilers), CS570 (Systems), and CS571 (Networks), and (b) two selected from CS515 (Algorithms), CS537 (Numerical), CS575 (Theory).

(d)

Completed "Application for Degree" cards. They are available in the Graduate School and in AH 763C. They must be filled out and signed by the student and then signed by the Director of Graduate Studies

(e)

The committee for the defense must be nominated by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the advisor.

2.

To schedule the defense, the student needs to fill out forms available in AH 763C. In particular, the student will provide the date and time for the defense. Each of the faculty members on the defense committee needs to initial the form to indicate that they agree to the selected date and time. For students in the thesis option, an additional
form with the title of the thesis must be filled out. Signatures of all faculty members on the defense committee are required on that form.

3.

This paperwork must be completed and returned to AH763 at least 3 weeks before the date of defense.

4.

Students no longer at the University may have a friend help with the paperwork. The Department will also accept email from faculty members stating that they agree to the date and time of a defense.