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

2.

Set up an advisory committee:

(a)

The advisor and student come up with a suggested list of three CS (or two CS and one outside) faculty members, including the advisor. At least two must be full members of the graduate faculty. The advisor and/or student acquires tentative agreement from the suggested committee members.

(b)

The advisor communicates the suggested makeup of the committee, the student name, the project title, and a suggested final exam time to the DGS.

(c)

The DGS confirms with the committee members that they are willing to serve. In rare cases, the DGS might suggest an alternative committee to the advisor.

(d)

The DGS approves a committee.

3.

Schedule the defense:

(a)

The student should show the committee an almost-final draft of the thesis (option A) or project report or thesis (option B) before the defense is scheduled.

(b)

At least 3 weeks before the suggested defense date, the student requests that the secretary schedule a defense.

(c)

The secretary verifies that the student has fulfilled all other requirements for a degree and prepares a request for final masters examination (RFM) form that includes a date and time for the defense. The time should be at least 1 hour; 1 hour 30 minutes is better.

(d)

The members of the committee, having agreed that the student is ready to defend, and agreeing on a time for the exam, indicate so by signing the RFM. They should print their names as well

(e)

The DGS signs the RFM.

(f)

The secretary schedules a room for the defense and publicizes it.

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.