Graduate Schools

• This is all somewhat open to interpretation.
• Three types of degrees
  • Professional Masters
  • Academic Masters
  • PhD. (Academic Doctorate)
  • Professional Doctorate
• There are some things in common
  • Masters require about 30 credits.
  • Normally two years full time.
  • Some classes at the senior/masters level.
  • Some classes at the masters/doctorate level.
  • Some of these credits might be research.
• The difference
  • Some are purely class work (I think this is rare)
  • Some require a research project (Masters Thesis)
  • Some require you to pass a comprehensive test.
• PhD
  • About 60 credits
  • Will absolutely require original research and publication.
  • Two or three tests possible
    • Am I good enough to be allowed in (entrance exam)
    • Have I learned enough (qualifiers)
    • Is my project good enough (candidacy)
    • Is my research good enough (defense)
• Classes
  • Load usually 3 classes or 9 hours.
  • But you usually take summer classes as well.
  • Especially later when you are doing research.
• Research
  • We probably have a basic understanding except
    • Graduate faculty teach far fewer classes.
    • Probably have a TA to grade for them.
    • Are probably seeking grant funding.
    • They will only work on a topic where they are an expert.
    • Possibly have higher standards for accepting students.
    • They probably have multiple projects going with multiple students.
    • They probably are interacting with other faculty inside and outside of their institution.
    • Take a look at Dr. Peyravi's pages.
    • Take a look at Dr. Du's pages.
  • Students doing research are likely to receive a research assistant ship.
• Support
  • Two kinds:
    • GA or TA : teaching assistant ship
      • Usually involve classroom activity
      • Teaching
      • Grading
      • Tutoring
      • Holding office hours.
      • Probably what you would get when you start.
    • RA
      • Doing research.
      • Probably more senior.
  • Look at KSU's CS Rates
  • Also page 42 of the Taulbee Survey
• School types
  • Research universities
  • Others with graduate programs.
• Graduate School while working.
  • Company pays.
  • Many grad programs expect Master's students to be working.
  • This is much harder in a PhD program.
• Is a masters worth it?
  • BLS article
• Do you know about the BLS?
  • Computer Related Occupations
• Is a PhD worth it?
  • The Taulbee Survey
  • Table F2 (p 31) is informative.
  • Salaries in S1 of Taulbee survey.
• Selecting and Applying
  • Establish a set of criteria
    • Area of study
    • Prestige
    • Location
    • Well known mentor
  • Select several colleges
    • I wish I were there
    • I would be happy there
    • I could work there but...