Notes on Graduate School Cliff Shaffer Department of Computer Science Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA

My Perspective 8 years as graduate program director for a “Research 1” PhD granting (and PhD-focused) CS Department A graduate degree should be something very different from an undergraduate degree – Not just more classes – The “research degree” is what has made graduate education in the US the envy of the world

Graduate Programs MS-only (typically course based) PhD-granting (MS and PhD) – In Academia, there is a real “pecking order” among Universities – Where you go for an undergraduate degree is far less important than where you go for a graduate degree, especially for a PhD, for future job prospects

MS vs. PhD In CS, everyone is usually in demand Generally, BS pays well, MS pays better, and PhD pays even better – But its debatable whether the “cost” of a PhD makes up for the pay differential from MS – The real reason to get a PhD is because it lets you do new things (faculty, research labs, in industry more likely to be the manager, overall status)

PhD Jobs In CS, the majority of PhDs go to industry Guesstimate: – Industry 50% – Academia 40% – Government 10%

Timeframe The MS degree traditionally takes 2 years – Low variance The PhD degree roughly takes 5 years from BS – High variance You really want to be getting paid while doing your graduate degree! – GTA, GRA, Government fellowship, company support, military support

Getting into Graduate School Factors considered by our department, in rough order of importance: How much we believe you want to do research (and will be able to get it done) Established connection with a faculty member in our department Research experience (publications a big plus) Recommendation letters (from respected sources) School you went to Grades Standardized test scores

Example: VT MS Degree Thesis 30 credits 7 3-credit courses (2-3 courses/semester) Defend thesis (9 credits) Coursework-only 33 credits 11 3-credit courses One is Independent Study, with a report

Example: VT PhD 11 3-credit courses 2 advanced/seminar courses 2 courses outside of CS (technical electives) Pass PhD Qualifier Pass PhD Proposal/Preliminary Exam Pass Dissertation Defense

Why do Research? Learn a set of work skill that you can't get from classes – Significant writing task – Independent/unstructured work task Do something ``real'‘ Become a true expert in something It's the only way to get a PhD

Grad Student Concerns The key concern with doing a research degree: When will it end?

How to be Successful Grad Student Initially: – Don't just take classes -- interact with faculty, students doing research, and research groups. – Attend talks, read papers. Get PhD qualifier (or equivalent) out of the way early. Identify an advisor early, and get involved in research – GRA, Independent Study, or volunteer Research topic often comes from the work, not work from the topic.

Getting Things Done Set deadlines or milestones... And keep them! Break big tasks into subtasks Tackling the Dissertation: – Intersperse writing with working – Documenting literature review is an ongoing process – Constantly write progress reports – Publish along the way if possible

The Advisor A key person in your academic/professional career Pick the best compromise (for YOU!) of the following – Research area – Support opportunity – Physical environment for getting work done – Intellectual environment for getting work done – Peer support system (research group) – Personality: Interaction at a personal level – Personality: Management style (hands on/off) – Level of attention – Track record on timely graduation – Professional advancement