We attempt to describe a yearly schedule for a hypothetical post-BA 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.<\/p>\n
| Year<\/th>\n | Fall Semester<\/th>\n | Spring Semester<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n |
|---|---|---|
| 1<\/th>\n | Breadth course from Systems area<\/p>\n Breadth course from Theory area<\/td>\n | Breadth course from Systems area<\/p>\n Breadth course from Algorithms area<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 2<\/th>\n | Breadth course from Software area<\/p>\n Breadth course from remaining areas<\/td>\n | Electives or \nDirected Study (Research)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 3<\/th>\n | Electives \/ Directed Study (Research) \/ Thesis Continuation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n 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.<\/p>\n Note that a student with a master’s degree in Computer Science prior to entrance, i.e., post-MA\\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\u2014she\/he would instead take directed study\/research or advanced graduate courses toward her\/his research goals.<\/p>\n |