Graduate Programs and Application Procedures

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Science
• Application Procedure and Deadlines for all Graduate Programs
• Progress and graduation checklists for MS Students and PhD Students
• Information for Graduate Students
  • Research Facilities
  • Faculty and Research Areas
  • Student Information
• Correspondence and Information

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Prerequisites for Admission

Requirements for Graduation

Written Qualifying Exam:
The student must pass a three-hour written exam of general knowledge of Computer Science at the end of the first year. Upon failure, the student may petition the CSGC to allow a second attempt at the end of the second year. The exam will be administered once a year in the early weeks of the summer session. It will cover expected knowledge of all first-year graduate students. Included in this material are a fundamental understanding of algorithm analysis and design, advanced skills in programming, basic knowledge of computer architecture, and a general understanding of computer systems.

Classroom Courses:
In the first two years, the student must take eight CSGC-approved classroom courses, for a total of 24 credits. At least four of these courses (12 credits) must be CSC6XX couses. The eight courses must include two courses from each of the areas of Analysis, Applications, and Systems. The student must work with the Director of Graduate Studies to select a cohesive set of courses as approved by the CSGC. The CSGC will have sole authority in designating the areas to which each course belongs. In the case that a course is designated in more than one area, a student may apply the course to only one area. The designation of current CSGC-approved courses appears in the Graduate Bulletin.

Selecting an Advisor: By the end of the second semester, the student must find a research supervisor. By the end of the third semester, the student must have made significant progress on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The student must write a detailed progress report that will become a public document and shall be kept on file by the Department. The student must present the report to a quorum of the CSGC at a time to be approved by the chairman of the Department. The supervisor and CSGC must approve the project as applicable toward candidacy for a Ph.D.

Annual Presentations:
After passing the written qualifying exam, the student must make a public oral presentation to the Department at least once per year. These presentations include the the thesis proposal and the thesis defense. The goals are to develop the student's oral and presentation skills, to provide a means for the Department to check the research and progress of the student, and to present the opportunity for feedback to improve the student's research.

Teaching Experience:
Each student must teach a lab-based course for a minimum of one semester. Lab-based courses typically require the student to present material in a relaxed lecture format, re-emphasizing material learned in the general lecture as well as introducing new material to the students.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Prerequisites for Admission

Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete either the thesis option or the coursework option.

1. Thesis option:
   • CSC710 - Master's Thesis (6 credits)
   and coursework:
   • 24 credits from approved courses, including at least 9 credits from CSC6XX courses.

2. Coursework option:
   
   • 36 credits from approved courses, including at least 18 credits from CSC6XX courses.

Each program must include both theoretical and experimental topics. By graduation students will have knowledge in the areas of Programming Languages, Algorithm Design and Analysis, Theory of Computing, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, and Software Engineering. Each program is approved by the CSGC and the Department Chairman or designate. Programs may be individually tailored to meet varied backgrounds and objectives. It is recognized that there are individuals with undergraduate degrees in other fields wishing to pursue graduate work in Computer Science, and individuals with work experience in the field wishing to advance their formal training in Computer Science.

Application Procedure and Deadlines for all Graduate Programs

We accept online applications (if the online application system asks for your passport number, and you do not have a passport, put "0000" as the passport number). Applications are evaluated only when all the following items have been received:

• Statement of purpose.
• Original academic transcripts (by mail, posted to the Director of Graduate Studies)
• GRE general test scores - Institution code 5815, Department code 0402.
  • No minimum score requirement.
• For international students, TOEFL scores - Institution code 5815, Department code 0402.
  • TOEFL minimum score requirement: Internet based - 88; Computer based - 230; Paper based - 570.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Optional: Application for assistantship.

Application deadlines for admission to graduate programs:

• US applicants: Fall - 15th July, Spring - 1st December
• International applicants: Fall - 15th April, Spring - 15th September

Assistantships

• Fall - 1st February, Spring - 15th September

Fellowships

• 1st January

Information for Graduate Students

Student Information

Cost of Living
This page estimates the living expenses for Miami. Housing for graduate students in available both on and off campus. For 2011-2012, the average cost of living is $26051 for one year. The available on-campus housing consists of a limited number of 3-bedroom apartments with full kitchens & living rooms (single and double bedroom occupancy) as well as residential college efficiency rooms with small kitchenettes. Off-campus housing is also available - a limited on-line listing of available off-campus housing is maintained by the Office of Commuter Student Affairs

Student Group
The University currently enrolls approximately 15000 students, in which more than 5000 are graduate students. All 50 states and over 110 foreign countries are represented.

Correspondence and Information

Telephone: 305 2842268
Fax: 305 2842864
Email: csgrad@cs.miami.edu
Web: http://www.cs.miami.edu