Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find general information concerning the CS PhD program and other PhD Programs?
- These slides from the orientation for new PhD students provide an overview of the program, as well as additional useful information.
- The CS PhD section of the GMU Catalog contains general regulations.
- IT&E maintains an Informal Guide for PhD IT Students that you may find helpful.
Where do I find information on the PhD Qualifying Exam?
See the PhD Qualifying Exam Page.
How do I register for the PhD qualifying exam?
Contact Therese Michael at tmichae1 ... at ... gmu.edu or call her at 703-993-1530. Send her your name, GMU ID, email address, phone number, subjects you wish to take the exam in, and desired date of the exam.
Can I transfer from the PhD IT program to the PhD CS program? How can I do this?
Yes. You can transfer from the PhD IT to PhD CS program by filling out a change of program form available from the Computer Science Department or the IT&E Graduate Student office. Your application to transfer will be considered by the CS Department's PhD admissions committee.
What is CS 800?
CS 800 is not a course in the traditional sense. Instead, during the course of the semester, students are required to attend a number of departmental colloquia including talks by distinguished speakers, faculty candidates, and GMU faculty.
The course requirements for the PhD degree include 4 advanced graduate courses. What courses qualify as advanced courses?
An advanced graduate course is a course that has another graduate course as a pre-requisite. Typically, 6xx level (and above) courses in the CS and ISA programs will qualify as advanced graduate courses, whereas 7xx level (and above)courses in the SWE and INFS programs will qualify as advanced. See this web page for the current list of advanced graduate courses.
How do I get credit for my MS degree?
You will need to fill out a Reduction of Credit form available in the CS Department office. The reduction of credit will need to be approved by the chair of the PhD program.