PhD Program - For students admitted with an MS in CS
The boxes below summarize significant steps in the completion of a PhD for students who have an MS in CS (or a closely related field) at the time of admission. Detailed requirements are contained in the PhD program requirements section of the CS Graduate Handbook. If requirements conflict, requirements in the PhD Program page take precedence.
1. Find An Advisor
During or before second semester
Find someone that shares your research interests and that you can work with
2. Submit Study List
First semester
Create and submit a study list that satisfies coursework requirements for a PhD in Computer Science
3. Form A Committee
First two semesters
With your advisor, select graduate faculty to serve as your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th committee members.
4. Be Resident
Entire PhD program
Satisfy both the CS Department and BYU Grad Studies residency requirements. The department requires PhD students to be resident, which means being present during most business hours. The University requires PhD students to register for at least 2 consecutive 6-hour semesters on the BYU Campus. Exceptions to the department requirement for research-focused internships are regularly approved
5. Update Your Graduate Profile
Twice a year in September and April
Profile updates are used during twice-yearly PhD Progress Reviews. At these reviews, the graduate CS faculty review all PhD students. Students are placed on "satisfactory", "warning", "marginal", or "unsatisfactory" status.
6. Pass Qualifying Exam
During first year
Under the direction of your advisor, prepare a research paper suitable for publication. Present the paper to your dissertation committee. The committee will grade your ability to think, learn, work, write, and present.
7. Teach a Class
Once during PhD studies
A PhD student must teach at least one Computer Science course. Make requests for teaching by indicating your desires for teaching, both the semester and course, at the time you submit your report for progress reviews. These requests should be made well in advance because the department plans teaching assignments in January.
8. Propose A Dissertation
Soon after passing qualifying exam
The dissertation proposal comprises a document and an oral presentation. The proposal presents a problem, discusses closely related work and the broader research area, and describes a research agenda to solve the problem and evaluate the solution. The proposal must explain the importance of the research problem and the research agenda.
9. Apply for Graduation
The semester in which you defend
See the graduate academic advisor for details. Be sure that your ecclesiastical endorsement is up to date.
10. Defend Your Dissertation
Within 8 years of admission
Working with your advisor, prepare a dissertation. After your advisor approves, obtain approval from other committee members. After the committee approves, schedule a defense 3 weeks in advance. Please reach out to the graduate academic advisor early in the semester in which you hope to defend to create a plan to accomplish your goals.
11. Finish Paperwork
After defending dissertation
The Doctorate (PhD) Program page has useful information and contains the correct forms and instructions.