Course Requirements
Students must satisfy the minimum course requirements (11 graduate courses totaling 33 credit hours) excluding doctoral dissertation research credits. In addition, it is recommended that Ph.D. students achieve a minimum of three “A”s and one “B” in the three core courses:
Comprehensive Portfolio
The comprehensive portfolio for CMSC doctoral students consists of the following components:
- core course requirements
- student research statement
- independently produced written report
- curriculum vitae
- copies of important publications
- faculty letters of support
The graduate committee will make its decision about the student’s continuation in the doctoral program based on evaluating these materials. The student has to submit the portfolio before the end of completing four semesters (for full-time) or five semesters (for part-time).
Preliminary Examination (Prelim)
Each student must select a dissertation advisor and a dissertation preliminary examination committee. Students present and defend their dissertation proposal to the preliminary committee.
Ph.D. Candidacy
After passing the prelim and completing the course requirements, the graduate program committee recommends to the Graduate School that the student be admitted to doctoral candidacy.
Dissertation Research
Students conduct and report on a significant original research project under the guidance of their dissertation advisor. This research must be completed and defended within four years of admission to candidacy. Students must be admitted to candidacy at least two full sequential semesters before the date on which the doctoral degree is to be conferred.
Residency Requirements
A minimum of three years of full-time graduate study or its equivalent is required. At least one year of full-time study must be completed at UMBC.
