GSS: Beyond the Qualifying Exams

John Paul RoopAugust 25, 2003

Finishing Up Graduate Coursework

- Sixty credit hour requirement- Sixty credit hours are the minimum; however, you will be strongly encouraged/required to take more than that number of hours.

-Breadth Requirement: Two courses in each sub-discipline of algebra, analysis, computation, operations research, and statistics.

- Most transfer credit from other universities will be ignored, especially courses from foreign universities.- It is important to understand that the amount of work required for each graduate course greatly varies by course and instructor.

Taking/Passing the Comprehensive Exam

- Involves an approximately 20+ page research paper which includes:

- This exam makes you a Ph.D. candidate.

- An introductory section which reviews the relevant literature.- A presentation of original work which has been conducted so far in your area.

- A proposal for future work to culminate in your Ph.D., although the game may change before you actually finish.- Preferably a timeline indicating your future progress in the program, including a potential graduation date.

Work Involved in Finishing the Dissertation

- Seminar/conference talks.

- Formatting the dissertation/learning LATEX.

- Potentially serving as reviewer for research publications as well as grant proposals.

- Refereed journal publications.

- Lots more learning/background research in terms of gaining expertise in your field of choice.

- Composing a Vita, Research and Teaching Statements.

The Choice of an Advisor and Research

Topic Has Many Serious Ramifications

Towards Your Progress in the Program

Example: M.S. Advisor Selection

-Student A: Barely 3.0 GPA and finished in 1.5 years.

-Student B: Higher GPA than A and finished in 2.5 years.-Student C: Higher GPA than A or B and finished in 3.5 years.

The Choice of a Ph.D. advisor/research topic has more serious ramifications

- How long it will take you to finish your degree.- What positions you are able to apply for and/or obtain.

- What specialized courses you will be able/required to teach.- Your research curriculum for at least the first few years.

- The skill set required in order to perform research tasks.

How Should One Go about the Process of Choosing an

Advisor?

- Attend research talks of professors/students of interest.- Schedule a meeting with potential advisors.

- Examine the nature of the professor’s research output.- Your most valuable resource: other graduate students, but BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TALK TO.

- Use coursework to decide your areas of interest/ability.

Other Topics of Conversation/Advice

- “I hate analysis and proofs.”LEAVE NOW

- “If I can just pass qualifiers, writing the dissertation will be a piece of cake.”NOTHING COULD BE MORE

FALSE- “I don’t need to come to class if I don’t want to.”MANY PROFESSORS MAY GIVE A LOWER

GRADE BASED ON POOR ATTENDANCE/PERSONAL OPINION

- “My professor/supervisor is a jerk/stupid/slacker/nut-job.”IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO KEEP

A PROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR IN A PLACE OF BUSINESS

“Much like personal salvation, the battle of

obtaining a post-graduate degree is a battle against

yourself, and no one else.”

Parting Shot