First Semester

• Satisfy English Level I requirement – either receive a “Pass” on the GET or credit in SCI 614. English Level I must by satisfied by no later than the beginning of your third term of study in order to graduate in four semesters.
• Meet with graduate advisor at least once per term for advice/guidance
• Attend Graduate Seminar Series (formerly Pernet). This requirement should be completed by the end of your second term of enrollment.
• Start thinking about which concentration you will graduate under (General, Software Engineering, Computing for Life Sciences)
• Enroll in at least three courses, after consultation with a graduate advisor.  Core courses should be completed as early as possible, however it is also important to take graduate level electives with possible culminating experience supervisors during your first year of study.
• Given that your GPA must remain above 3.0, we recommend that you do not take too many courses your first semester (typically 9 units maximum).

Second Semester

• Meet with graduate advisor at least once per term for advice/guidance
• Select concentration (General, SW Engineering, Computing for Life Sciences). Consult concentration coordinators or CS Chair if you need guidance.
• Enroll in at least three courses, after consultation with a graduate advisor
• Start thinking about your thesis/project. Enroll in courses taught by prospective thesis/project supervisors; discuss possible culminating experience topics with prospective supervisors. Consult your favorite professors for guidance in project selection.
• Select your culminating experience supervisor by the end of this semester and obtain your supervisor’s permission to work under his/her supervision.

Semester Break

• Investigate culminating experience topic; work with supervisor on obtaining background knowledge/skills
• Possibly do an external internship to get practical experience in CS (CSC 893)

Third Semester

• Meet with graduate advisor at least once per term for advice/guidance
• Complete Graduate Approved Program (GAP) prior to University Deadlines (November 1/April 1) – English Level 1 and Graduate Seminar Series must be complete PRIOR TO GAP SUBMISSION and GPA must be > 3.0.
• Submit project/thesis proposal to CS Department; select thesis/project committee with consultation of supervisor and graduate advisor; submit signed Culminating Experience Requirement Form prior to University Deadlines (November 1/April 1).  Note that if Human or Animal Subjects Protocols are required, these must also be approved by your supervisor and submitted by this deadline.
• Enroll in CSC 897/899 for background work on Thesis/Project – be sure to meet with supervisor/committee on a regular basis to ensure appropriate progress.

Final Semester

• Enroll in CSC 895/898 for project/thesis – GPA must be at least 3.0 in order to enroll in CSC 895/898
• Meet with graduate advisor at least once per term for advice/guidance
• Complete culminating experience work
• Schedule thesis/project Oral Defense
• Submit all thesis/project materials, including the final written report with committee member signatures.

Note: If the student does not progress according to this schedule, then program completion might take longer than two years. If you have questions at any time feel free to consult with a graduate advisor.

Useful links:

SFSU Grad Division
http://www.sfsu.edu/%7Egradstdy/

CS Graduate WWW site:
http://cs.sfsu.edu/grad/graduate.html

Grad program description
http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/programs/computes.htm#grad-cs

For new grads
http://cs.sfsu.edu/grad/new_grad_helpnotes.html

About culminating GAP, project and 895
http://cs.sfsu.edu/forms/aboutculminatingproject.html
http://cs.sfsu.edu/forms/student%20forms/Checklist%20for%20Students%20Enrolling%20in%20CSC%20895.pdf
http://cs.sfsu.edu/grad/GAP_Filing_Process.htm

Culminating experience
http://cs.sfsu.edu/grad/new_grad_culminating_req.html