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Recommended Sequence of Study (Updated: 10/2/09)
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This page contains a recommended sequence and plan of study for the SFSU Computer Science MS graduate program. Please see your advisor if you have questions.


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 and Business, Computing for Life Sciences)
  • If you plan to select the Concentration in Computing and Business you must declare the concentration either upon admission or by filing a Change of Graduate Program Form. This form is available on the Graduate Division web site. After filing the form you will be allowed to enroll in Business classes.
  • Enroll in at least three courses, after consultation with a graduate advisor. Core courses should be completed as early as possible.
  • It is critical to plan to take graduate level electives with possible culminating experience supervisors during your first year of study. Think of topic(s) for your culminating experience, do a research on it, check what CS faculty does for research, and feel free to meet CS Chair or other faculty for advice.
  • 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).
  • Must attend the first graduate seminar (graduate program overview).

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 early.
  • Must 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.
  • Must attend mandatory advising group meeting with CS Chair to be organized within the first 4 weeks of the semester.
  • Must 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

About graduate seminar series
http://cs.sfsu.edu/news/Fall-2004-Pernet-Requirments.html

 
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