Navigating Your Degree

The Ph.D. in Computing Program staff are here to help each student navigate the academic program efficiently and effectively. To help ensure that you stay on your desired schedule for graduation, we encourage you to use the following resources. 

Flow Charts and Checklists

Flow charts and checklists for each area of emphasis are available on the program website on the page for each emphasis area: https://www.boisestate.edu/computing/phd/

Flow charts are a planning resource students may use to see the order in which courses need to be completed, and plan when they will complete milestones like their comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and defense.

Checklists are a tool to help students and faculty see which degree requirements have been met and which remain. We recommend using degree checklists to track progress rather than using the Degree Tracker tool in the Boise State Student Center, as the degree tracker is not always accurate for our program. 

Degree Plan 

This form is typically completed during new student orientation with the guidance of program staff, but can be updated for reference purposes at any time. The degree plan form can be downloaded from the program website: https://www.boisestate.edu/computing/current-students/forms/

Registration

Students are expected to honor the registration deadlines established by the Office of the Registrar. All self-supported students are expected to register for a minimum of one credit each semester. Students with Graduate Assistantships are required to maintain full-time graduate student status by registering for at least nine (9) or more credits. International graduate students with F1 and J1 visas are required to register for a minimum of nine (9) credits every semester. 

Progress Report

Meeting with your advisor to evaluate your progress each semester is key to ensuring you are succeeding in your degree plan. Progress reports are electronic and sent out by program staff via e-mail every semester.