The program leading to the Ph.D. in Computing is a dissertation-based program. The program requires a minimum of 60 credits representing advanced coursework, successful completion of a Comprehensive Exam (which serves as a qualifying exam for Admission to Candidacy), and a dissertation constituting an original and significant contribution to the discipline.
Courses applied to meet the 60-credit minimum requirement must be taken for a letter grade (A-F), except for COMPUT 691 Doctoral Comprehensive Examination which is graded P (Pass) or F (Fail), and COMPUT 693 Dissertation which is initially graded "IP" for In Progress and later graded Pass or Fail depending on the outcome of the dissertation defense.
Degree requirements for the Ph.D. in Computing and associated emphases are detailed in the Graduate Catalog and on the Emphasis Degree Requirements page of this handbook.
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:
Degree requirements for each area of emphasis are available on the program website: https://www.boisestate.edu/computing/emphasis/
Students should develop a Degree Plan to create a specific plan for completion of degree requirements. 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.
The Computing PhD Degree Plan template is provided for you on the program website here: https://www.boisestate.edu/computing/current-students/forms/ This is typically completed while taking COMPUT 601 but can be updated for reference purposes at any time.
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. All 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. Instructions for registration are available here: https://www.boisestate.edu/registrar-help/register-classes/ Please be advised that course availability can vary greatly from semester to semester and classes tend to fill up quickly. Please register at your earliest opportunity prior to fall and spring semesters. Summer registration is not required, and the Computing Graduate Assistantships do not include payment of summer tuition credits.
Recommended for registration: If a student has secured an advisor, we recommend that they take some COMPUT 693 Dissertation credits and start working with the advisor on research. If the advisor is agreeable to this, the student does not need to wait until after their core courses are completed to start taking dissertation credits. We believe this approach strengthens the student-advisor partnership, helps the student progress more efficiently in their research efforts, and allows students to more efficiently complete the minimum 30 required credits of COMPUT 693 Dissertation. Please note that it is completely acceptable for students to accumulate in excess of 30 credits of dissertation, and full-time students may take up to 16 credits per semester.
Meeting with your advisor to evaluate your progress each semester is key to ensuring you are succeeding in your degree plan. Progress reports are distributed every fall and spring semester via email approximately two weeks prior to the end of the term. Progress Reports are due approximately one week after finals. Submission of progress reports is required of every student enrolled in the program. Students will complete the online Student Progress Report Form. It will then route to the faculty advisor for approval. Administrative staff and/or Co-Directors will follow up with students and advisors who have not completed this reporting.
Preview the Progress Report form here.
If you are a GA, you must enroll in at least one credit in your defense semester. GAs are required to submit this form in the semester they are planning to defend and graduate: https://www.boisestate.edu/graduatecollege/funding/graduate-assistantships/request-for-ga-final-semester-enrollment-exception/
Here is information from Global Engagement about your last semester: https://www.boisestate.edu/global-iss/final-semester/