I have made a few additions as a result of some very helpful suggestions and comments...
==================== A few notes for new CS graduate students who are working with me on their thesis research (or who would like to do so). Any CS graduate student working with me as their advisor will be required to complete a Plan A Thesis. While there is a Plan B project option, I have only allowed that in a few very special cases where a student joins me only during their second and final year in the CS program. We will work together to identify a suitable research topic, but in general it will be in the area of Natural Language Processing and/or Computational Linguistics. You can get a very good idea of the kind of research we do by looking at previous MS student's work : http://www.d.umn.edu/~tpederse/masters.html In addition to completing an original piece of research (ie your thesis), you will be required to take four 8000 level CS classes, plus two out of department classes. I will require that your out of department classes be selected from among the following : Stat 5411 - Analysis of Variance Stat 5511 - Regression Analysis Stat 5515 - Multivariate Statistics Stat 5531 - Probability Models It is possible to take free electives while you are a graduate student - this is included in your TA or RA funding in fact! These are typically 5000 level classes (or below) that do not count towards your degree (but you can still take them for credit and grades). This could include areas of personal interest (such as Theater or Physical Education), or other academic areas (such as Economics, Linguistics, Psychology, or Engineering Management). As long as you are doing well in your required classes and your thesis research, I will very likely approve. It will take you four semesters of hard work to complete your thesis. We will start working in the first weeks of your first year, and we'll continue through to the end of your second year. Your course load at UMD is relatively light (only 6 courses over 4 semesters) - that is to allow you to spend significant time on your thesis work each semester. The summer of your first year (between years one and two) is an excellent time to pursue an internship or similar opportunity. The summer of your second year is not as good for such things - instead you should plan on finishing your degree and moving on to whatever your next destination is! Please review the UMD graduate program brochure in detail. All degree requirements are spelled out there, as are expectations regarding academic performance. http://www.d.umn.edu/cs/degr/grad/brochure.pdf These guidelines are specific to Dr. Ted Pedersen, and may not be followed by all other members of the CS department. Last revised July 1, 2009. Please direct any questions to : [email protected] -- Ted Pedersen http://www.d.umn.edu/~tpederse
