PhD First Year Tip Sheet

Your goal the first year is to knock off the core courses and get to know the faculty and their research so you can start working on a project. Below are two example plans, which take into account that the core courses are extremely demanding, but an excellent preparation for subsequent course work and research. Your situation may justify another choice; there are many possibilities. The Graduate Studies FAQ has more information. To help get through this intense period, we recommend you find a study group.

Note: If you are TA'ing at 50% time, you MUST also sign up for CSE 500, which fulfills your teaching requirement.

Preferred Example: Core 1-2-1 (12 units)

Fall Quarter

• CSE 221 or CSE 240A
• Depth or Breadth course
• Topics course
• CSE 292
• Apply for NSF Fellowship

Winter Quarter

• CSE 221 or CSE 240A
• CSE 202
• Depth or Breadth course

Spring Quarter

• CSE 200 (CS Core) or CSE 241A (CE Core)
• Depth or Breadth course
• Topics course

4-Quarter Example: 1-1-1-1 (12 units)

Fall Quarter

• CSE 221 or CSE 240A
• Competency or Topics course
• CSE 292
• Apply for NSF Fellowship

Winter Quarter

• CSE 202 or CSE 221 or CSE 240A
• Depth or Breadth course
• Competency or Topics course

Spring Quarter

• CSE 200 (CS Core) or CSE 241A (CE Core)
• Depth or Breadth course
• Competency or Topics course

Fall Quarter 2010

• CSE 202 or CSE 221 or CSE 240A
• Depth or Breadth course
• Topics course