CS Current Students FAQ

Table of Contents

Administration

Who are the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Coordinator of Graduate Studies (CGS), and what are their responsibilities?

Director of Graduate Studies (DGS): Amol Deshpande, Professor, Associate Chair (for Graduate Studies), is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the graduate program

Assistant Director of Graduate Education: Tom Hurst. Tom assists with all aspects of the CS graduate program for current and prospective students

Coordinator of Graduate Studies (CGS): Migo Gui & Sarah Tucker, Graduate Coordinator, handles day-to-day administrative tasks, student queries, and supports the DGS and Assistant Director

Who should I contact for signing forms related to Travel Grants?

To submit your application, please fill out this form, detailing your request, and upload a combined PDF. This PDF should include a copy of your accepted paper and a statement of support from your faculty advisor (this can be in the form of an email).

Additionally, students are also encouraged to apply for funds for conference registration fees and matching travel funds through the Graduate School’s travel grants.

To process applications for these Graduate School grants, the required forms must be signed by the CS Business Office. Forms for these grants should be forwarded to reimbursements [-at-] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu for review and signature by the CS Business Office.

What is the process for getting reimbursed for a laptop purchase?

If your offer includes this benefit and you intend to purchase a new laptop, please fill out the AY25-26 Laptop Reimbursement Form,  attach the purchase receipt, and email both to reimbursements [-at-] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu ( )for processing.

  • Eligibility: Most PhD students are eligible for a $500 credit towards a new laptop as part of the admission offer/funding package.
  • Purchase Deadline: The laptop must be purchased before November 30 for the Fall Semester (April 30 for the Spring Semester).
  • Eligible Devices: Only laptop computers are eligible (not desktops, iPads, or other tablet devices).
  • Reimbursement requests may be submitted no earlier than the first day of classes.
  • Note: There is no provision for replacement or additional compensation if the laptop fails, is damaged, lost, or stolen.

Graduation and Degree Completion

What steps should I take if I have an NG (No Grade) on my transcript?

If you encounter an NG grade on your transcript, particularly for summer courses, you should contact the course instructor for rectification. If the deadline for instructors to submit grades has passed or if this NG grade impacts your graduation requirements, submit a Supplemental Grade Report for EACH NG course through the CS Graduate Form Submissions. The Grad Office will obtain the Chair’s signature and forward it to the Registrar’s Office.

If you have received NG (No Grade) marks for your 799 (Thesis Research) or 899 (Dissertation Research) courses, there is no need for concern. Upon the successful defense of your thesis or dissertation, all NG marks for these courses can be changed to "S" to indicate satisfactory completion. 

I am asked to provide an enrollment certificate or degree verification. How do I request one?

  • From the Registrar's Office: You have four different options to obtain your enrollment certification or degree verification from the registrar's office. Please visit this link for detailed information and to choose the one that best suits your needs.
  • Departmental Level Requests: If you require verification at the departmental level, please submit your request through our letter request form.

If I want to switch from a thesis track to a non-thesis track, what is the process?

To switch from thesis to non-thesis, complete and submit the “Petition for Waiver of Regulation” form via CS Graduate Form Submissions. Note that CMSC799 credits can be converted to CMSC798 on an equal credit basis, with a cap of 3 credits for 798. You'll need to submit a Supplemental Grade Report for EACH converted course.

  1. Petition for Waiver of Regulation: Choose “Other: changing CMSC799 to 798” and include your justification along with the sample below:
    • [Justification]
    • Please change the following research courses for [Your Name] (9-digit UID):
    • [Term], change CMS799, [Your advisor’s Section Number], [Number of] credits to CMSC798, [New Section Number], [Number of] credits.
  2. Afterward, submit separate Supplemental Grade Reports for EACH of your converted CMSC798 to ensure a grade is added to your newly converted courses. You only need to fill out the “Student Data” section. The Graduate Office will obtain the grade and signature from your advisor & the chair.

Please note that CMSC798 counts as 6 units per credit, while CMSC799 counts as 12 units per credit. This difference is important when determining full-time enrollment status, particularly for students with Graduate Assistantships, student loans, or international status. Students are responsible for ensuring their registration meets the full-time requirement for their situation.

Academic Requirements and Course Registration

What is the difference between units and credits?

The Graduate School uses a unit system in making calculations to determine full-time or part-time student status. Please note that graduate units are different from credit hours. The number of graduate units per credit hour is calculated in the following manner:

 

Assistantship Graduate Unit
Full-Time Graduate Assistantship (TA or RA) 24 Units
Half TA 12 Units

Doctoral Dissertation Research: 899 carries 18 units per credit hour. All doctoral candidates must pay candidacy tuition for which they will be registered for six (6) credit hours of 899; this defines all currently registered doctoral candidates as full-time.

 

Can I register for courses outside our department? What's the procedure?

Ph.D. Students:

  • You may take non-CS courses as electives with advisor approval. Once approved, submit the Course Permission Form so that the Grad Office can update your records in Grad.cs. You do not need additional approval from the Graduate Office.

M.S. Students:

  • For non-CS courses, you must receive permission from the Graduate Office before registering. 

Remember, you still need to contact the department offering the course to secure the necessary approvals or stamps for registration on Testudo.

How do I register for 400-level CS courses and research courses?

Please submit your requests for permission to enroll in 400-level courses, as well as courses 798 or 799, using our Course Registration Permission form.

Please refer to Faculty Sections Numbers. Please submit your requests for permission to enroll in 400-level courses, as well as courses 798 or 799, using our Course Registration Permission form.

What should I do if I encounter an issue like my admission expiring while trying to register for classes?

The Graduate School posted this block as you haven’t submitted the required documents listed on your offer letter by the end of the first semester. In most cases, the required documents will be your final official transcripts.  For the expedited submission of official transcripts, students should bring official/sealed envelopes in person to the Graduate front desk, which is located in  2123 Lee Building, 7809 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742.

Why can't I register for 899 credits? Is it possible to register for only 3 credits of 899?

Registration for 899 credits is handled by the Office of the Registrar. Post-candidacy students are registered for 6 credits of 899 each Spring and Fall semester (with no variation in credit number) at least two weeks in advance unless there are blocks on your account (like immunization or financial blocks). 

  • Tuition for CMSC899 is a flat rate of $1,350.00 (in-state) or $2,626.00 (out-of-state) for 6 credits. But all flat rates pertain to 899 level candidacy courses. If any 898 or below graduate level courses are taken simultaneously, those credits will be charged at the standard Graduate level Tuition and Fees scale. For detailed information, refer to this link. 

For summer terms, you'll need to register for 899 yourself if required for graduation or to maintain student status. 

  • Be mindful of summer tuition fees for 899 as it's billed by credit hour not a flat rate. If you have a summer RA position, tuition remission covers 8 credits; without a payroll position, you may be responsible for paying the full tuition at the out-of-state rate, depending on your residency classification. More details on tuition and fees can be found here.

CMSC Graduate Assistantships are typically based on 9.5-month appointments, meaning they become inactive over summer unless you receive specific, approved funding for a separate summer appointment.

 

Can I drop a course or change the grading method after the Schedule Adjustment Period?

If you need to adjust your schedule after the Schedule Adjustment Period, please note that penalties may apply, subject to the discretion of the Graduate Office. Requests for schedule changes can be submitted to the CS Graduate Office for consideration. 

I forgot to apply for graduation. What should I do?

Submit the Petition for Graduate Degree Clearance/Missed Deadlines via CS Graduate Form Submissions. Please note that approval is subject to the Registrar's Office.

What steps should I take if I'm considering a gap semester or year?

If you're a Master's or pre-candidacy Doctoral student considering a gap semester or year, you may request a waiver of continuous registration and its associated tuition. This request should be filed 30 days before the beginning of the term for which the waiver is sought.

Doctoral Candidates are not eligible for Waivers of Continuous Registration. Each doctoral Candidate must maintain continuous registration in 899 (Doctoral Dissertation Research) until the degree is awarded. Waivers of Registration may be granted only under the University's policy for Leave of Absence for Graduate Students for Childbearing, Adoption, Illness or Dependent Care (see Waivers of Continuous Registration for Doctoral Candidates).

What steps should I follow if I need to apply for a Leave of absence (LOA)?

To request a leave of absence, the student must complete the Request for Leave of Absence Form via the form submissions before the semester begins.

If you have concerns about how a leave of absence may affect health insurance, academic progress, or visa status, please see more information on this Leave of Absence document.  

If the student submitted this request after the adjustment period and is registered for any classes, they will need to submit the following to the registrar:

  • Attendance verification from their professors indicated the student did not attend courses and/or their last date of attendance
  • Withdrawal Form
  • Attached approved leave of absence petition 
  • Letter of explanation documenting the delay and the reason for the request

Important for International students, in most cases, taking a  semester off will mean the loss of your F-1/J-1 status and will require a new immigration document when you are ready to return. Students considering a leave should schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor to discuss your situation.  

What do I need to do if I want to withdraw from the program?

Students may request a withdrawal from all classes at any time between the first and the last day of classes for the semester. Students must submit a written notice of withdrawal to the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day of classes.

The effective date of the withdrawal, for purposes of any refund, is the date that the written withdrawal notice is received by the Office of the Registrar. For more information on academic deadlines and refund schedules, please see Academic Deadlines.

To withdraw from all courses, students must complete the Degree-Seeking Graduate Student Withdrawal Form.

Send the completed form to registrar-graduate [-at-] umd [dot] edu and keep Graduate Office copied.

If you haven't registered for any classes and wish to withdraw, please notify the Office of the University Registrar with your name and UID, and make sure to copy our office on the email.

How do I request parental leave?

Full-time graduate students who wish to request Parental Accommodation for up to six (6) weeks should complete and submit this form at least eight (8) weeks prior to the anticipated childbirth or adoption. 

 

BS/MS and MS Students

As a BS/MS student, what should I do if my double-counted credits aren't correctly reflected in my audit report?

If your double-counted courses are not reflected, it's because an inclusion Form needs to be submitted. While the combined form you previously completed permits credits to be double-counted, it does not automatically apply these credits to your master’s degree.

To include these credits, please submit the Inclusion Form via the CS Graduate Form Submissions during your second semester or the term you plan to graduate.  

Note: 

  • You must include the same courses that were approved on your combined form, irrespective of the grades received. Failing to do so may result in the loss of your double-counted credits.
  • You must successfully complete your first semester as a graduate student before this inclusion can be processed on your record.

Can I transfer credits to my M.S. degree, and what are the requirements?

Yes, you can transfer credits to your M.S. degree if they meet the Graduate School’s criteria. To be eligible:

  • You must have earned a grade of B- or better in the course.
  • The credits must not have been used to fulfill requirements for any other degree.

If you meet these conditions, you may submit the Request for Transfer or Inclusion of Credit for Master’s Degrees form through the CS Graduate Form Submissions portal after you officially matriculate. Be sure to include all required documentation.

What should I do if I am interested in continuing my studies into a PhD program after completing my MS?

You will need to apply through the standard online application system. Please refer to 5.2 Continuation to Ph.D. Program in the Policy Manual.

Can credits that were double-counted in my BS/MS program be transferred to my PhD program?

Credits double-counted in the BS/MS program can be transferred to a Ph.D. program, except for 400-level courses. Ensure these courses meet the pre-candidacy requirements of the Ph.D. program. Detailed information can be found in section 2.3, 'Ph.D. Pre-Candidacy Requirements'.

PhD Students

What if I want to register for UMD courses from other departments as qualifying courses?

If you're interested in registering for courses from other departments at UMD as qualifying courses, they must undergo a review process. Please access the Course Permission form and submit all the required documents along with your application.

It's important to start this process well before the semester in which you intend to register for the course. Keep in mind that the review process can be lengthy, so starting early will help ensure you receive the outcome in time for registration.

What if my course waiver application gets denied?

You may submit # the number of rejected requests with a different course. You can only have 3 approved waivers.

What would happen if all 3 of my course waivers were approved? How does it affect my pre-candidacy requirements?

The waiver process does not affect the requirement to achieve four A’s in UMD-taken courses. Approved waivers are only applicable for meeting the requirement of obtaining two 'B' grades in the qualifying courses or elective courses.

If the waivers cover three different areas, it's ideal. However, if they only cover two areas or the same area, they can be counted towards fulfilling the elective course requirement.

Requirement 3 Approved Qualifying Courses (3 Different Areas) 3 Approved Qualifying Courses (2 Different Areas) 3 Approved Qualifying Courses (Same Area)
 #courses completed towards requirement
Must complete at least six, 600-800 level Ph.D. qualifying courses 3 3 3
Must receive at least four A's in Qualifying Courses 0 0 0
2 B's in qualifying courses 2 2 2
Ph.D. qualifying courses must cover at least four areas 3 2 1
Two Elective courses   1 2

Is there a procedure for remote participation in preliminary exams?

If you require remote participation for your examination, please inform the CS Graduate Office. When completing the exam scheduling form, make sure to specify that the examination will be conducted remotely.

Is there a deadline for me to propose?

Yes, to ensure effective advancement to candidacy by the first day of the following month, you need to submit your candidacy form to the Graduate Office before the 24th of the “current month”. Once approved by the Registrar's Office,  you'll be promoted to Stipend Level III.

If you propose either before the semester begins or within the schedule adjustment period* (first 10 business days of the semester), you will be registered for CMSC 899 for that term.

* If you propose anytime after the schedule adjustment period, you won’t be registered for CMSC 899 until the next Spring/Fall semester, but your stipend level will still be adjusted to Level III based on your advancement date.

Is there a procedure for remote participation in a PhD defense?

The procedure for remote participation in a PhD defense is managed by the Graduate School. To ensure timely processing, requests should be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the defense date. Further details are available on the Graduate School's website.To request, the committee chair should submit the request via this link.

Information needed for the request:

  • The student’s information including their first and last name, email address, UID, four-letter program code (CMSC), college Code (CMNS), DGS/CGS contact information (Current DGS: Dr. Amol Deshpande)
  • You will also need the Dean’s Representative information including their first name, last name, and email address (dissertations only). 
  • For each remote participant, you may need a brief narrative justification for why it is not possible to participate in person, depending on the circumstances. 
  • Please note, if two or more members of the committee are granted permission to participate remotely, then you may request to have the entire defense be held remotely if desired by the student and the committee. 

What is the process for including an off-campus scientist on my advisory committee?

To include an external (non-UMD or non-Graduate Faculty) member, submit the department’s External Committee Member Request at least 8 weeks before your exam. The Grad Office will route it for faculty vote, obtain Chair approval, and forward it to the Graduate School.

What to submit:

  • A concise justification for adding the external member
  • Your committee list
  • The proposed external member’s CV

Why is it taking so long to nominate a special member/include an external committee member? 

The entire nomination process can be quite lengthy as it involves several key stages:

  • Stage 1: Nomination Voting - The nomination is sent to the Graduate Faculty for a voting period lasting one week.
  • Stage 2: Information Collection - Gathering required information from the nominee, which varies based on their responsiveness.
  • Stage 3-1: Payroll System Setup - Appointments are set up in the payroll system
  • Stage 3-2: Chair’s Recommendation Letter- Preparation and submission of the chair’s recommendation letter and nomination package to the Graduate School, typically completed within 1-2 business days.
  • Stage 4: Graduate School Review - The Graduate School processes the nomination, which can take up to 10 business days

What is the requirement of the committee composition?

The committee must include at least 50% TTK CS faculty representation. For a 3-member or 4-member committee, at least 2 members must be CS faculty with full membership in the Graduate Faculty. For a 5-member or 6-member committee, at least 3 members must be CS TTK faculty with full membership in the Graduate Faculty.

Dean's Representative or Department Representative:

  • Preliminary Exam: The Departmental Representative must come from a field different from that of the committee chair.
  • PhD Exam: The Dean's Representative must have a tenure home different from the student’s program, the chair, and any co-chair(s).

Additional Guidelines:

  • CS affiliation does not count toward the percentage calculation.
  • The Dean's Representative is included in the percentage calculation.
  • External members or non-CS faculty are permitted, as long as these CS representation percentages are upheld.

How do I announce my Ph.D. preliminary exam or defense, and what steps are needed to advance to candidacy?

Please refer to our policy manual, 2.4. Starting in Spring 2024, students are required to distribute their dissertation proposal to the committee members and the Graduate Office two weeks prior to their exam.

Once your dissertation proposal is received, instructions and the necessary paperwork for advancing to candidacy will be sent to you and your committee members.

Do I need to keep registering for 899 research credits even after completing the required 12 credits?

Yes, you will be registered for each Spring and Fall semester until your degree is awarded.

Can I be registered early for CMSC 899 for the next term?

The Registrar’s Office typically registers post-candidacy students for CMSC 899 about one month before the semester begins.

If you need to be registered earlier (for visa, fellowship, or other reasonsyou may submit a course registration request through the Course Registration Permission Form. Be sure to include the correct section number and note that you are requesting early CMSC 899 registration in the comments section of the form.

What is the earliest term that I can graduate?

Graduation terms are available in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Your graduation timeline will depend on when you conduct your proposal and the total credits accumulated (including in-progress) for CMSC 899.

Students typically become eligible to graduate in the second semester of being registered for 6 credits of CMSC 899.

  • Scenario 1: If you are registered for 6 credits of CMSC 899 in the Fall semester, you can graduate the following Spring semester.
  • Scenario 2: If you are registered for 6 credits of CMSC 899 in the Spring semester, you can graduate 1) in Summer (if you register for 6 credits of CMSC 899 for summer*), or 2) in the Fall semester.

For international students, not completing 12 credits of CMSC 899 may affect your full-time Pre-Completion OPT eligibility. Please review your situation with your ISSS advisor.

* Be mindful of summer tuition fees for 899 as it's billed by credit hour, not a flat rate. More details on summer tuition and fees can be found here.

Can I schedule my defense in the semester immediately after my preliminary exam? What if I want to graduate early?

According to "Doctor of Philosophy Degree Policies", the Graduate School requires that every student seeking the Ph.D. satisfactorily complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of doctoral dissertation research credits. In exceptional cases, in which a student can defend the dissertation before completing 12 credits of 899, then the student has to submit the petition to the Graduate School requesting they consider using a combined total of 12 credits of 898 and 899, once they have fulfilled all other degree requirements (submitting their finalized dissertation to DRUM). 

If you wish to graduate before completing two semesters of CMSC 899 (6 credits each), you must request an exception by submitting a Petition for Waiver of Regulation to our office via the CS Graduate Form Submissions form AFTER submitting your finalized dissertation to DRUM.

  • On the petition form, choose "Other" and enter "a combined total of 12 credits of 898 & 899" in the petition form and include your explanation for the request.

Important:

  • Approval is NOT guaranteed and may affect your graduation timeline.
  • Plan carefully if your employment start date or OPT approval depends on the timing of petition approval.
  • To avoid such delays, schedule your preliminary exam at least two semesters before your intended graduation.

How can I find a Dean’s Representative, and what are the requirements

The Dean’s Representative serves as an impartial Graduate Faculty member on your dissertation committee.

Requirements:

  • Must be a tenured member of the Graduate Faculty (typically at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor)
  • Must have a tenure home outside the Department of Computer Science (CS)
  • Must not share the same tenure home as your chair or co-chair

How to find one:

  • Begin by asking your advisor for recommendations.
  • You may also refer to this list of faculty who have previously served as Dean’s Representatives.

What steps should I take if I want to pursue a Master's degree along the way?

Ph.D. students may apply to earn a non-thesis M.S. degree along the way without affecting their Ph.D. enrollment status.

Coursework Requirements

  • You may count up to 6 credits of CMSC 898 toward the M.S. (non-thesis) track.
  • You MUST still complete the remaining required credits for the M.S. degree (See M.S. Degree Requirements)
  • Verify your requirements completion in Grad.cs
    • Note: The first “30 credits” requirement in Grad.cs may not automatically check off since CMSC 898 is excluded for M.S. degrees, but you are still allowed to count up to 6 credits of 898.
    • Ph.D. course waivers do NOT apply to the M.S.

Non-Thesis Track Completion

  • Fulfill all remaining M.S. coursework requirements.
  • Submit a Scholarly Paper, a Scholarly Paper Approval Form, and an Approved Program Completion Form.

Review the M.S. Graduation Checklist for detailed steps and submission deadlines.

International Students

How many hours can I work per semester?

Your total work hours, including TA/RA duties, should not exceed 20 hours per week, as students are permitted to work 20 hours while school is in session. However, it's important to consult with an ISSS advisor, as there are strict regulations regarding off-campus employment for students on visas.

More information can be found at: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Maryland Global

Maintaining Status

GRADUATE students must be enrolled in at least 48 units each Fall and Spring semester.

  • 20-hour assistantships are equivalent to 24 units;
  • 10-hour assistantships are equivalent to 12 units

For inquiries related to immigration and visa matters, the Graduate Office highly recommends consulting with the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Connect With ISSS.

CPT/OPT Applications, I-20 Extension, and Part-Time Enrollment Requests - Academic Advisor

When submitting requests for CPT, OPT, I-20 extensions, or part-time enrollment, follow these steps:

  • Always list your primary advisor on forms that require academic approval.
  • Only list the CS Graduate Office as your advisor if your advisor is unavailable or you do not currently have one.
  • These requests involve academic progress and enrollment questions that should be reviewed by your advisor or the Graduate Office.

After submitting your request in iTerp or to ISSS, notify your advisor of the required information. If you are listing the CS Graduate Office, please also email with the required information or submit this form to ensure timely processing.

What do I need to do if I want to intern during the semester? (Termination or Reduction of Assistantship)

If you reduce or end your assistantship early, your tuition remission and state health insurance may be reduced or revoked. Plan internship start dates carefully. If your advisor will cover tuition, you and your advisor should contact Payroll to arrange payment. If you are serving as a TA and plan to reduce or change your assistantship workload, you must also obtain your instructor’s approval in addition to your advisor’s.

If you need a letter for ISSS or CPT, follow these steps:

  1. Consult ISSS to confirm requirements and process.
  2. Email Payroll with the effective date and details of the change
    • UMIACS: Jane Wang; CS: Jody Gray
    • Include your advisor to indicate approval and cc the Grad Office.
  3. Request a termination/reduction letter via the Letter Request Form (issued in about 2–3 business days)
  4. Submit the letter to ISSS to obtain CPT approval.
  5. Send CPT approval to Payroll once issued for record-keeping purposes

Important on GAship Termination:

  • Ending your GAship ends tuition remission and state health insurance at the end of that month.
  • You will be charged back for tuition and billed at the non-resident rate.

Letter Requests for International Students

International students may request the following letters through the CS Graduate Form Submissions portal:

  • Funding Letter: Confirms financial support for the academic year (Fall and Spring, and Summer if your advisor provides RA support).
    • You may also request a GA Appointment Letter for the current semester once your TA or RA assignment is confirmed.
  • Enrollment Confirmation: For official enrollment certification or degree verification, use one of the methods offered by the Office of the University Registrar. The fastest option is through NSC MyHub, which provides 24/7 access and immediate downloads of official enrollment certifications.
  • CPT Application–related Letters: Graduate Assistantship reduction or termination, or future funding confirmation.
  • Customized Letters: For your own visa application, travel purposes, or to invite family members, submit your request along with a ready-to-use draft of your customized letter for review and official endorsement by the Grad Office.