UT PhD (SWE)
I graduated from the UT Option III program in December of 2005… and for some reason I decided to continue on for a PhD.
While I waited for the new semester to start (Jan – Aug 2006), I converted to a full-time employee at eBay. I’ve been able to apply all kinds of things that I learned in the program and have seen a dramatic increase in the quality of my own code. I have also been able to pass on a lot of information to my team-mates and have been commended as an informal mentor.
Are you thinking about a PhD?
A couple people have asked me about converting from Option III to the PhD program… Here are some of the things that you should know and think about.
Money
It’s very expensive to go from a paying job to a GRA salary. I would highly encourage anyone going back to school full time to have at least 2-3 years of expenses available. The GRA salary will make up the difference. (Make a ‘while in grad school’ budget ASAP and compare it to current expenses to see what I’m talking about. I can barely make my mortgage payments on the GRA salary).
I may be more sensitive to this since my wife is also a grad student… If you’re unmarried or if your wife pulls down a decent income, this may not be such an issue.
Find an Advisor Early
Find an advisor before applying. Talk to some of the profs in the department to find out how an application without an advisor will be processed, but it’s a lot less stressful for everyone if you have someone that has already agreed to have you. If you don’t have someone, don’t let that stop you… apply anyways and find an advisor ASAP. You can even talk to me for some suggestions. (optionIII@dstovall.org)
Classes
As far as I’ve found, the Option III classes are all transferable to the PhD program, though I’ve heard rumors that this may change. Software Requirements technically transfers, but it’s marked as an undergrad class so it doesn’t count towards the 10 class total that is required.
You should also have the required 3.5 GPA so far. Taking more classes to raise your GPA will be an uphill battle.
You should also take a look at the Guidelines for Computer Engineering Ph.D. Students.
I’ve found that the classes that are taught in the ‘traditional program’ really are the same as the ‘Option III’ program, with a couple minor exceptions made to the class projects. I feel like I am prepared for the PhD program after the Option III program.
Taking more classes
Only take one course your first semester back, if you take any at all… You’ll have time to take interesting classes later, but your primary focus should be your research if you want to really enjoy school.
What to do with your PhD
Think about what you want to do with a PhD. If you want to teach, talk to some prof’s or your advisor about what you can expect in the ‘job market’. If you’re just looking for a raise, it’s likely to be more cost effective to keep working. I’m here because it’s fun, so in a lot of ways I view this as a long, semi-paid vacation.
