Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch from a M.S. to a Ph.D. program?
A student who is in the M.S. program and has his or her own guaranteed support for a minimum of four years from the proposed date of switch to the Ph.D. program may apply at any time for admission into the Ph.D. program by sending a written request to the Graduate Study Coordinator (see people). Upon approval based primarily on academic performance, the Department will typically assign the student to an advisor reflecting the preferences of the student and the interest of the advisor.
A student who is in the M.S. program, and who is requesting financial support, must apply for admission to the Ph.D. program following the regular procedure for new students. The student does not have to re-take the GRE or any language test, but must complete a new application form and request recommendations from two CMU faculty members. These documents, along with a letter of transmittal, must be sent to the Graduate Study Coordinator (see people). Acceptance into the program will depend on both applicant qualifications and availability of financial support. Financial support for the student will begin from the first day of the following semester, unless other arrangements have been made. The Department will assign the student to an advisor reflecting the preferences of the student and the interest of the advisor.
How is the thesis advisor assigned?
Most students spend the first month interacting with several potential advisors. The department then makes the assignment, taking into account the input from both the student and potential advisors. In cases when there is unequivocal agreement between a student and an advisor during application, the assignment may be made during admission.
How is the length of Ph.D. training determined?
The length of Ph.D. training is affected by the scope, depth, and challenge of the thesis project. Student and advisor, assisted by the thesis committee, are expected to work together to define a realistic project, evaluate the progress frequently, and make adjustments as necessary. Direct entry students are expected to finish in around 4.5 years, and advanced entry students in around 4 years. The BME faculty hold a review meeting each semester, where all the faculty members gather to discuss the achievement and progress of each student. This review process has helped identifying students whose progress appears to fall behind and making recommendations to both the student and advisor to move the progress back on track.
How long does the financial aid last?
In most cases financial aid is offered initially for one year, simultaneously with acceptance to the Ph.D. program. Students are typically guaranteed continued support subject to satisfactory progress evaluation each semester. While in most cases the support comes primarily from advisor's research funds, the BME Department is committed to maintaining the continuity of financial aid irrespective of funding status of the advisor.
What is the Department’s policy on outside employment?
The possibility exists that a student might be approached to consult for an entity outside the University and be offered a fee for services. Alternatively, a student may wish to operate an extracurricular business. Due to the expectation that a student devote totally to research, the Department forbids such arrangements while the student is registered full-time to pursue a degree. Rare exceptions may be made if the Department determines that the employment would provide experiences to enhance graduate education.
What is the Department's policy on the summer employment?
The fellowships offered by the Department are full-time and paid year round. Therefore, no summer employment is allowed while the student is receiving a stipend. This is not meant to preclude cases where students are temporarily placed in industries relevant to their thesis work and are paid by a company. In these cases the student is allowed to collect the normal stipend plus an allowance for extra expenses, e. g. due to relocation or maintenance of a second dwelling place.
What is the Department’s policy on outside fellowships?
A student receiving any kind of fellowship or external support other than through family or personal investments must notify the Department, so that appropriate adjustments may be made consistent with the stipend policy.
What is the Department’s policy on vacation time?
Other than official University holidays, any time off should be cleared in advance with the student's advisor to make sure that progress is satisfactory and deadlines are met. A student is not an "employee" and does not receive any specified vacation time.
Who is considered a non-native speaker of English and what are the language requirements?
The definition of non-native speaker of English and the detailed language requirements may be found on the web site of International Communications Center (ICC) . In order to meet the TA requirement, Non-native speakers of English are required to take the International Teaching Assistants’ English competence test (ITA Test) in compliance with the Pennsylvania state law.
Where can I find the information on Pittsburgh as a city?
Both CIT and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance have web pages on living in Pittsburgh.
For more details on BME Graduate Programs, please consult the Graduate Student Handbook (PDF)
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