Introduction

Carnegie Mellon's Department of Computer Science is among the best in the country, offering a doctoral program oriented toward producing well-educated research computer scientists. Collaboration with experts from all areas of the university offers students a world-class scholarly community and unparalleled opportunities to learn and to participate actively in state-of-the-art research.

Admission to our doctoral program is very selective, but in an unconventional way. Each application is read carefully by a committee of students and faculty. There are no hard and fast rules for admission; candidates who do not have perfect records or standard Computer Science backgrounds, but who have strong research experience, achievement, or potential, may also be regarded favorably. The potential for outstanding ability in research is always the primary criterion.

From the very first semester, students work with faculty members as colleagues in research. Advisors are matched with advisees by mutual agreement after an "immigration course," during which students are introduced to the department and its ongoing research.

The department fosters a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that we find very special. Major decisions are generally made by consensus. Students, faculty, and staff all follow the "reasonable person principle" that says: "Rather than enforcing rules to the letter, try to deal with problems as a reasonable, responsible adult."

This sense of community extends to the social life as well. Members of the community share many pastimes ranging from weekly chess matches to roller blading and beer brewing. Various groups join together for folk dancing, cycling, road-rallying, rock-climbing and whitewater rafting. Several members of the community are licensed pilots - a few even jump out of airplanes! The department also enters teams in most of the University's intramural games, and students join in "pickup" games of soccer, frisbee, basketball, football, softball, and volleyball.

We are very proud of our program and of our graduates. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to write to any member of the faculty.

Peter Lee
Department Head