PhD and MS Thesis students:
Each PhD student by the time of graduation (technically by the PhD defense date) needs to have at least two top‐tier papers published/accepted, preferably as a first‐author. The list of top‐tier publication venues (combination of conference and journals) are attached. This information should be submitted with the PhD defense scheduling form to the Graduate Coordinator for enforcing this policy. (EE faculty members want to make sure EE PhD students publish at least one journal paper by graduation.) Before taking the preliminary exam, at least one top‐tier paper (conference or journal) should be accepted. The publication list form (PDF) should be submitted with the PhD preliminary and/or Final Exam scheduling form to the Graduate Program Coordinator for enforcing this policy.
For MS thesis students, we encourage submission of one paper by the time of thesis defense, but it is not mandatory.