When to Register

You may register beginning June 20, 2023 (Tuesday). You may not be able to register if you haven't submitted immunization documentation (see below).

What to Register For

You will need to complete 7 courses during your PhD: 5 breadth courses and 2 CSE++ courses.

You will need 3 breadth courses and 2 additional Breadth or CSE++ courses to come up for your first milestone, the qualifying evaluation

You can check out the course requirements for the program and what Breadth Courses will be offered in the upcoming academic year (check back later for updates--instructors, additions, cancellations). You can check out the quals course content at thecourse home pages--note the instructors and check their respective course pages

Here's the UW Time Schedule of CSE courses that includes time and room of courses, instructors, course registration number (Schedule Line Number or "SLN"). At the Allen School New Student Orientation in September, faculty who will teach the quals courses in the upcoming academic year will present their courses. Sometimes content changes and evolves, so be prepared to make changes in your schedule if you find the course isn't what you want. Or you can wait until you get here to register. You should consult with your temporary advisor about your final schedule for autumn quarter.

Credits Per Quarter

You must register for a minimum of 10 credits to hold a TA, RA, or fellowship. 10 credits is a reasonable load that allows you to take one course and some seminars through your first year. Your RA/TA/Fellowship covers anything between 10 to 18 credits. Keep in mind that graduate level credits are not equivalent to undergraduate credits -- we strongly recommend sticking to one class per quarter for your first quarter (if not your entire time with us). You'll still need time for research!

Sample Schedule

CSE 5XX ("500-level") Breadth or CSE++ course (4 credits).
CSE 519 colloquium (1 credit).
CSE 520 colloquium. (1 credit).
CSE 590, 591 research seminars and group meetings--any number that suits your interests (discuss with your temp advisor, variable credits).
CSE 600 independent study/research to reach 10 credits (variable credits).
10 cr. minimum. (10-18 allowed.)

Explanation of Courses

  • 4 cr. CSE 5XX Breadth for CSE++ course of choice (graded); see the list above for fall quarter Breadth Courses.
  • 1 cr. CSE 519 Colloquium. Visiting researchers from other schools, research labs, industry. Required each quarter you are registered in the program. (non-graded; credit/no credit).
  • 1 cr. CSE 520 Colloquium. Same as above. Required each quarter you are registered in the program. (non-graded; credit/no credit).
  • CSE 590 is for graduate research seminars. You can explore research areas by registering for them. Discuss these with your temp advisor!
    IMPORTANT NOTE:
    The final course offerings -- especially the 590s -- don't settle down until just before the quarter begins. There are additions, cancellations, meeting time changes, etc. Check the Time Schedule for listings.
  • CSE 591 is for group projects: research group meetings, reading groups, project groupsDiscuss these with your temp advisor!
  • CSE 599 is for "special topic" courses which can be one-time offerings or experimental coursesDiscuss these with your temp advisor!
  • CSE 600 is for independent study and research with a faculty member. Once you've arranged study or research for CSE 600, look at MyCSE for the faculty code to register for the course.

Your TA/RA/fellowship will cover tuition for any amount between 10-18 credits. Again, you need a minimum of 10 credits to receive your tuition waiver.

How do I register?

MyUW is the UW information and services portal. You register your courses through this portal. If you have time you may want to explore MyUW for useful links. Your Workday page, for example, holds a lot of important information about your bi-monthly checks, direct deposit activation and taxes. This page will activate after you fill out employment paperwork.

Anything else?

Immunization Requirement

Send in your proof of recent measels & mumps immunizations! You'll see a request on your application status page as well. Without this proof entered into the UW system, you will not be able to register.

International Students

Once you arrive in the U.S., you will need to complete a number of post-arrival tasks: https://iss.washington.edu/post-arrival-checklist/