Oxford MPG
A Unique Ph.D. Program Made For You
The Maryland Max Planck Ph.D. Program in Computer Science offers students a unique opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. degree under the supervision of faculty from the University of Maryland, USA, and a Max Planck Institute in Germany. Students are co-advised, perform collaborative research, take advantage of the expertise, resources, and culture at both institutions, and spend time in both countries.
Learn about CS research at the Max Planck Society and at Maryland.
About
What We Offer
What We Expect
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How it works
Students apply to the UMD graduate program with the option to be considered for the joint program. Admitted students receive full financial support throughout the program. They typically spend their first three semesters at UMD taking classes, while spending summers at an MPI in Germany. During this time, they choose a pair of advisers (one at UMD, one at an MPI) and define a collaborative research project. They spend at least 1/3 of their time with each of their advisers, scheduling their residency to suit their research needs. Upon completing the program, students receive a Ph.D. degree from the University of Maryland and a certificate of doctoral research from an MPI.
Program Partners
The University Of Maryland
Established in 1973, the Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland educates over 2,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students yearly. Its more than 50 faculty members have been recognized with membership in the National Academy of Engineering, fellowship in professional scientific organizations, National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development awards and Sloan Research Fellowships.
The Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society (MPS) is a world-leading scientific research organization, with 18 Nobel Prizes awarded to its scientists since 1948. Its 83 Max Planck Institutes conduct fundamental research in the sciences, technology, arts, and humanities. The society employs some 5,600 scientists, plus about 9,000 doctoral students, post-docs, and visiting researchers. The MPS has a budget of about €1.7 billion provided by the German federal and state governments, plus external research funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I Have To Take The GRE?
- Starting in 2020, the GRE is optional.
Yes. Please take it early. Nearly all graduate programs in the United States require students to take the GRE, and Maryland is no exception. We cannot waive this requirement.Information about dates and test centers (including computer-delivered tests) is available here:https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/centers_dates/ - Can I Change Advisors Or Area?
- Yes, of course. Your initial advisors are assigned based on your initial interest, and you can certainly add or completely change one or both advisors as your interests evolve. In order to remain in the joint program, you will need to remain co-advised by at least one faculty member at Maryland and one at a MPI.
- Who Will Cover My Travel Between Maryland And Germany?
- All travel required as part of the program (typically at least one trip per year) will be covered by the program.
- Do I Need To Be Able To Speak Or Understand German?
- No. All instruction and work, at both institutions, is conducted in English. However, some German can be useful to expand your social circle beyond the university community. Free language courses are available should you be interested.
- Will I Need To Get Extra Health Or Travel Insurance?
- No. Your health insurance will be fully covered, both in Germany and in the US, while you are part of the joint program.
- Will I Need To Maintain Two Residences?
- No. Often students swap appartments as they go between Maryland and Germany. Staff at MPI and Maryland can also recommend housing options to you.
- Am I Funded Over The Summer?
- Yes. You are always fully funded via the joint program including summers.
- Will I Have To Pay Double Taxes In Germany And The US?
- Most likely not. While you will be paid by both a German and a US institution, your tax situation will depend on your citizenship, and the laws covering income from multiple countries. If you are a US or EU citizen, then existing tax laws won’t tax you twice for the same income.
- Will I Have Access To My Accounts, Data, And Resources While I Am In The US/Germany?
- Yes. You will retain full access to all resources and privileges for both institutions, electronic or otherwise, regardless of where you are physically located.
- Can I Leave The Program If I Don’t Like It?
- Certainly. If you choose to leave the program, then you default to being a graduate student at Maryland who is not part of the joint program. You will only have to fulfill Maryland’s degree requirements to receive your degree.
- What Research Areas Are Covered Under The Joint Program?
- The CS faculty at the Max Planck Society and at Maryland cover all major areas in Computer Science. For more information about the research interests of individual faculty, please visit:
- Can I Join The Joint Program After I Have Been Admitted To Maryland? Or To A MPI?
- Yes. If you are a Maryland or MPI student, you can simply apply to the joint program based on the instructions at:
http://www.cs.umd.edu/maryland-max-planck/admissions
or even email the Program Directors, regardless of how many semesters you have already completed. Like all applicants, you will need to fulfill the program requirements, and at least one faculty member at Maryland and one at a MPI will need to accept you as their research student.
- How Often Do I Need To Travel To The US/Germany?
- Suppose you are admitted for Fall 2023. You will spend:
- August 2023 in Germany
- Fall 2023 in Maryland
- Spring 2024 in Maryland
- Summer 2024 in Germany
- Fall 2024 in Maryland
After you have completed your course requirements (by Fall 2023 or Spring 2024), then you and your advisors can choose where your time is spent, though at least one summer (or an academic semester) must be spent at a MPI and at Maryland.
- Where In Germany Will I Be? Which MPI?
- Look at https://cis.mpg.de for faculty at various MPIs working in Computer Science. You will be situated at the MPI where your co-advisor is located.
- Why Did You Not Answer MY Question?
- Sorry. Please email us for clarification or with new questions at umd-mpi-admin@cs.umd.edu.
