Dissertation
- Prospectus: Within three months after passing their orals, PhD students receiving financial support through the department must submit a prospectus describing the proposed dissertation topic, specifying the methods for developing the topic, and succinctly surveying the main primary and secondary materials to be used.
- Dissertation: The dissertation is to be a contribution to knowledge in one or more of the three areas presented for the examination. The research and writing of the dissertation is principally directed by the chair of the student’s advisory committee, with the assistance of the other members. When the student has completed a full draft of the dissertation, approved by the advisory committee, the dissertation is submitted to the Graduate School for review by an outside reader. Once this reader has approved the dissertation draft, the student may proceed to the final examination.
- Final Examination: This degree requirement, commonly called the dissertation defense, is a two-hour oral examination during which the candidate discusses and answers questions about the dissertation posed by the student’s advisory committee, with the participation of the outside reader, who represents the Graduate School. Any member of the University’s graduate faculty may also attend. At the discretion of the committee, this examination may include not only the dissertation but also the student’s major and minor areas of preparation.
Questions about this program
Last updated March 7, 2005