Dissertation defense

After preparation of the written dissertation, the candidate’s dissertation committee will conduct a dissertation defense. A dissertation defense may be scheduled only during the regular academic terms, no later than five weeks prior to the close of the term of application for graduation in which the degree will be granted (i.e., must be completed four weeks before the beginning of finals week). For summer term graduation, deadlines apply to the regular eight-week Summer Session dates. Later completion will result in graduation in a subsequent term. The student must deliver a final draft of the dissertation to all members of the approved committee no fewer than 14 days before the dissertation defense.

The dissertation defense, which is open to the public, is the culminating experience in the doctoral studies. The candidate is expected to prepare an oral presentation on the research methodology and results. The oral presentation should not exceed 60 minutes. Following the oral presentation, the candidate must defend the dissertation as a worthy contribution to knowledge in its field and must demonstrate a mastery of the field of specialization as it is related to the dissertation. The questioning and discussion are for the purpose of: (1) further enlightenment of the candidate and the committee of the significance and limitations of the research, and (2) demonstration that the candidate has met the high expectations of the University for the awarding of the doctoral degree.

All committee members or alternates approved in advance by the Dean of Graduate Studies must be present for the dissertation defense; one regular committee member (not the Chair or Graduate Office Representative) may participate via video or teleconference. The student must attend the proposal defense in person (i.e., not via video or teleconference). For dissertation approval, there may be no more than one dissenting vote on the dissertation defense. If the dissertation defense is not satisfactory, the doctoral program may recommend that the Dean of Graduate Studies permit the candidate to have a second defense after a minimum of three months. The results of the second defense are final.

The final dissertation must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies not later than three weeks prior to the close of the term of application for graduation. See the Graduate Candidate Deadlines for specific dates. For details about thesis formatting and submission, see the Thesis and Dissertation Information available from the Office of Graduate Studies.