Dissertation Seminar
The student is required to give a 50- minute departmental seminar on their research. If the student expects to complete the thesis during the summer, the student must either schedule the seminar for the previous spring, or return to give the seminar during the fall semester. Only in extenuating circumstances (e.g., prolonged illness) will the possibility of a summer seminar be considered. Students are strongly advised to check possible dates with their committee members, to ensure their attendance.
Dissertation
See the Thesis and Dissertation Information page for more information about completing this component of your program.
Final examination
The student’s thesis work forms the basis for the Final Examination, which is the oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. The student is responsible for scheduling the Final Examination and submitting copies of the thesis to each member of the Committee at least two weeks before the date of the Final Examination. Decisions other than pass have the same rules for retaking the examination as for the Preliminary Examination. The committee may require additional revisions of the dissertation to be made prior to the time a decision of pass is rendered. The advisor makes the final decision of whether these revisions are acceptable.
PhD Dissertation & Defense Timeline
| Milestone | Timing Requirement | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Committee Selection | 3–4 weeks before defense (minimum) | You must submit your committee through the Graduate College Student Portal. This committee can differ from your preliminary exam committee. PhD committee members are typically faculty or PhD-level scientists. |
| Dissertation Seminar | Usually 50 minutes + Q&A | A departmental seminar on your research. If graduating in Summer, this must be done in the previous Spring or following Fall. |
| Dissertation Draft | 2 weeks before defense | A complete copy of the PhD dissertation must be submitted to each committee member for review. |
| Final Examination | Following the seminar | The oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. The student is responsible for scheduling this date with the committee and with the Department. The committee will vote on your defense and your dissertation, and may require revisions. |
| Final Deposit | After successful defense | The advisor and the Department Head makes the final decision on whether required revisions are acceptable before final deposit. |