Ph.D. Program Dissertation

The dissertation is a major research investigation of an original idea. The student first works closely with his/her major professor in order to prepare a concise and understandable prospectus. The major professor, who also serves as the student's adviser, consults with the student in the selection of a dissertation committee and recommends these members to the Graduate Adviser of the Department for approval by the Graduate School. The dissertation committee consists of at least five faculty members. At least three of the committee members must be from the Department; at least one must be a faculty member from outside the Department. Although not required, it is anticipated that the faculty member(s) from outside the Department will be from the student's related area of study. After the prospectus has been circulated to the student's dissertation committee, a formal meeting is held and the committee approves or rejects the proposed dissertation project. The prospectus must then be approved by the full Graduate Studies Committee.

The dissertation includes a detailed literature review and critique, design of an experiment, data collection, presentation and analysis of the results, and a discussion of the implications or significance of the findings. The format of the references should be in keeping with that used in the scholarly journal most appropriate for the subject matter of the study.

The completed manuscript is submitted to members of the dissertation committee at least four weeks before the date of the scheduled oral defense. The outcome of the defense will be decided by majority vote of the committee. The four possible outcomes are:

1. Unconditional Pass--The student is recommended to the Graduate School as having completed the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

2. Conditional Pass--The committee does not see a need for a second examination but there are changes to be made in the dissertation which must be completed before the student may graduate.

3. Conditional Fail--The student is required to review some specific aspects of his/her work and to eliminate serious weaknesses. There will be a second oral examination. Failure in this second examination constitutes failure in the program and the student will not be allowed to continue.

4. Unconditional Fail--It is the judgment of the committee that the student has insufficient ability to complete this final and vital portion of doctoral study. The student may not pursue the degree further.