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{Home > Graduate : Graduate Handbook: Ph.D.: Final Steps - The "Defense" }

Final Steps - The "Defense"

Final Oral Examination

As you begin the final steps to completing your Ph.D. you should review this very helpful Graduate School checklist.  Review the page, make sure everything has been taken care of, and if you haven't done so already, you should order the Graduate Packet which includes:

• information on commencement
• the final exam scheduling form
• preparing the doctoral dissertation
• the thesis reviewers report form
• and the Graduate Checklist

After your advisor has approved your dissertation as ready for defense, provide a copy to each of your committee members. Committee members must be given at least two weeks to read your dissertation; three weeks is a courtesy that will be appreciated. Some committee members may wish to read each chapter as it's completed, in order to make suggestions and raise questions before the final draft is put together.  This process should be worked out with your committee at the prospectus/dissertation meeting.  At this time, it is wise to set a tentative date for the defense, probably about a month from the time that committee members receive the dissertation, and inform the Programs Administrator that you will need a room for your defense.

The advisor and the two readers must sign the Reviewer’s Report, Ph.D. Thesis (GS 2) which certifies that they agree that the dissertation is ready for defense. Before the defense can be held, however, committee members may want you to make additions, revisions, or corrections. After you have made any required revisions and the advisor and readers are satisfied that your dissertation is ready for defense and have signed the Report, finalize the date and time for the defense.  Turn in the signed Reviewer's Report form to the Graduate School and complete the Examination Scheduling/Doctoral Final Oral. The Reviewer’s Report and Scheduling form must be turned in to the Graduate School at least one week before the defense.

The Graduate School will accept only dissertations that are formatted according to its specifications. Carefully review the instructions under Step 10 on the Ph.D. Checklist.  Consult with your advisor for referencing style and editing conventions. Generally, APA, or MLA are acceptable.

The final defense if open to everyone.  It is usually advertised a few days in advance in the department and it's common for family and friends to attend. In the dissertation defense you will be expected to defend your dissertation. Since the defense is public, your advisor will ask you to prepare a formal presentation (lasting about 30 minutes) that summarizes your dissertation.  After the presentation, audience members may ask questions.  After a while the Chair will ask everyone to leave, except for you and your committee. This is followed by the committee asking you questions about your dissertation and discussing various points with you. After the questioning you will be asked to leave the room.

Once you have left the room, the chair of the committee will conduct a written, secret ballot before discussing the examination.  Following the discussion, a second and final vote is taken.  To be recommended for the award of the doctoral degree, candidates must receive a vote with no more than one dissenting member of the total examining committee.  All members sign the final examination report form and the form should be returned to the Graduate School no later than the first workday following the examination. 

Congratulations on completing your Ph.D.!