In order to meet this schedule, the following target dates need to be kept in mind. A thesis proposal should be approved no later than the start of the second year, and the thesis should be completed by the end of the second year or possibly during the summer following the second year. An agreement concerning the areas to be covered in the comprehensive examination should be completed by the end of the first semester of the third year, and the examination should be taken by the end of the third year. A dissertation proposal should be developed during the summer following the third year and approved early in the first semester of the fourth year, thus allowing the completion of the dissertation prior to going on internship in the fifth year. It should be noted that failure to make timely progress may result in consequences over which we have no control.
Many placements require a master's degree.
Furthermore, the total number of placements is limited, and priority goes to those who are in their third or fourth year in the program. We cannot guarantee support beyond the fourth year. Timely Scheduling of Final M.A. Thesis and Ph.D. Dissertation Defense . Miami University awards degrees three times each year, at graduation ceremonies in May, August, and December. Each student is responsible for making scheduling arrangements with the committee.