An oral examination marks the end of this phase of study. The screening examination and the oral examination together make up the qualification examination described in the . After passing the oral examination and finishing all required course work, the student is nominated to PhD candidacy. After being admitted to candidacy the student forms a research committee, which oversees doctoral research. This final phase of doctoral study is described in a written dissertation and presented at a dissertation defense.
Doctoral research can last from one to six semesters or longer, depending on the doctoral project.