Dissertation Research Proposal. The dissertation research proposal may not be presented until four oral examinations have been passed. The proposal is presented as a short talk to faculty and students on the proposed dissertation research. At the conclusion of the talk, the student defends the importance and feasibility of the research. If the proposal is not satisfactory, the student may give another proposal at a later date.
Students write a dissertation describing their original research.
The form of this work is determined in consultation with the research advisor and may be a standard dissertation, a collection of journal articles published in refereed journals with annotation, or a combination of the two. The dissertation is evaluated by a committee consisting of at least four faculty including the research advisor. Members are subject to the approval of the research adviser, the department chair, and the Graduate Board. Committee members from outside of Clark are allowed. The format of the dissertation must conform to standards set by the University.