The Dissertation The Ph. D program culminates with successful completion of a doctoral dissertation on an approved original research topic.
Students work with their faculty advisor to identify an acceptable research topic.
Then, under the guidance of a four-person faculty committee, the student will prepare a research proposal for defense in a public presentation. Following the successful defense, the student will then conduct the research project, write the final dissertation, and submit it for a final defense in a public presentation. Upon successful completion of the dissertation defense, the student is awarded the Ph.D degree and graduates from the program.