Ph.D. Thesis Defense

Your dissertation defense presentation must take place at least one month before the commencement date. The length of your presentation should be about 40 to 45 minutes in length. It is best to concentrate on your research and not on a big introduction. The completed dissertation must be handed in to your Ph.D. Committee at least one month prior to the defense date. The student should schedule the date and time of defense suitable to his committee members and arrange for the room and any necessary material or equipment. The dissertation must be complete in all details when submitted to the committee. The changes requested or recommended by the committee at the defense should be made and the final thesis presented to the thesis advisor with appropriate thesis signature sheets for signature. Once signed by thesis advisor, the final thesis should be submitted to the department. For more on final dissertation submission and completion procedures, see the Graduate Studies page, Thesis Formatting & Completion Guidelines.

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