Below is an overview of the dissertation process after the qualifying exam is passed. More detailed and current information is available for current students in the annual program handbook which is linked at https://comminfo.rutgers.edu/academics/graduate/phd-program/phd-program-handbook-key-forms.
1. Selection of Dissertation Chair
In consultation with the program director or area coordinator, the student identifies members of the Ph.D. faculty appropriate to serve as chair given the research topics of interest. The student consults with these individuals, and a chair is determined through process of mutual selection and with final approval of the program director.
2. Selection of Additional Committee Members
The chair and student select three additional faculty members to serve on the dissertation committee. The chair and candidate finalize the committee. A committee consists of the chair plus at least two members from the
communication, information, and media (CIM) program faculty and one member outside of the School of Communication and Information, or outside of the university, as appropriate to the dissertation topic. The proposed committee is subject to review and approval by the program director. Additionally, when proposed committee members are not members of the Rutgers University graduate faculty, a CV must be reviewed by the program director who then forwards it to a dean of the School of Graduate Studies for final approval. When approved, a formal letter of invitation and appointment is issued by the School of Graduate Studies. Please allow at least two weeks lead time for such review.
3. Preparation of the Dissertation Proposal
With the guidance of his or her chair and the committee, the candidate prepares a formal dissertation proposal, which will normally include a statement of the research problem and/or rationale for a proposed project, an overview of relevant literature, alternative research methods that might be employed, a statement as to the value of the proposed project, the research protocol, and a bibliography. When the chair is satisfied that the proposal is acceptable in general, the chair schedules a meeting of the committee for purposes of formally approving, or suggesting further modification needed in the proposal. The evaluation process includes an oral examination by the chair and committee members. When the proposal is acceptable to the chair and committee, they indicate approval by signing the dissertation proposal title page. (See the appendix in the
Ph.D. Faculty and Student Handbook
for an example of the dissertation proposal title page.) A copy is given to the director to be kept on file in the Ph.D. program office. The topic of the dissertation proposal cannot be changed, subsequent to its approval, except in extraordinary circumstances when adjustments are approved in consultation with the chair and committee members and with the approval of the program director.
4. Public Presentation of the Dissertation Proposal (optional)
When the dissertation proposal has been formally approved by the committee, the dissertation chair and candidate may select a date for presentation of the dissertation proposal at a Ph.D. colloquium. Multiple approved dates are available during the fall and spring semesters, and students should sign up for a presentation date through the program office. The signed proposal must be filed with the program office at least one week before the presentation is made. The presentation should include highlights from the proposal document and also allow for a question-and-answer period (approximately 30 minutes total, depending on number of presenters). (See the appendix in the Ph.D. Faculty and Student Handbook for additional information on supporting presentation materials.)
5. Final Committee Review and Dissertation Defense
When the candidate has completed the dissertation to the satisfaction of the chair, a draft is circulated to the entire committee. At least four weeks must be allowed for committee members to read the dissertation. Throughout the process, the candidate is encouraged to consult with the committee as appropriate. The chair checks with all committee members. At this point the chair may elect to ask the candidate to prepare a revised draft for circulation to the committee. If all members feel that the draft is at a point where a public defense is appropriate, the defense is scheduled. Any revisions, additions, or changes called for by the chair or committee, which arise out of the meeting, are made by the candidate, and a final draft of the dissertation is prepared.
For requirements on the dissertation defense and public presentation of the dissertation, refer to the Ph.D. Faculty and Student Handbook.
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Ph.D. Program in Communication, Information, and Media 
