Dissertation
The dissertation is required of all doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates, and is the culmination of the advanced study leading to the doctoral degree. It demonstrates the student's scholarly expertise and independent contribution to knowledge. The dissertation process formally begins when all other requirements of the Ph.D. program have been met, and includes 18 credits of dissertation research. The doctorate requires that each doctoral candidate perform original research in the form of a doctoral dissertation. The dissertation is an investigation of a problem of significance that makes a unique contribution to the field. It must demonstrate that the candidate is capable of independent research and analysis, reported in accepted scholarly style, and that she or he has attained a high degree of scholarly competence.