Dissertation Credits
Once
a student has completed all coursework, he or she must maintain student
status by registering either for dissertation research or matriculation
continued, whichever applies. Either registration keeps students on the
active rolls when they have not registered for coursework. Students
must complete 24 dissertation credits prior to graduation. The number
of dissertation credits completed per semester is decided in
consultation with the Ph.D. director.
Dissertation
Each
candidate for the doctorate shall produce, under faculty direction, a
dissertation that is an original investigation of an issue or
collection of issues leading to a significant contribution in the
student's field. Every student must submit a formal proposal
representing the projected content of the dissertation. The
dissertation proposal committee shall act as an advising group for the
candidate. Each student then selects an adviser, who becomes chair of
that student's dissertation committee. The student is required to work
with the faculty adviser on developing the proposal and should look to
that adviser as a primary source of guidance and supervision. As the
work progresses, the student is encouraged to consult with other
potential members of the Dissertation Proposal Committee.
The
Dissertation Proposal Committee normally consists of three to five
members, one of whom should be a member of a graduate faculty outside
the School of Public Affairs and Administration. Prior to the defense
of the proposal, the composition of the dissertation committee must be
approved by the Ph.D. director.
Once the student has worked
out a draft proposal, he or she meets with the faculty adviser and
other members of the Dissertation Proposal Committee to discuss the
draft. As the research progresses, the student must keep the
Dissertation Proposal Committee informed on how the research is
progressing, and allow the committee members to assist in its
development. The committee agrees to give ample and early warning of
any reservations it might have about the student's progress. The panel
must specify in writing any changes it will require for dissertation
acceptance.
Dissertation Defense
An oral defense
of the dissertation is required after submission of the final document
to the dissertation committee for approval. The date for the defense is
set by the dissertation adviser in conjunction with the Ph.D. director.
The dissertation must be on file in the department office for at least
two weeks prior to the formal defense. The student must get signatures
of all members of the dissertation committee for final approval of the
dissertation to be granted.
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