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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