Dissertation Defense

Students must complete all of their core courses (grade "B" or better), their research papers, and their comprehensive exams and dissertation proposal before giving their dissertation defense. It may be held on any day when regularly scheduled classes and/or exams are being held at the university. Such events should be scheduled with the respective department and the Graduate Programs Office (typically the office manager or PhD liaison). Dissertation defenses are open to all faculty and PhD candidates. Students are strongly advised to attend the defenses of others prior to their own to become familiar with the process and its requirements.

A dissertation defense must be attended by a member of the PhD Committee. Ordinarily this is the advisor in the major area of the defending doctoral candidate. If the advisor is unable to attend, the PhD Committee will select an alternative representative. A summary of the dissertation, not to exceed 10 pages, shall be distributed to all faculty members and PhD students in the School of Management along with the announcement of such defense, via email. The individual PhD candidate is responsible for the preparation of such summary.

Two copies of the dissertation must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance. This notice requirement will be strictly enforced, and any doubts as to what constitutes a business day should be resolved through consultation with the Graduate Programs Office.

At the conclusion of the public presentation, it will be the dissertation chairman's responsibility to summarize for those present any suggested changes, modifications, etc. As soon after the defense as possible (no longer than two weeks), this summary will be submitted, in writing, to the PhD program chairman.