The dissertation should constitute an original and valuable contribution to scholarship in the student’s field of interest. It should be characterized by mature literary interpretation, informed and reasoned argument, and an awareness of the means and goals of research. It is the student’s responsibility to ascertain the rules and deadlines of the Graduate School for proper filing of the dissertation.

Students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the stringent formatting and structure guidelines for the dissertation (the information is provided by the Graduate School and is available online or in pamphlet form). Students are reminded that a final copy of the dissertation must be distributed to the dissertation committee for final approval at least three weeks before the dissertation defense.

Final Oral Dissertation Defense

When all members of the dissertation committee have approved the dissertation, a public oral presentation and defense of the work is held.