The dissertation defense (final examination) encompasses a student’s dissertation and area(s) of study. A student cannot defend their dissertation until all other requirements for their degree are satisfied.

Procedures

To begin the process of defending your dissertation, consult with your advisor and finalize a defense committee of five members (typically the same as your proposal committee). Together, determine a defense date and time that works for all committee members.

You must notify the Graduate Program Manager (GPM) at least three weeks prior to your scheduled defense to request a warrant.
A warrant is an official document used by the Graduate School to confirm that a student has completed all requirements for the PhD.

To request the warrant, you will need to provide:

• Finalized committee member names

• Planned defense date

• Tentative dissertation title

• Any applicable doctoral minors or certifications

The GPM will submit this information to the Graduate School. Once approved, you will be notified.

Note: Requesting a warrant does not commit you to defend. If your defense is postponed, a new warrant may be requested.

You are also responsible for reserving a room for your defense and ensuring that your defense is publicly announced at least one week in advance.

Oral Dissertation Defense

The oral defense is a formal presentation of your dissertation followed by a question-and-answer session with your committee.

• You must provide a complete draft of your dissertation to all committee members in advance (recommended: at least two weeks prior).

• The defense must occur at the agreed-upon time and location with all committee members present (in person or via video conferencing, as permitted).

If a majority of the committee deems your defense satisfactory, they will sign the warrant, officially certifying that you have met the requirements for the PhD degree.

Degree Deadlines

The Graduate School establishes degree deadlines each Fall, Spring, and Summer. To be awarded a degree in a given semester, all requirements—including the defense and submission of materials—must be completed by the published deadline.

You can find current and future degree deadlines here:
Graduate School Degree Deadlines

PhD Completion Requirements

To complete the PhD after a successful defense, students must:

• Upload a PDF of the final dissertation to the ProQuest/UMI ETD Administrator

• Submit the signed warrant via the same portal

Full instructions for PhD completion can be found on the Graduate School website:
PhD Degree Completion Instructions