Culminating
Events:
Culminating event for the degree program
Dissertation
Dissertation Advising Committee Information
The Dissertation Advising Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from the Computer and Information Sciences Department. Committee compositions must be approved by the department's graduate committee. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the Committee members, and informing the student of his or her academic progress.
Dissertation Examining Committee Information
The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advising Committee and at least one additional Graduate Faculty member from outside the Computer and Information Sciences Department. The Outside Examiner should be identified no later than the beginning of the semester in which the student will defend the dissertation.
Advisor/Committee Information
If a student needs to change a member of a Committee, the new member must be approved by the department's graduate committee and registered with the Academic Programs Coordinator and the Graduate School.
Preliminary Exam Description
The goal of the preliminary examinations is to test the research skills and knowledge ofthe student and the appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed research.
Subject Areas/Major Components of the Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examinations focus on: 1. Testing advanced track knowledge; 2. Testing in-depth knowledge in the selected research area; 3. Ensuring that the selected research problem is of reasonable scope and significance; 4. Ensuring that the proposed dissertation is feasible.
At what point in the program is the student expected to take the preliminary examination
The Preliminary examinations are completed in two stages. Preliminary I will include at least items 1 and 2. Prelim I consists of written and oral components testing advanced track knowledge and in-depth knowledge of the research area and includes a literature review of the area. In conjunction with items 1 and 2, Preliminary examination I will also be used to determine whether the student needs to take additional courses in order to support research in the chosen area. Prelim I is open only to the advisory committee and to members of the department. Preliminary II will include at least items 3 and 4. Preliminary II consists of written and oral components to assess the appropriateness of the research including the approach and methodology. The written portion of Preliminary II should be of sufficient quality to be publishable as a department technical report. This exam is open to the public.
Preliminary I will be taken within 1 year after passing the PhD Qualifier Examination.
Evaluating the Preliminary Examination
The Dissertation Advisory Committee will evaluate the examination. Each member votes to pass or fail the student. In order to pass, a majority of the committee members must agree that the exam has been satisfactorily completed.
Criterion for Passing the Preliminary Examination.
The successful completion of the Preliminary examinations will produce a written understanding among the student, faculty advisor, and advisory committee, specifying the work to be done to obtain final approval of the dissertation.
Administering, Scheduling, and Proctoring the Preliminary Examination
Students who are preparing to do their preliminary examinations should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Advisory Committee Chairperson and register with the Academic Programs Coordinator one month prior to the date. The student and Chairperson will receive confirmation for the time, date, and room for the examination.
Dissertation/Monograph Philosophy
The Doctoral Dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field of computer and information sciences. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of his or her primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated, uphold the ethics and standard of the computer and information sciences field, demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of computer and information sciences, and be prepared for publication in a professional journal.
Philosophy of the Proposal
The dissertation proposal demonstrates the student's knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research. The proposal should consists of the following: (a) the context and background surrounding a particular research problem; (b) an exhaustive survey and review of literature related to the problem; and (c) a detailed methodological plan for investigating the problem.
The proposal should be completed and approved no more than one year after completing coursework. Upon approval, a timeline for completing the investigation and writing process will be established.
Criterion for Passing the Dissertation and the Defense.
The Committee will evaluate the student's ability to express verbally his or her research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications. The Committee will vote to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation.
Dissertation Defense Scheduling
Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Advisory Committee and register with the Academic Programs Coordinator at least 30 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The student and Chairperson will receive confirmation for the time, date, and room for the examination.
Announcing the Dissertation Defense
The Academic Programs Coordinator will send to the Graduate School (501 Carnell Hall) a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form at least 10 days before the defense. The Department will post fliers announcing the defense.
