Culminating
Events:
Culminating event for the degree program
Dissertation
Dissertation Advising Committee Information
Program follows graduate school guidelines.
Dissertation Examining Committee Information
Program follows graduate school guidelines.
Advisor/Committee Information
The Student submits a request to the department chair, who decides under consultation with committee.
Preliminary Exam Description
This is a comprehensive examination of the student's knowledge within the broad field of his or her graduate study. This examination is generally written although it may be given orally if the student and the committee so elect. The student should demonstrate an adequate level of general knowledge of the field, specific knowledge of his or her area of specialization and his or her ability to pursue the dissertation. To be admitted to this examination, the student must have satisfied the residency and research tool requirements. The questions for this examination will be written and graded by members of the student's Advisory Committee. A student must pass the Preliminary Examination in no more than two attempts.
Subject Areas/Major Components of the Preliminary Examination
variable
At what point in the program is the student expected to take the preliminary examination
Generally, at the completion of coursework.
Writing the Questions for the Preliminary Examination
The members of the dissertation committee write the questions.
Evaluating the Preliminary Examination
The dissertation committee evaluates the questions on a pass/fail basis. All questions must be passed, and all judgments are by committee consensus.
Criterion for Passing the Preliminary Examination.
Evaluators look for competent and persuasive writing, and for breadth and depth of knowledge in the areas of examination.
Administering, Scheduling, and Proctoring the Preliminary Examination
The examinations are given over a three-day period within one week. They are proctored by a departmental clerical staff member.
Dissertation/Monograph Philosophy
The dissertation is an original study that makes a significant and publishable contribution to the field. It should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the theoretical and empirical literature of the area of investigation, and should be of sound and rigorous methodology.
Philosophy of the Proposal
The proposal should demonstrate that the student has arrived at a significant and investigable problem, and that s/he has the necessary knowledge and skills to investigate it successfully.
Criterion for Passing the Dissertation and the Defense.
Original research of quality appropriate for publication in a first-tier national journal
Dissertation Defense Scheduling
The defense is two hours in length.
Announcing the Dissertation Defense
Graduate school guidelines are followed. Notice is given through postings and email and listserv announcements.
