Dissertation

Students must register for SME X99R the first semester that you register for dissertation hours. The next semester, and all other semesters, students register for SME X99W. The X indicates the number of hours for which a student enrolls. For example, SME 399R equals three hours of the first semester of dissertation, 699R equals six hours, and 999R equals nine hours. Students will register for SME 399W, 699W, or 999W for the second semester of dissertation, and all other semesters thereafter.

All students are required to write a dissertation proposal and to submit it to their committee one week prior to a public discussion. The Graduate Coordinator will post notice of the meeting and email copies to SME faculty and students. A public discussion will be held to provide feedback and suggestions on the proposal.

All students are required to complete an oral defense of their dissertation to the satisfaction of their committee. Dissertation Committee Members need at least one week to review the dissertation before the oral defense. At least 4 Committee Members must be physically present at the Defense. If more than one member needs to be physically away, a petition can be submitted to request that members be allowed to participate by conference phone. (In this situation, when the Request for Final Oral is submitted by the student, a petition note from the Graduate Advisor should accompany it explaining the situation and asking that the defense be allowed with three people physically present and a fourth participating by conference phone. The petition should state that arrangements have been made or will be made to have the necessary technology in the room.)

More information can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Students should review the Deadlines and Submission Instructions for Graduation that need to be followed during the graduating semester.

The student's doctoral program is complete upon a successful defense of the dissertation.