Thesis/Dissertation Completion
DISSERTATION
The development and defense of a dissertation is the culmination of a terminal degree program. The successful student begins thinking and planning for the dissertation from the very beginning of the program of study. In that way the student is alert to practical and theoretical issues that might prove to be fruitful areas for research that could lead to the dissertation. The student can thus gradually focus her/his reading, research and course-selection on the topic to be investigated for the dissertation.
The process for completing the final stage of the Doctoral Program includes the following steps:
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Selection of dissertation Chairperson and Committee
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Proposal Preparation
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Proposal Defense
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Research Activity
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Dissertation Writing
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Dissertation Colloquium
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Oral Defense
A. Selection of Dissertation Chairperson and Committee
The student discusses with the program coordinator or chairperson of the department possible members in the department who might serve as chairperson of the dissertation committee. This faculty member should have an interest in, and knowledge of the area of research proposed by the student. Once there is an agreement as to the faculty member to serve as Chairperson, the other members are proposed by the student and committee chairperson. The chairperson makes the contact with the other members of the committee. Their commitment is secured by the signing of the appropriate forms.
The names of the proposed committee members are forwarded by the chairperson of the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy to the Dean of the School of Education and Urban Studies for approval.
B. Proposal
The student works with the dissertation committee to develop the proposal which should be completed during the first semester in which the student registers for the dissertation. The Proposal includes the following sections:
1. Introduction
- Context of the issue to be studied
- Statement of the problem
- Research questions and / or hypotheses
- Rationale for the study
- Definition of terms
- Significance of the study
- Scope and delimitations
- Assumptions and limitations
The dissertation committee reviews the proposal. Preliminary approval of the proposal by the committee is required in order for the student to be scheduled for the dissertation proposal colloquium.
C. Proposal Defense
The purpose of the proposal defense is to confirm the terms of the dissertation contract between the student and the dissertation committee and to give the student an opportunity to benefit from ideas and suggestions of the wider school and university community. Once the proposal is given final approval by the committee, all members of the committee indicate their approval by signing the proposal cover sheet. Copies of the signed cover sheet are forwarded to the Chair of the department, the Dean of the School and School of Graduate Studies for recording. Any change in the title of the proposal requires approval of the committee and notification of such must be sent to the chairperson, dean and School of Graduate Studies
Approval of the Proposal constitutes permission for the student to continue with the research and the preparation of the dissertation but does not guarantee approval of the final dissertation. The signed proposal constitutes a binding agreement between the University and the student. Even in the event that all members of the dissertation committee may leave the University, the University will consider the topic acceptable during whatever period of time is allowed for completion of the study.
D. Research Activity
This is the period when the student conducts the research study by collecting the data, recording the findings, and analyzing the results. Depending on the topic being researched, this step may take from six months to several years. The time it takes to complete the study will be determined by the thoroughness of the Proposal, the energy of the student, and resolution of any unforeseen problems. If the project involves other people, part of the timing will depend on their cooperation.
E. Dissertation
The dissertation, describes what has been done and with what results. The chapters traditionally follow the same order as the Proposal but are written in greater detail and with the addition of a fifth chapter which is a summary that demonstrates how this study has contributed to the field, the implications it has raised, and any recommendations for further study.
The dissertation must follow an approved style e.g. APA, for which the student must obtain prior agreement from the dissertation committee.
Graduation Application:
All students must file the application for graduation with the Graduate School. The application must be signed by the advisor and department chairperson. The date for filing of the application is published each year by the Graduate School.
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Oral Defense
When the dissertation has been judged acceptable by the members of the dissertation committee, an oral defense will be scheduled by the department chair. The date must be published two weeks in advance.
Copies of the completed dissertation must be made available to the department chairperson and the Graduate School Dean by mid-March (the date will be announced each semester) for students who expect to graduate in the May graduation ceremonies of the university.
Attendance at the oral defense is open to other faculty members who may participate in the discussion. The dissertation committee chairperson chairs the meeting.
The candidate will be requested to present the following information:
- A brief description of her / his educational background and professional experience;
- A summary and explanation of the research undertaken.
- The ability of the candidate to relate the dissertation problem and findings to problems and issues in the field of specialization.
At the close of the examination, the chairperson shall request the candidate to withdraw while the Dissertation Committee deliberates on the outcome of the oral examination. Faculty may remain but cannot participate in the vote.
The approval or disapproval of the candidate’s dissertation will be the responsibility of the dissertation committee. Approval of the dissertation requires a unanimous vote of the dissertation committee. The committee may approve with specific stipulations (recorded in writing) or disapprove with specific reasons (recorded in writing). The revised draft of the dissertation, reflecting changes required by the committee, will be circulated by the chairperson indicating that the specific stipulations have been met. Final approval of the dissertation is the responsibility of the department chair. If the dissertation is not approved, the candidate can (1) abandon this particular topic and start again with a new committee and topic; or (2) not receive the degree.