07.03.07 Dissertation & Final Examination - PhD
A dissertation is required of each candidate for the doctor of philosophy degree. Ordinarily, the dissertation must be written in residence. In any case, it must be written under the supervision of the candidate's advisor and must be approved by the department chair and examining committee before the candidate submits one bound, final copy to the Graduate Studies Office by the final copy deadline. See the graduate calendar for deadlines.
The regulations set forth by the University Dean of Graduate Studies state that the dissertation must be an original critical or synthetic treatment of a fitting subject, an original contribution to creative art, or a report on independent research formulated in a manner worthy of publication. It is up to the student and his/her advisor to ensure that the dissertation follows these important criteria. If the dissertation work is based on the research of others, those individuals must be properly acknowledged in the preface of the document.
Please refer to the manual published by the University Dean of Graduate Studies titled The Preparation of Doctoral Theses, which is available from the University Dean of Graduate Studies website (www.rochester.edu/gradstudies). The intent of this manual is to aid the student in meeting the required standards of organization, appearance and format for a doctoral dissertation at the University of Rochester.
Beginning fall 2007, the University of Rochester through ProQuest/UMI will offer some new dissertation publishing options to students including traditional publishing and open access of dissertation. The open access publishing options will make a student's dissertation accessible to the world on the Web. ProQuest/UMI information and forms are available through www.il.proquest.com and through the Graduate Studies Office. Also, beginning Fall 2007, the University Dean of Graduate Studies Office will require, in addition to the two unbound paper copies submitted after passing the final oral examination, one complete copy of the dissertation in digital/electronic format along with a completed UR Research Authorization form. This form will be given to the student at the conclusion of the final oral examination.
The final oral examination for the doctor of philosophy degree must be taken at the University of Rochester. A candidate may present himself or herself for this examination only after receiving permission of the advisors.
The final oral examination shall be taken after completion of all other requirements for the degree, but not earlier than six months after the qualifying examination. The final oral examination may be open, at least in part, to all members of the University community. It shall include the subject covered by the dissertation and the special field in which the dissertation is written, with particular attention to the recent and significant developments in that field. This examination may also include other fields of study if specifically recommended by the qualifying examining committee.
PhD-granting departments may invite the candidate to present a public lecture, followed by a private dissertation defense with the examination committee.
The committee for the final examination for the doctor of philosophy degree is appointed by the University Dean of Graduate Studies on the advice of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The University Dean or his or her representative will be chair and have a vote.
A vote of approval of the final oral examining committee must be unanimous, but in the case of a single dissenting vote the issue may be presented for decision to the University Council on Graduate Studies.
Definitions of Dissertation Copy Terms:
- Fair copy - a copy of the dissertations in final-draft form. It must be typed and easily readable by the reading committee.
- Final copy - a copy which incorporates all corrections from the reading committee.
- Permanent copy - copies which incorporate any additional corrections or changes required as a result of the final examination.
Dissertation or Thesis Work during Summer Session
Graduate students who plan to register for thesis or dissertation credits during the summer session are requested to do so by May 15th; otherwise, no assurance can be given that the time of an advisor will be available. Doctoral students who have completed all courses and credit requirements and who will be working on their dissertation with an advisor during the summer session must register for ESM 999 (Continuation of Graduate Enrollment).
Policy Handbook Table of Contents
Course Descriptions Index
Registrar Home