The Ph.D. Dissertation represents the cumulative accomplishment of the Ph.D. process. The Ph.D. Dissertation must be an original and significant contribution to research. Results from Ph.D. Dissertations are published (except in extremely rare or exceptional circumstances), as discussed below.

Dissertation Committee

Shortly after passing the Qualifying Exam, the student forms a Dissertation Committee replacing the faculty Advisory Committee. The student's Ph.D. Advisor chairs the Committee. The Dissertation Committee evaluates the Dissertation Proposal, and reviews and approves the final Dissertation. The Committee must include at least two regular SIMS faculty members and one Academic Senate member from another department on campus.

Dissertation Proposal

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student completes (with any needed revisions) the Dissertation Proposal. After the Dissertation Committee approves the proposal, and no later than the end of the semester following the one in which the Dissertation Proposal is approved, the student files an Application for Advancement to Candidacy. In approving this Application, the Head Graduate Advisor approves the Dissertation Committee as well.

Dissertation

After receiving approval of the Dissertation Proposal, the student continues the Dissertation research and writing. During this period, the student should meet regularly with his or her Dissertation Chair and report regularly to the Dissertation Committee. Each semester, the student prepares a summary of progress, supported by copies of any writing that he or she may have done.

In accord with the standards of his or her specialization, the student is expected to publish the Dissertation and Major results of the Dissertation research.

To share new knowledge with colleagues and prepare for job interviews, Ph.D. students present the principal results of their Dissertation research and take questions and challenges from the community on the Dissertation work; this requirement may be waived, per 4.3 above. The Dissertation Committee and other faculty members and students from the university community — both inside and outside SIMS — usually attend. This presentation informs the university community about the research that takes place at SIMS and provides the student with valuable preparation for other research presentations (including job interviews). This presentation generally takes place in the last semester in residence or in the semester in which the Dissertation is filed. It should be scheduled so that as many interested people as possible can attend.

When the Dissertation is completed, it must be approved and signed by all the members of the Ph.D. Committee. Upon successful completion of the Dissertation and all prior requirements, the student will be awarded the Ph.D.

See a list of completed dissertations.

Summary of Dissertation Requirements

1. Form the Dissertation Committee
2. Complete the Dissertation Proposal
3. Have Dissertation Proposal approved by Dissertation Committee
4. Complete and have approved the application for advancement to candidacy
5. Meet the residency requirement
6. Complete the Dissertation
7. Make a public oral presentation of the Dissertation results
8. Receive sign-off by all Dissertation Committee members.