Generally speaking, a quality dissertation will take a minimum of one to two years to complete. In most instances it would be unrealistic for a student to think that s/he could complete this stage of doctoral study in less time. Generally, the program entails a period of six months between admission to candidacy and granting of the degree.

The prospectus is a formal presentation of the proposed dissertation topic. The prospectus defense should be scheduled in coordination with the student's major professor and Ph.D. graduate program director. This request must be submitted in writing to both parties. Each faculty member who is asked to participate in the prospectus defense must be provided with a copy of all relevant materials at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. Once scheduled, the prospectus defense will be announced to all committee members through memorandum issued by the Ph.D. graduate program director. The chair of the committee directs all proceedings, retaining the authority to acknowledge members and participants in a fair and orderly fashion. The student will be allowed a reasonable and adequate amount of time to present and justify the proposed topic. A reasonable and adequate amount of time will also be allotted to discussion and questions regarding the proposed topic.

Students must arrange in writing a date and time for the final defense in coordination with the dissertation chair and Ph.D. graduate program director. The dissertation chair and gradate program director will notify the student in writing that the request for scheduling of a final defense has been accepted, considered and approved. Once scheduled, the final defense will be announced to all Department members through memorandum issued by the Ph.D. graduate program director and is open to all faculty, staff and students of the University. The chair of the committee directs all proceedings, retaining the authority to acknowledge members and participants in a fair and orderly fashion. The student will be allowed a reasonable and adequate amount of time to present relevant findings. A reasonable and adequate amount of time will also be allotted to discussion and questions regarding the student's work. Once the presentation has concluded, the chair will dismiss the student so that committee members may discuss and vote upon the acceptability of the final product.

There are three possible outcomes to this process:

Accept without revision - must receive unanimous endorsement.

Accept with revision - required changes must be made and approved by the dissertation Chair within 14 calendar days.

Reject - final product is unacceptable and needs considerable work in order to be approved.