Thesis Proposal Examination
The Thesis Proposal Examination is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to plan, conduct and communicate independent research in both oral and written form. The quality of the proposal document is an important part of this evaluation.
Each year the department holds a thesis proposal preparation guidance session. Students who have completed the Comprehensive Examination are encouraged to attend.
Prior to the Examination
The Committee Signature Form must be completed prior to the Thesis Proposal Exam by the student and presented by the student to the Committee Chair at the exam. This sheet will be signed by the Doctoral Committee at the completion of the exam and returned to the Director of Graduate Programs by the Committee Chair.
The thesis proposal document should include the following elements:
Title Page | Table of Contents | Abstract |
Introduction | Background (optional) | Research Plan |
Schedule | References | Appendices (optional) |
Time Frame
The Thesis Proposal Examination is typically taken between twelve and twenty-four months following the successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination and more than nine months prior to the final PhD Dissertation Defense. The candidate must submit a written thesis proposal to the Doctoral Committee a minimum of two weeks prior to the oral examination date.
In some circumstances, your advisor(s) may recommend a different timeline for this examination. It is the responsibility of the advisor to communicate any modifications of the examination schedule to the Director of Graduate Programs.
The Doctoral (PhD) Committee
Each PhD candidate in the department will be directed and advised by a Doctoral Committee. The Committee will be responsible for:
The composition of the committee should be mutually agreed upon by the student and their advisor. It is important to note that the Comprehensive Examination committee members are not necessarily the same as members of the student’s Doctoral Committee.
One member of the Doctoral Committee serves as Chair and typically this individual will serve as the candidate’s principal thesis advisor. The Doctoral Committee must consist of at least four members, including: