Final Examination (Dissertation Defense)
The final examination will be oral. The advisory committee must notify the departmental Director of Graduate Studies of its recommendation for the date of the final examination at least two weeks before the examination. The final examination should be announced at least 10 working days before the examination is to be given and it must be held at least one month before graduation. The examination may only be scheduled when classes are in session, including finals week. The final examination shall last for no more than three hours. It is to cover the dissertation and related subject matter. Passage of the final oral examination should be construed to mean that there be no more than one dissenting vote of the advisory committee. Should a student fail this second attempt to pass the final examination, he/she will be dropped from the program.