The Dissertation Prospectus

The prospectus must be submitted to the department no later than September 15 of the seventh term of study. The department will inform the Graduate School by September 30 that the prospectus has been accepted. Under these circumstances, students planning to submit a prospectus at the beginning of the seventh term will be allowed to register during the normal registration period without any hindrance. In other words, fourth–year students may register with the understanding that registration in good standing is conditional upon completion of the prospectus and notification of departmental approval to the Graduate School by the end of September.

After passing the qualifying examination, the student will choose one faculty member as a dissertation director, and another as the secondary advisor. After consultation with both, the student will submit a ten to fifteen page long dissertation prospectus to the Director of Graduate Studies who will circulate it to the other faculty and schedule the defense. The faculty decision about whether or not the prospectus is acceptable as prepared will be communicated to the student in writing. Upon completion of all pre–dissertation requirements, including the prospectus, students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. Work on the dissertation will be carried out in consultation with both the director of graduate studies and the advisor.

Students should note that the Graduate School has set a six–year goal for completion of the Ph.D. and that only those who have been making normal progress on their dissertations will be eligible for the “Dissertation Year Fellowship” in their fifth or sixth year.