Dissertation Defense Overview

The Home-Stretch

Doctoral students’ final oral examinations are open to all members of the University community and the public unless attendance is restricted by the Graduate Studies Committee. Scheduled oral examinations are published here. You must provide your Dissertation committee with your completed Dissertation no later than four weeks before your Dissertation Defense. 

Scheduling the Defense

You and your supervisor, in negotiation with the dissertation committee members, should determine a time and date for the defense. Each member of your committee must receive a copy of your dissertation at least four weeks prior to your dissertation defense date. You must schedule the dissertation defense with the Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the defense date by completing the Request for Final Oral Examination form. All members of your committee must sign your request form indicating their intent to be present at your final oral. Your graduate adviser must also sign this form to indicate you have been approved to defend.

It is expected that all members of the committee attend the defense, either in person or via teleconference.

 *Please note that items 1-4 will also be uploaded upon completion of your Dissertation to the Thesis & Dissertation Submission System.

Committee Changes

Any changes to your dissertation committee must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Changes should be approved at least 30 days prior to the date of the oral examination so that all new members have ample time to become familiar with your dissertation.

Applying to Graduate

The candidate must apply to graduate early in the semester that he/she aims to earn the degree. Summer graduates must be registered in MEL w399W.

In Absentia Registration (summer graduates only)

In absentia is is a useful option that is available to summer degree candidates who aren't able to submit a finished and approved dissertation by the last class day of summer. This essentially "buys" the student an extra 10-12 days to complete revisions and obtain final signatures. The deadline is the day before the 1st class day of the fall semester. There is a $25 fee associated with in absentia, but by making this deadline, the student avoids having to register another dissertation course in the fall, thereby saving a lot of money. OGS will provide the student with an official letter stating that all degree requirements have been satisfied, which is useful for those applying for jobs. The downside is that you are still registered in absentia and, therefore, do not officially graduate until December of that year. Diplomas are sent to the student's permanent address in January. You may need to update this information in UT Direct on this page.