The Ph.D. Thesis

After the first year (June) arrangements should be concluded regarding the laboratory in which thesis research will be done; and after the student has passed the written qualifying exam and the Proposition exam, a Thesis Advisory Committee is chosen to guide the thesis research. Ordinarily this Committee consists of the thesis sponsor plus 2 other members, one of whom is the chairman. One member must be from outside the program. The committee meets with the students at least once each semester to evaluate the progress of the research. Student and sponsor are asked to provide a brief written report after the committee meeting.

When your Thesis Advisory Committee decides you are ready to begin writing your thesis you should then choose your Thesis Committee. This committee should consist of your advisor plus three other faculty members, one of whom should be from outside the program. Your advisor should not serve as chairperson of your Thesis Committee.