PhD Dissertation and Timeline in MIE : Riccio College of Engineering : UMass Amherst

MIE Ph.D. Dissertation

Dissertation Committee: After passing the Qualifying Exam, the candidate and advisor select the graduate faculty committee for the dissertation defense. These names and departmental info are sent to Nauman Tazeem to submit to the Dean of the Graduate School for approval. The dissertation committee comprises:

at least two MIE faculty members
at least one “outside member” who is not in the MIE Department
more than 3 members are encouraged for optimal support and insights.

"Proposal Submission" in light blue box, arrow pointing to right with darker blue box with "Proposal Defense" in it, with arrow pointing right to darker blue box with "Proposal Passed" in it, with arrow pointing to right with darker blue box with "Signature Page Submitted" in it. Under all "* must occur min 7 months prior to final defense" all grouped with outline, with blue line and arrow with box above "7 Months" to "Final Defense" in last blue box

Dissertation Proposal	Dissertation Defense
• Written Proposal: A written proposal is submitted to the dissertation committee.	• Dissertation Date: Scheduling of the Final Doctoral Oral Examination form must be sent to Nauman Tazeem 30 days prior to defense
• Oral Presentation: The candidate presents their proposal before the committee. – The committee must unanimously approve the proposal. – The committee must all sign the proposal. – The signed proposal is submitted to Nauman Tazeem. – A request for formal appointment of the dissertation committee follows the proposal.	• Dissertation Draft: The committee must receive the draft 14 days prior to the defense.
• These actions must take place seven (7 months) prior to the final oral examination.	• Oral Defense Notification: Notice must be provided 7 days prior to the defense.
	• Oral Defense: the defense must be held before the entire committee. – only a unanimous vote results in a pass – one negative vote results in the degree held in abeyance. – two negative votes results in a fail.

See the Graduate School Handbook. for detailed regulations on preparation and submission of the dissertation copies, payments of fees, etc.

Ph.D. Timeline

The following is the suggested timeline.

First Semester: Select Permanent Advisor
First Semester: Prepare Program of Study
End of First Year: Register for Dissertation Credits
End of First Year: Select Dissertation Committee
End of Second Year: Take Comprehensive Exam
AT LEAST Seven Months Prior to Defense: Dissertation Proposal (2 years after the start for students without MSc, 1.5 years after the start for students with MSc)
Notify Graduate Program Office of Defense Date
Seven days before the defense, students must send Nauman Tazeem defense details and abstract.