What is involved in defending my thesis or dissertation?
A thesis or dissertation defense is an oral examination that evaluates your knowledge about the subject you’ve researched. Your adviser and committee members may question you about any facet of the process, from the literature review, methodology or results, to document organization, stylistic choices, and the like. When you have completed your draft, work with your adviser and committee members to determine an agreeable date and time for the defense. (Please regard university graduation deadlines for defenses.) Once the date is decided, notify your department’s graduate office. As the defense is a public event, they will work with you to make the necessary notifications. While you should aim to give faculty as much lead time with your work as possible, at least two weeks advance is a usual consideration.
