Fifth Year and Defense Requirements
Fifth Year Requirements
By the fifth year, graduate students are expected to be finishing the last stages of their PhD work. This typically includes wrapping up their research project, ensuring all program requirements have been completed, and shifting focus to writing the thesis. Students spend this time organizing their results into a clear, cohesive dissertation and preparing for their final oral defense.
Defense
Graduate students are expected to carry out an original research project and produce a dissertation that meets the standards of both their advisor and thesis committee.
Required action items prior to your defense:
Before Your Defense
Log in to GSP and select Forms > Application for Degree.
Use a permanent mailing address, as this is where your diploma will be sent.
One to two weeks before your defense, return to GSP and select Forms > PhD Final Exam.
Complete all required information, including your defense title, date, and committee membership.
Submission of this form is required for your final examination to receive official approval from your committee and the department.
After Your Defense
Submit your final thesis through ProQuest.
Complete any required revisions before uploading the final version.
Additional Information
Ensure all degree milestones and academic requirements have been completed, including the QE, Quad, ORP, and any outstanding incomplete grades.
If your ORP requirement is still pending, complete it as soon as possible.
Students approaching graduation deadlines should contact the department promptly to discuss their status.
After a successful defense, ask your PI’s assistant or program coordinator to notify the business office so final payroll processing can begin.
Students who defend before September 1 will retain health insurance coverage through the end of August.
Final Oral Examination
The Final Oral Examination is the final step toward completion of the Ph.D. and centers on the student’s dissertation research. Students must provide their dissertation to committee members at least two weeks before the scheduled defense so it can be reviewed in advance. During the defense, students present their research, answer questions from the committee, and discuss the significance of their work and its contribution to the field of chemistry.
Additional details regarding fifth year expectations and defense procedures, and policies can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.