Students will conduct original research under the guidance and supervision of program faculty. The doctoral dissertation is the final and most important component of the series of academic experiences, which culminates in the awarding of the doctoral degree. The 20 credits for the doctoral dissertation are based on the full-time effort for at least one year including one summer. Aided by the dissertation advisor, the student will select a dissertation topic and develop a dissertation proposal, which must be approved by the Doctoral Committee. The student will present their dissertation proposal to the Doctoral Committee for their suggestions and approval. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that approval, if appropriate, has been granted from all regulatory offices, i.e., IRB, IACUC, etc, following successful completion of the General Examination, most of the student’s time will be devoted to research and writing the dissertation.
