the final exam ("the defense ")
The final oral examination, at which the candidate presents the results of thesis research, is the last requirement for the Ph.D. degree. The examination is conducted by the student's thesis committee and is open to the public.
The final examination committee is usually made up of the same faculty members as the student's prelim committee. It is the candidate's responsibility to contact each member of his or her doctoral committee and to schedule a date and two-hour time slot for the final that all the committee members can attend. The Physics Department Graduate Office must be notified at least three weeks in advance of the date scheduled for the final. Committee members must receive a final copy of the thesis at least two weeks before the exam.
As soon as the student has informed the Physics Graduate Office of the committee make up, the date, and the time of the exam, a room will be reserved and an email will be sent to the student and the committee members officially notifying everyone of the time and location. Some of the rooms used for final exams have overhead transparency projectors. However, some do not. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all necessary equipment is available. If a projector or other A/V equipment is needed, arrange for its loan and return with Physics staff in Room 231/233 Loomis or Room 38 Loomis.
Upon passing the final examination, the Ph.D. candidate must complete an exit interview with the Associate Head of Graduate Programs and formally deposit a final copy of the thesis with the Graduate College .
When a student has reached the final examination stage, he or she has been studying, on the average, a little over five years beyond the baccalaureate. A few students complete the Ph.D. in four years, and a very few students take up to seven years, which is the maximum time initially allotted by the Graduate College.
For more information about the final exam or scheduling your final, contact the Graduate Programs Office (227 Loomis, 217-333-3645).