Professor Joseph M. Piro
HomeE-mail: joseph.piro@liu.edu
Phone: 516- 299-3683
FAX- 516-299-3312
First Dissertation Public Defense
Here is information taken from the EdD Handbook on the protocol for the Dissertation Public Presentation. Generally, a student is ready to present his/her proposal when the following requirements are met:
1. Successful Completion of 42 approved doctoral credits
2. Successful completion of oral and written comprehensives
3. Successful completion of the Doctoral Digital Portfolio approved by the chair
When these requirements are met, a public defense may be scheduled.
Note that because of the online nature of the program, the first defense may be combined with the oral comprehensive to fulfill this requirement.
Who decides when the student is ready to present the dissertation proposal?
When the student believes that the dissertation proposal is ready for defense, the student requests that a defense be scheduled by the chairperson and the dissertation committee. The decision to schedule the proposal defense will be made by the dissertation committee.
When does the student present the dissertation proposal?
Before a student defends the dissertation proposal, the student must have successfully completed 42 credits; had the e-portfolio approved; successfully passed all components of both the written and oral portions of the student’s comps, and have met the requirements of the dissertation committee.
Who sets up the dissertation proposal presentation?
Once the student has the approval of his or her dissertation committee, the dissertation chair notifies Carol Soucie, EdD Program Secretary, that the student is requesting a date and a location for the defense. The dissertation chair should inform Carol about any equipment or special needs. Generally, there should be one week’s notice, unless an exception is approved by the Dean.
Who convenes and who attends the dissertation public presentation?
The student and the dissertation committee will be present. In addition, students and faculty are invited. In addition, family, partners, and friends may attend, but not participate in the questioning.
Upon the recommendation of the dissertation committee, the Program Director (or designee) will convene the proposal defense. The questioning portion of the defense is moderated by the dissertation chair. Normally, the student will be asked to make a brief presentation. The questioning normally proceeds with the committee members, then the chair and other faculty members who are present, followed by questions invited from the other doctoral students in the program.
How long does the dissertation proposal presentation last?
The public portion of the questioning normally lasts one hour. At the end of the public session, the dissertation committee continues in executive session. All others except for the student, are excused at this time.
What is the format and length of the dissertation presentation?
The format and length of the dissertation proposal will be determined by the dissertation committee based on the nature and topic of the dissertation. All dissertations must conform to the style prescribed by the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Generally, the first chapter consists of an introduction; the second chapter consists of a review of the related literature; and the third chapter consists of the research methodology. Students and dissertation chairs are encouraged to see Joan McCarthy in the Dean’s Office who has copies of dissertation proposals. Two copies of the dissertation proposal should be handed in to Carol Soucie prior to the dissertation proposal defense. Students should prepare an abstract for distribution to the audience at the proposal defense.
How is the dissertation proposal graded?
There are three designations: approved, approved with changes, and not approved.
