A doctorate review, also known as a dissertation defense or viva voce, is a formal assessment of a doctoral candidate's dissertation or thesis. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the candidate's research, writing, and oral defense skills, and to determine if they have met the requirements for the doctoral degree.
The requirements for a doctorate review vary depending on the institution and program, but typically include the following:
1. Submission of the Dissertation: The candidate must submit their completed dissertation or thesis to the graduate school or relevant department within a specified timeframe. The dissertation must adhere to the formatting and style guidelines set by the institution.
2. Appointment of a Dissertation Committee: A dissertation committee is typically formed to oversee the candidate's research and guide them throughout the dissertation process. The committee usually consists of faculty members with expertise in the candidate's field of study and external experts, if required.
3. Defense of the Dissertation: The candidate must orally defend their dissertation before the dissertation committee. The defense typically involves a presentation of the research, followed by questions and discussion from the committee members. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of their research topic, their methodology, and their findings, as well as the ability to answer questions and engage in scholarly dialogue.
4. Evaluation: The dissertation committee evaluates the candidate's performance during the defense, taking into consideration factors such as the quality of the research, the clarity of the presentation, the depth of knowledge, and the ability to respond to questions.
5. Revisions and Final Submission: Based on the feedback and recommendations from the dissertation committee, the candidate may be required to make revisions to their dissertation. Once the revisions have been completed, the final dissertation must be submitted to the graduate school or relevant department for approval.
6. Final Oral Examination (if required): In addition to the defense of the dissertation, some institutions may also require candidates to undergo a final oral examination. This examination may cover a range of topics related to the candidate's field of study and their dissertation research.
7. Approval and Conferral of the Degree: Upon successful completion of all requirements, including any revisions or final examinations, the dissertation committee recommends the candidate for the doctoral degree. The final approval is usually granted by the graduate school or relevant academic body, and the doctoral degree is conferred upon the candidate.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for a doctorate review may vary from one institution to another. Candidates are advised to carefully review the guidelines and requirements set by their respective institutions to ensure they meet all the necessary criteria.