Ph.D. Dissertation Prospectus

Degrees | Ph.D. Dissertation Prospectus

All students will prepare a written dissertation prospectus no later than six months after passing the last comprehensive exam and present the prospectus in a defense before their dissertation committee. The prospectus defense is open to all JHU faculty members and students.

Completion of the prospectus will assist the student by:

• Defining the dissertation's subject and central questions
• Explaining the methods by which the questions will be answered
• Itemizing the evidence and sources that will be examined, and
• Satisfying any additional criteria stipulated by the first reader.

Selection of the Dissertation Committee

Part of the dissertation prospectus stage including the creation of the dissertation committee. This usually begins shortly after the completion of the comprehensive exams. This procedure for establishing the dissertation committee is intended to ensure both quality control and involvement of the entire full-time faculty in the evaluation of dissertations.

The dissertation committee will include the faculty advisor (also known as the first reader), the second reader, and three provisional committee members. The goal is to identify faculty members who have expertise in areas related to the student's research and who can provide useful guidance to the student throughout the planning and preparation of the dissertation. The committee should include members who are familiar with the subject matter and any mathematical or other specialized analytical methods to be used in the dissertation.

The faculty advisor, in consultation with the candidate and the approval of the academic dean, confirms the dissertation committee.

Dissertation Prospectus Defense

The faculty advisor and program coordinator for the student's field of study will work with the student to set the date and time of the prospectus defense. The faculty advisor (or first reader) and the second reader must be present at the prospectus defense, while the attendance of the three provisional committee members is optional.

The first and second readers may require revisions in the prospectus following the defense. The candidate should make any necessary revisions and resubmit the dissertation prospectus to the first and second reader for review. After any necessary revisions have been made, the first and second reader certify their approval by each signing two copies of the prospectus.