Defense of the dissertation prospectus

The last step before entering candidacy is the defense of your dissertation prospectus, which customarily occurs in the same semester in which the comprehensive examinations are passed. The major function of the oral examination is to determine the feasibility of the dissertation project. The examination may also to be used to question the candidate on the thematic and chronological scope of her/his dissertation topic and to address any shortcomings or problems identified in the written examination.

The oral examination is conducted by a committee of five faculty members of whom one is the student's advisor (serving as chair) and at least three are normally permanent UNC‑CH History Department members holding graduate faculty membership. The faculty advisor and the student, in joint consultation, are responsible for the selection of the committee.  The committee may include members from other departments at UNC-CH or other universities, such as Duke or N.C State.

Committee members should be provided a copy of the dissertation prospectus at least two weeks prior to the examination. It is the mutual responsibility of the advisor and student to reach an understanding on what to expect in the examination.

The student should submit a formal application for the exam to the Graduate Secretary three weeks prior to the exam date.  A room for the exam should be scheduled with the Graduate Secretary.

Upon passing this exam, a student must make formal application to the Graduate School for admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree. The forms for these purposes are available in the departmental office.

If the student wishes to receive a Mowry Dissertation Fellowship, a one‑page proposal for the use of these funds must be incorporated into the dissertation prospectus. In most cases, proposals entail (a) research with primary documents and (b) a commitment to complete said research no later than 6‑9 months after reaching ABD status. If the committee approves the proposal as part of the prospectus defense, and if the student submits that approved proposal to the DGS for his/her approval.