The thesis defense is the final stage of a graduate student’s academic journey. It is conducted before a committee of faculty members who evaluate the quality of the student’s research, understanding, and presentation. The following steps outline the standard procedure for the IMAS Thesis Defense.
At the beginning of the defense, the committee members will nominate one member to serve as the chair of the defense.
⚠ Note: The advisor cannot serve as the chair.
The defense begins once the chair officially opens the session.
The chair will:
Introduce the candidate and the committee members.
Briefly explain the defense procedures and structure to all participants.
The candidate delivers a formal presentation summarizing their research.
This presentation should include:
A concise overview of the research topic,
The literature review,
The methodology, and
The main findings or conclusions.
After the presentation, the committee proceeds to the questioning phase.
Each examiner will be invited to ask questions in turn.
The examining committee will assess whether the candidate responds appropriately and demonstrates a solid understanding of the research topic.
When the questioning ends, the candidate is asked to leave the main room temporarily (or be placed on “hold” if the defense is online).
The committee will then discuss the student’s performance privately and decide on the outcome.
Once the discussion is concluded, committee members will complete and sign the following documents:
IMAS Dissertation Final Defense Evaluation Form (each member must sign)
Grading Sheet
Dissertation Eligibility Form
The candidate is invited back into the main room.
The chair announces the final decision of the committee.
The oral defense is officially concluded.
