The Dissertation

The dissertation is the final phase of the Ph.D. in Aviation program. It is the study of a question of interest to the student and approved by the university. The dissertation phase is entered upon successful completion of the qualifying (comprehensive) examination.

The dissertation begins with a pre-dissertation phase activity known as the "Prospectus." As a requirement of the second residency (DAV 702), the student will submit a one-page Dissertation Prospectus describing the student's likely area of research for the dissertation. This Prospectus will assist the program administrators, faculty and the student to jointly identify a faculty member who has some expertise in the student's chosen area of inquiry and who will be assigned as the chair of the student's dissertation committee. A minimum of two other members will serve on the committee.

Once the student has successfully completed the qualifying examination, the student will register for DAV 901, Dissertation Research 1, six credit hours, and will meet virtually or in person with the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee will then guide the student through the dissertation phase which begins with the submission of a proposal by the student. The student must complete 18 credit hours of dissertation courses as a minimum, and register for 6 hours of dissertation courses each semester (i.e., continuous enrollment) until the dissertation has been completed.