What happens at the thesis defense (aka Oral Examination)?
The thesis defense is a discussion of your work and your written exam, during which committee members may ask questions regarding your process as well as the texts on the reading list that you prepared in consultation with your advisor. The committee may also offer feedback and advice regarding the further development of the material beyond the thesis stage. Immediately after the oral examination, committee members briefly consult to determine whether to accept the thesis. The student is then informed of the decision, along with feedback regarding any revision needed before either filing the accepted thesis with the Graduate Office, or for reworking the unaccepted thesis with their advisor.
