Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee must include approved doctoral graduate faculty from the Ingram School of Engineering and may also include faculty from related disciplines when appropriate.

To formally establish the committee, students must complete the Dissertation Committee Request Form, which requires signatures from:

  • The student
  • All committee members
  • The committee chair
  • The doctoral program director
  • The department chair

The completed form must then be submitted to the Dean of The Graduate College for final approval.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense

Students must submit both a written dissertation proposal and the Dissertation Proposal and Proposal Defense Form (Form D) to their dissertation committee.

If the proposed research involves human subjects, approval or exemption from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Texas State University must be obtained before submitting Form D. The IRB approval or exemption letter must be included with the proposal documentation.

After a successful proposal defense, the following individuals must sign Form D:

  • All committee members
  • The doctoral program director
  • The department chair

The signed form and a copy of the approved proposal must be submitted to the Dean of The Graduate College before the student may proceed with dissertation research.

Dissertation Enrollment and Credit

Doctoral students may begin enrolling in dissertation credits after completing all required coursework. The number of credit hours each semester should reflect the student’s level of engagement in dissertation work. The advisor or committee chair is responsible for ensuring students are making satisfactory progress.

Once advanced to candidacy, students must enroll in at least one hour of dissertation credit each fall and spring semester, and during summer if receiving supervision or using university resources, until the dissertation is completed and approved by The Graduate College.

Note: Dissertation timelines vary by research scope. Students may enroll in additional hours if needed, with approval from the committee chair.

Dissertation grading options include:

  • PR (Progress): Satisfactory progress
  • CR (Credit): Awarded upon final approval and submission of all requirements
  • F (Failing): For unsatisfactory progress
  • W (Withdrawal): If officially withdrawn

The CR grade is awarded only after submission of the Survey of Earned Doctorates and final dissertation approval by The Graduate College.

Students must be enrolled in dissertation credit during the term or Summer I session in which the degree will be awarded.

Dissertation Preparation and Final Defense

Detailed requirements for formatting, submission, and approval are provided by The Graduate College and can be found at: Thesis & Dissertation Resources

When the advisor and a majority of the committee agree that the dissertation is ready for defense, the student—under guidance from the chair—should schedule a two-hour Dissertation Defense at a time agreed upon by all committee members.

Any committee member with significant concerns should raise them with the student and the chair prior to scheduling the defense.

Final approval of the dissertation requires affirmative votes from the advisor and a majority of the committee.