After successful completion of the preliminary oral examination, students, with input and guidance from their advisors, will embark upon scientific research culminating in a written thesis. The thesis defense consists of a one-hour presentation of the research topic to the thesis committee and general public, followed by a private discussion of the presentation by the student and thesis committee. The School also requires written acceptance of the thesis by student's advisor and committee chair, as well as submission of the thesis for binding.

If data sets involving animal and/or human subjects are to be used or referred to in any way in the thesis, students MUST obtain appropriate clearance from the School's Office of Research Subjects. Students should contact the ORS Office BEFORE engaging in significant amounts of thesis research.  For specific information about the rules governing the preliminary oral examination, please consult the appropriate Policies and Procedure Memorandum from the School of Public Health.

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