Dissertation Defense
Graduate Student Handbook
All information on this page is also included in the new Graduate Handbook, which also includes some information not available on the website. Graduate students are encouraged to refer to the Handbook to get information about the program structures and requirements. Note: you will need to log in using your official CU email address to view the file.
The dissertation defense is similar to the Comps III examination. A committee of at least 5 members should be chosen following the rules for the Comps III committee with the added requirement that one of the members of the committee must be a regular CU Boulder faculty member from a department other than physics. This outside member should not be in the faculty list (but as of Fall 2025 they are allowed to be in the affiliate faculty list).
Please also note that you cannot take your Comps III exam in the same semester as your Ph.D. defense. You must complete your Comps III exam first.
Students preparing for a thesis defense must complete the following requirements:
- Complete online application to graduate at beginning of semester that you will defend.
- Schedule the exam. Please note: Spring term ends the Friday before summer session begins. If you defend during Summer term, you must be signed up for 5 dissertation credits in Summer.
- Fill out the Doctoral Final Examination Form (Workflow Process) on the grad school website two weeks in advance of your exam.
- Submit the Defense Announcement (Poster) Form at least two weeks before your defense. The “abstract” is limited to 100 words. It is not meant to be your official abstract. Regard it as a three sentence elevator pitch.
- Pass the final oral examination (thesis defense).
- Complete and submit thesis and paperwork according to Graduate School deadlines.