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If you are unable to find a particular policy here, please refer to the complete listing of all university policies on the Provost Office's website.


Graduate Policies

Last modified: 01.08.07

Graduate Studies at Drexel University
Academic Evaluation/Standards/Probation
Academic Year
Change of Program of Study/Major (Transfer)
Class Attendance
Course Load Limitations for Each Term
Credit Duplication
International Teaching Assistants
Degrees and Graduation Requirements
Adding/Dropping/Withdrawing Courses
Post-Baccalaureate Status
Post-Master's Status
Post-Doctoral Status
Doctoral Candidate Status
Full-Time/Part-Time Status
In Absentia Status
 Grading System
Time Requirements for Program Completion
External Transfer Credit
Request for Leave of Absence
Withdrawal from the University
Readmission to the University
Requirements Specific to Student Status
Program Requirements - Master of Science
Dual Master's Degree
Second Master's Degree
Program Requirements - Ph.D.



Graduate Studies at Drexel University
Graduate studies are conducted by faculty members who teach and direct scholarly activities of selected post-baccalaureate students who are pursuing advanced study. Degree programs are offered by the major departments and several schools. In almost all cases, study can be pursued on either a part-time or a full-time basis.

The administration of graduate studies is a coordinated responsibility of the Provost's Office - through the Office of Graduate Studies - and the academic deans, directors and departments of the various colleges and schools. Each department or school that grants graduate degrees has a graduate advisor or committee whose functions include the review of admission applications and the initial advising of students.


Academic Evaluation/Standards/Probation
Continuation in graduate studies requires satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree. Evidence of such progress includes maintenance of a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average each term (individual departments may set higher standards for determining satisfactory progress). The progress of each student is reviewed each term. Failure to maintain the 3.0/departmental minimum cumulative GPA will result in placement on probation. Any student on probation must not only achieve a 3.0/departmental minimum cumulative average within two successive terms following the term in which the deficiency occurred, but must also maintain at least a 3.0/departmental minimum term average in any term in which he or she is on probation. Failure to meet either of these requirements will subject the student to dismissal at the discretion of the Associate Vice Provost of Graduate Studies. Graduate students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to graduate (again, departments may set higher standards for graduation). The computation of academic standing is based on hours earned each term.


Academic Year
The academic year at Drexel is based on four three-month terms, which run approximately as follows:

  • Fall term runs from late September to mid-December.
  • Winter term runs from early January to the end of March.
  • Spring term runs from early April to mid-June.
  • Summer term runs from late June to mid-September.

The regular weekly schedule of classes includes Saturday morning sessions.


Change of Program of Study/Major (Transfer)
Graduate students may transfer from one graduate program into another with the written approval of both departmental graduate advisors and the Office of Graduate Studies. Students should obtain the Graduate Transfer Form from the Office of Graduate Studies website. To gain approval for a transfer into a new program, a graduate student must meet with that program's graduate advisors, who will review his or her current transcript and may review his or her original admissions information. If the student is qualified for the new program, the graduate advisors will sign the transfer form. The student must then be released from his or her original program by meeting with that department's graduate advisors, who will sign the transfer form if the release is approved. Students must receive written approval from both graduate advisors. If final approval is granted to transfer into a new graduate program, the student should meet with the graduate advisors of the new program to establish a plan of study for that program.


Class Attendance
Class lists are available via Banner Web as soon as the pre-enrollment period begins and reflects students enrolled in each course at the moment the class list is queried. Graduate students whose names do not appear on an official class list are not officially enrolled. Students not officially enrolled may not attend classes. These students should be referred to their academic advisors.


Course Load Limitations for Each Term
A teaching or research assistant is expected to spend at least 20 hours per week at the assigned work. In addition, a teaching or research assistant must be a registered student. To strike a balance between the number of credits a student is taking and the number of hours he or she works, all full-time graduate students (whether they are being paid as teaching or research assistants or are on graduate co-op) must conform to the formula 4 x C + A + R + W £ 60, where W is the number of work hours per week, R is the number of research and thesis credits (which are equivalent to work hours), A is the number of audit credits, and C is the number of credits not falling into one of the other categories. For example, a full-time teaching assistant (W = 20) taking 9 course credits (C = 9) and 3 thesis credits (R = 3) is in conformity with the formula (4 x 9 + 3 + 20 = 59). On the other hand, a graduate co-op student working 40 hours in industry may at the same time enroll for no more than 5 course credits. Regardless of the formula, the maximum number of credits that can be taken in a term is 15, and the maximum number of work hours is 40 per week.


Credit Duplication
No graduate course used for an undergraduate degree may be counted again for graduate credit.


International Teaching Assistants
Drexel University welcomes international teaching assistants and recognizes their contributions to the University's teaching mission. Employment of those who speak English as a second language is subject to the following conditions: candidates must show sufficient English proficiency as measured by standardized tests, and they must undergo an intensive English training program designed especially to meet their needs as prospective teachers in Drexel University classrooms.


Degrees and Graduation Requirements
Application for Degree
Students who expect to graduate must file an Application for Degree Form no later than the specified deadlines. Students who are unable to graduate must submit a new Application for Degree form in the next term they anticipate graduating. Degrees earned during any term will be awarded at the end of that term after all grades have been submitted. Commencement is held once a year, in June.

Degree Requirements
No earned credit completed ten years or more before the intended graduation date may be applied to a degree program at Drexel University, unless reviewed by the academic dean.

Graduation Requirements
The following conditions must be met in order for a student to receive a degree:

  • An Application for Degree must be filed no later than deadlines specified.
  • A Completion Form must be filed with the Office of Graduate Studies before the first day of final exam week for the term a student plans to graduate.
  • Specific course requirements must be completed for the program or major in which the student is enrolled.
  • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher must be achieved for all coursework undertaken at Drexel University.
  • A student must be matriculated in his or her school or college (registered for at least 1 credit) during the term in which he or she completes the requirements.
  • All grades for required courses must be submitted. No student will be approved for a degree while an unreported grade for a required course remains on his or her record.
  • A master's student must receive final approval for graduation from his or her department representative.
  • A doctoral student must receive final approval for graduation from the Office of Graduate Studies.
  • Students must satisfy all financial obligations to the University.
  • If for any reason a student does not meet all requirements for graduation two days before commencement, he or she cannot graduate until the term in which all requirements are met.
  • If a student completes all requirements for graduation in any term other than the spring term, the degree will be awarded in the term in which the requirements are met. All financial obligations to the University must be met before the student receives his or her diploma.


Adding/Dropping/Withdrawing Courses
Please review the following policies:


Post-Baccalaureate Status
In selected programs, students who wish to work toward a doctoral degree without first receiving a Master's degree may be accepted directly into a post-baccalaureate doctoral program after receiving an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Students in the post-baccalaureate classification may request to transfer into a master's program with permission of the department.


Post-Master's Status
All students accepted to post-master's status in a doctoral program must have at least a 3.0 GPA in their master's degree coursework. Individual departmental requirements may exceed this minimum.


Post-Doctoral Status
Such applicants will only be accepted if they hold a Ph.D. or its equivalent in an unrelated field of study.


Doctoral Candidate Status
Students are said to have attained doctoral candidate status when they have passed their candidacy exams and have accumulated at least 45 credits (for post baccalaureate students) or at least 15 credits (for postmaster’s students). The student’s academic department must submit a Report of PhD Candidacy Requirements (Form D4 and Form D4a) to the Office of Graduate Studies to finalize a doctoral student’s candidacy status.

All doctoral candidates are entitled to a special tuition discount. Doctoral candidates can register for up to nine (9) credits per quarter and will only be charged for one (1) credit hour.


Full-Time/Part-Time Status
Graduate students are considered to be full time when they register for nine or more credits each quarter for any three quarters in an academic year. All other graduate students are considered part-time.  International students on F-1 or J-1 visas should normally be registered full-time to meet their visa requirements; please contact International Student and Scholars Services for clarification.

Graduate Quarter Registration Enrollment Classifications:
Less than half-time status: 0.0 to 4.49 credits
Half-time status: 4.5 to 5.99 credits
Three-quarter-time status: 6 to 8.99 credits
Full-time status: 9 or more credits

For purposes of Federal Student Loan Deferment, all graduate students must be classified as enrolled for half-time status (4.5 to 5.99 credits). If you have questions about how your registration affects your financial aid, please contact the appropriate Financial Aid Office.


In Absentia Status
PhD candidates who have completed all coursework and residency requirements and will not be using campus facilities, but may occasionally consult with their Supervising Professor, may request in absentia status. Such requests must be approved by the Supervising Professor and Graduate Advisor, with final approval granted by the Office of Graduate Studies. Doctoral Candidates in absentia must register for one credit each term they are in this status. Doctoral Candidates may not be considered in absentia during the terms in which they take their candidacy exams, defend their dissertations, and complete their programs.


Grades/Grading System
Audit Grading Option
Graduate students may audit a course when they wish to receive instruction in a particular area but do not wish to receive a grade or credit. Graduate Students should obtain permission of their advisor and their instructor regarding course audits. If a student is currently enrolled in a course and wishes to change to the Audit Option, this must be done by the sixth week of the term and with the approval of the instructor and the advisor. Courses taken under the Audit Option cannot eventually be taken for credit.


Grade Changes - Statute of Limitations
Grades appearing on a student's academic record may not be changed after one calendar year from the end of the term in which the grade was received. Exceptions due to extenuating circumstances require approval of the academic dean of the department offering the course and the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies. Final grades appearing on a student's academic transcript cannot be changed after the graduation date. Changes requested to correct administrative errors require the approval of the University Registrar.


Grade Not Reported
If an instructor fails to report a grade for a student, an automatic notation of "NGR" is recorded. This is not a grade, but a temporary indicator that requires prompt resolution leading either to the removal of the course from the student's record or to the assignment of a grade. If a final grade is not reported by the end of the next calendar term, an administrative grade of "F" will be recorded on the student's transcript. It will be calculated as a failure in the student's GPA and is considered a permanent grade. Students are urged to check their records each term and follow up when required.


Grade Point Average
Grade point average is based on the grade weighted by the credit hours for all courses taken at Drexel University while classified as a graduate student, whether the course is graduate or undergraduate and whether part of a degree program or not. Only grades of C or better are acceptable to fulfill graduate studies requirements. Grade point averages are computed from letter grade equivalencies as follows:


Grading System
Grade points per credit hour

A+   4.0
A
   4.0
A-   3.67
B+   3.33
B
   3.0
B-   2.67
C+   2.33
C
   2.0
C-   1.67
D+
   1.33
D   1.0
F
   0.0
W
   0.0 (does not affect GPA)
AU
   0.0 (does not affect GPA)
INC
   0.0 (does not affect GPA)
CR
   0.0 (does not affect GPA)
NCR
   0.0 (does not affect GPA)

Letter grades are given for individual courses, and grade points are used to compute
grade point averages for each student at the end of each term, on both a term and a
cumulative basis.


Credit/No Credit Grades
"CR"/"NCR" grades are used typically for research-type courses. A grade of CR (Credit) indicates that the course was passed at the level of "B" or higher. A grade of NCR (No Credit) indicates work was unsatisfactory and the credits will not count toward degree requirements.  

In the case of thesis work or a special list of sequential courses, a grade of "INP" (In Progress) was recorded on the student's transcript for each such course in the past; these grades now must be replaced by "CR"/"NCR" or a letter grade. When a letter grade is assigned, it will be included as the grade for all courses in the sequence; previous grades of "INP" will be replaced with a letter grade and the grade point average will be recalculated. If a grade of CR/NCR is awarded, no recalculation will take place..


In-Progress Grading
The grade of "INP" no longer exists. See section on Credit/No Credit Grades above.


Incomplete
At the discretion of an instructor, the grade of "INC" may be reported in place of a grade for any course in which the instructor deems that the work has not been completed and that the student can complete the work within an agreed-upon amount of time (which must be in accordance with University policy and the statute of limitations governing grade changes). A grade of "INC" may be entered for a student at the time grades are submitted for the course. The conditions and terms for the completion of the course are at the discretion of the instructor and are to be mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the student. If the grade is not submitted within one year, the "INC" will turn into an "F" on the student's record and will be reflected in the student's GPA. The grade of "F" will be considered a permanent grade unless there are extenuating circumstances.


Time Requirements for Program Completion
Time requirements are placed on graduate programs of study to ensure that students receive instruction in, and graduate with, the most up-to-date, current knowledge available in their disciplines. It is expected that all graduate students will be able to complete their degrees within the stated time requirements.

University policy provides that students who enter graduate study at the post-master's or post-baccalaureate level must complete their studies for their graduate degree(s) within seven years after initial graduate registration. Those who receive a Master's degree from Drexel University and then transfer to a doctoral program are permitted five years after registration at the doctoral level to complete the Ph.D. degree. (Some programs that combine study for a doctoral degree and a professional degree may be exempt from these time requirements.)

In unusual circumstances, a student who finds that these time requirements are inadequate due to special circumstances must discuss this with his or her advisors. Together they may request an extension before the end of a student's stated time limit (either seven or five years). A student requesting an extension should work with his or her advisors to develop a plan of study and a time line for completion that is reasonable for the student. All formal extension requests must give a reasonable time for completion with an accompanying revised plan of study. Should an extension be required, please be aware that all courses will be reviewed for timeliness; some earlier coursework may have to be repeated.

Extension requests for master's students must be forwarded after approval by the supervising professor (if on a research track) to the department graduate advisors, who will make the final decision. Extension requests for doctoral students must be forwarded, after approval by the supervising professor and the department graduate advisors, to the Office of Graduate Studies, which will make the final decision.


External Transfer Credit
Acceptance of transfer credit from approved institutions is often dependent on the pertinence of the work to the degree program being pursued. Coursework that lies outside the scope of the degree program is not necessarily applicable for degree credit. Transfer graduate students should confer with their major departments at an early date to ensure that no misunderstanding occurs with regard to the use of transfer credit in their degree plans. Graduate transfer credit must be approved by the college/school in which the student is enrolled and may be subject to the following restrictions:

  • At least 30 graduate term credits (equivalent to 20 semester credits) of any master's degree program must be taken at Drexel.

  • All transfer credit must have a grade of B or better, and the student's overall average in all prior graduate work must be a minimum of B.

  • Transfer graduate credit will not be accepted unless it was taken within the general time limit of seven years prior to receipt of the degree (see Time Requirements for Program Completion).

A student who wants to take a course off campus should submit a course syllabus to his or her Drexel graduate advisors to have it pre-approved. If the course can be included in the plan of study, the student may take the course off campus; if the grade is B or better, the student should submit the transcript to the graduate advisors for final approval. No graduate credit will be allowed for correspondence or extension work.


Request for Leave of Absence
Doctoral students who find it necessary to take a leave of absence from the University should seek advice from their departmental graduate advisors or supervising professor. The doctoral student must submit a request in writing with the approval of their departmental Graduate Advisor and Supervising Professor to the Office of Graduate Studies. The Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies will give the final approval. Leaves of absence do not stop the time-to-degree requirement unless they are taken for service in the military, maternity, enrollment in an approved professional degree or other special circumstances.


Withdrawal from the University
Graduate students who may find it necessary to withdraw from the University should seek advice from their departmental graduate advisors and their research supervisors, as appropriate. Those whose circumstances require withdrawal should notify the Office of Graduate Studies. Refunds of tuition and fees are processed by the Student Receivables section of the Comptroller's Office in accordance with the University's official tuition refund policy.


Readmission to the University
Graduate students who have not been enrolled for more than four continuous terms must seek readmission to the University to resume their studies. Master's level students can request readmission from their departmental Graduate Advisor. Doctoral students must submit a Request for Readmission with the Graduate Advisor and Supervising Professor (if one is already appointed) before forwarding it to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval.


Requirements Specific to Student Status
Non-matriculated
Graduate students accepted as non-matriculated because they lack complete required admissions credentials may remain in this temporary status while the required credentials are obtained until they complete 12 credits. Students who wish to achieve a graduate degree must matriculate into a degree-granting program as soon as possible but no later than the completion of 12 credits. To accomplish this, the student must complete a Non-Matriculation to Matriculation Request Form. Non-matriculated students who do not wish to receive a graduate degree are welcome to remain in this non-degree status indefinitely. Be advised, however, that degrees are not conferred from this status. Should non-matriculated students later desire to apply for full matriculation, only courses that are included in a departmental degree program, up to 15 credits, may be transferable.


Provisional
Master's students may be admitted on a provisional basis when the department feels they show potential for success but their undergraduate or previous graduate work does not meet regular admission requirements, or when they do not have sufficient background in their chosen fields. The provisional classification allows a student to prove his or her ability by taking up to 12 credits of courses within his or her discipline or chosen by his or her departmental graduate advisors. If the student meets all requirements and attains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, he or she is transferred into matriculated status by the Office of Graduate Studies. Inability to complete these requirements may result in dismissal from the graduate program.

Program Requirements - Master of Science
To complete a master's degree, students are expected to complete at least 45 credits of graduate work as defined in an established plan of study or otherwise accepted by the department as part of an approved master's program (some departments have higher credit requirements). Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for program specifications and requirements.


 


Advisors
All master's students have a departmental graduate advisor and/or a supervising professor (if on a research track). The advisor(s) acts as the student's curriculum advisor, mentor, and, if appropriate, research advisor. Students are encouraged to keep in close contact with their advisor(s) so the stages of coursework and research progression are clear and well known to all involved. Should a student experience academic or other difficulty, he or she should contact his or her advisors(s).


Plan of Study
Master's students should file a plan of study with the appropriate department as early as possible but no later than the start of the second term of study. The plan of study is prepared by the student in consultation with his or her supervising professor or graduate advisors, and should record all courses taken and to be taken to satisfy degree requirements. Students are expected to make satisfactory progress by keeping pace with the plan of study so established.


Master's Thesis
A thesis may be required, depending on the department's program criteria, and may vary in scope from department to department. Although a student in a thesis program may register for thesis credits without limit, no more than 9 thesis credits may be counted toward a master's degree. Students should consult with their advisors at an early date to ascertain departmental and college policies pertinent to their programs. If the master's thesis is to be placed in the library, the format must be reviewed and approved as part of the graduation requirements. Students should consult the Thesis Manual for format and completion requirements.


Dual Master's Degree
Graduate students already enrolled in a master's degree program at Drexel have the opportunity, through the dual master's program, to work simultaneously on two master's degrees and to receive both upon graduation. To be eligible, graduate students must be currently working on their first degree when requesting admission to the second. They must obtain approval from the graduate advisors of both programs and work out a plan of study encompassing coursework and/or research (thesis) credits for both degrees. Students may transfer as many as 15 credits from one program to the other, usually in the form of electives, and are therefore required to complete a minimum of 60 graduate credits to complete a dual master's degree program (the actual credit total may be higher, depending on each department's requirements). Transfer of credits from one program to another will depend on the programs.

The dual master's student must complete the Graduate Dual Degree Form and obtain approvals from both graduate advisors. Final approval is granted by the Office of Graduate Studies. The student is then registered in both majors simultaneously. Upon graduation, the student must file two Application for Degree forms.


Second Master's Degree
Students with a previously completed master's degree from Drexel University may pursue a second master's degree in a different major without going through the admission process again. A student who has already completed a master's degree at Drexel may transfer up to 15 credits from the first into the second master's degree program, depending on departmental requirements in the new major, and may therefore complete the second master's degree with a minimum of 30 new graduate credits. Readmission into the second master's degree program is requested through the new departmental graduate advisors.


Program Requirements - Doctor of Philosophy - (Last modified: 1/3/2008)
The Doctor of Philosophy degree represents a high level of scholarly achievement both in the classroom and in independent study and research. Ninety credits are required, and while the master’s degree is not necessarily a prerequisite, it may count for 45 credits of the 90. The 45 credits of postmaster’s work usually consist of a combination of course requirements and research/dissertation work. A dissertation is required; it must be based on original research and clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to work at the frontiers of the field. In addition, all doctoral students are required by the University to take and pass a candidacy exam and dissertation defense. The format and content of these exams are determined by the department, as are the requirements for other "examinations," such as a qualifying (preliminary) exam or proposal defense.

The Office of Graduate Studies is the repository for all official doctoral student files. As such, it tracks the progress of all doctoral students through a series of required forms. This office requires all doctoral students and supervisory faculty to report, via required doctoral forms and at appropriate times:

All forms must be approved by the supervising professor, graduate advisors, and appropriate committee members (Forms D4 and D7), with final approval granted by the Office of Graduate Studies.


Residency Requirement
Full-time residency of at least one academic year (three consecutive full-time terms) is required for the doctoral degree. This is to ensure that the student has the opportunity for intellectual association with other scholars in an environment free from any distractions or other responsibilities. Doctoral students in the School of Education fulfill residency requirements with one term of full-time status. Doctoral students should check with their departments for specific requirements.

 


Plan of Study
The Graduate Advisor (and Supervising Professor, if appointed) will assist in choosing coursework necessary to allow the doctoral student to meet the standards and requirements for his or her particular area of interest and career objectives within the framework of the department's requirements. A plan of study, incorporating all courses and research credits, will be formulated; after approval is received from the student's Graduate Advisor (and Supervising Professor, if applicable), the plan will be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval. The Form D1 should be filed as soon as possible but no later than the fourth week of the second quarter of enrollment as a Ph.D. student. Doctoral students who also received master's degrees from Drexel should identify in their doctoral plans all coursework and research credits completed toward their master's degrees. The student must meet the minimum credits for degree required by the University along with the core requirements and credits required by the student's department.

Once a student selects a Supervising Professor, the two should reexamine the original Plan of Study. If any changes are necessary, the Form D1 should be re-filed immediately with the Office of Graduate Studies.


Supervising Professor Appointment
It is a doctoral student's responsibility to arrange association with a supervising tenured or tenure-track professor with similar research and scholarly interests, with whom he or she will be able to work and who will accept the advisory responsibility. The supervising professor will help the student to formulate an academic plan of study and will guide the student's scholarly and research efforts. Because the appointment of a supervising professor is so vital to a student's success, the appointment of this individual should be made after much consideration and forethought. Doctoral students are expected to take a term or two to familiarize themselves with the research and scholarly interests of the faculty members in their home department and other departments, if a student's interests are multidisciplinary. It is recommended that the Supervising Professor be appointed at the end of the first year but no later than the end of the second year of a student's study at Drexel. The Supervising Professor is to be appointed via the Form D-2, filed with the Office of Graduate Studies. Once the Supervising Professor is selected, it is strongly recommended that students meet regularly with that professor to determine a series of goals and objectives so that work on the research and dissertation proceeds successfully and at a reasonable pace, making completion possible within the time requirements set by the University.


Candidacy Examinations
A graduate student does not become a doctoral candidate until he or she has passed the candidacy exams. In general, it is expected that the student will take these exams after successful completion of at least one year of graduate work at Drexel but prior to the end of the second year of matriculation in a doctoral program. The purposes of the candidacy exams are to determine the student's ability and achievement at this point, particularly with regard to leadership and self-motivation; to ascertain his or her understanding of the fundamental concepts and ideas pertinent to the field of endeavor; and to detect any deficiencies of background that may need further attention. Responsibility for the exams lies with the Candidacy Examining Committee.

The University mandates specific membership of the Candidacy Examining Committee. The Committee must consist of at least five members, at least three of whom must be currently tenured or tenure-track Drexel faculty members. At least two of the committee members must be from outside the student's major area. At least one of the committee members must be from outside the student's department. The Committee must be approved by the Office of Graduate Studies via the Form D3, to be filed no less than four weeks prior to the scheduled examination.

Results of the examination are reported to the department and Office of Graduate Studies by the Committee Chair on the Form D4 and by each Committee Member using the Form D4a. These forms must be returned to the Office of Graduate Studies by the Committee Chair within 48 hours of the exam. In the case of a disagreement within the Committee, the Chair should consult with the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies.

Once a student passes the candidacy examination, he or she must be continuously enrolled for three quarters each academic year until all degree requirements are fulfilled, including the filing of an approved dissertation in the library. If it is deemed appropriate by the program faculty and the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, the candidacy exams may be attempted twice.


Registration Requirements
University policy requires that all doctoral students register for at least 3 credits in the term in which they take their candidacy exams. Those who successfully pass their candidacy exams and become Doctoral Candidates must register for at least 1 credit for at least 3 terms each academic year until they complete their degrees (at this point, students usually register for research or dissertation credits).

If Ph.D. candidates are not working on campus, taking courses, or otherwise using campus facilities during the summer, they do not need to register for summer term.


Final Oral Examination
Usually this examination constitutes an open defense of the dissertation. However, the Final Exam Committee is always free to raise any questions it may wish. The Committee must be approved by the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies via the Final Oral Defense Committee Appointment and Schedule (Form D-6). This form must be submitted for approval at least one month prior to the defense. The Candidate is reminded that a copy of the final dissertation must be distributed to all Committee members at least two weeks before the scheduled exam to allow sufficient time for a thorough review and analysis.

The University mandates specific membership of the Final Oral Examining Committee. The Committee must consist of at least five members, three or more of whom must be currently tenured or tenure-track Drexel faculty members. Two members at minimum must be from outside the student's major area and at least one member must be from outside the student's department.

Because students are allowed - indeed encouraged in this age of globalization - to invite qualified non-Drexel faculty to serve on their committees, it may happen that the defense must be held without all members physically present. This would include the case where a Drexel faculty member might be temporarily out of town when the meeting is scheduled. Under these circumstances, at least three of the committee members – including the chair - must be in attendance with the student during the defense. The long distance member(s) must receive all presentation materials and the dissertation at least two weeks prior to the defense date and they must be allowed to participate fully in the final examination via webcam, videoconference or teleconference. .

Results of the defense are reported to the department and Office of Graduate Studies by the Committee Chair via the Form D7. Signatures of all committee members must appear on the completed Form D7; under the conditions specified above when not all members can be present at the defense, faxed copies are acceptable. This form must be returned to the Office of Graduate Studies by the Committee Chair within 48 hours of the exam. The Committee should also formally approve the dissertation using the Thesis Approval Form; the student is responsible for making sure all signatures are obtained and the original is submitted for binding with the thesis. In the case of a disagreement within the Committee, the Chair should consult with the Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Studies.


Dissertation Format Review
All doctoral dissertations, in addition to originality and scholarly content, must conform to University format requirements. Students should obtain a copy of the Thesis Manual. The doctoral student and supervising professor are responsible for conforming to the university format requirements.