Each candidate is required to prepare a dissertation, which will give satisfactory evidence of his/her ability to conduct original, advanced research and to present the results of that research in effectively organized and well- written form.

The dissertation is expected to contribute substantive new knowledge both to the subject area of the dissertation and to the discipline of architecture as well as to exhibit the student's mastery of the source material.

Once all members of the Dissertation Committee find the dissertation acceptable, the final oral examination or defense of the dissertation is scheduled and conducted by the Committee. The dissertation defense is open to the members of the faculty and students of the University. Upon successful completion of the procedure, the candidate is recommended by the Dissertation Committee to Rackham for conferral of the Ph.D. degree.

Completed dissertations must be submitted in a format suitable for publication in print or other media. In addition, the candidate is required to prepare a written abstract of the dissertation for publication in the Dissertation Abstracts. Rackham requirements regarding the number of dissertation copies to be submitted by the candidate apply to the Doctoral Program in Architecture.

NOTE: Students must be enrolled for 8 hours of candidacy during the term in which he/she defends.