Dissertation Proposal
Upon admission to the division, the student and his/her principal advisor will begin to make preparations for a proposal upon which the student's original research project will be based. Such preparations will include intensive study of the literature in the student's field of interest, instruction in the basic laboratory skills necessary for professional development in the field, and any other requirements established by the principal advisor and division director in addition to the course requirements discussed above. No later than 36 months after admission, the candidate will present to his/her dissertation committee an original proposal for contribution to knowledge in his/her area of specialization. It will include an extensive review of the relevant scientific literature, a description of the technical aspects of the proposed studies, an outline of the anticipated experimental approach to the major problem of interest, and a discussion of possible results and their interpretation. The student will be expected to defend both his/her proposal and general ability to achieve professional competence before this committee. The dissertation committee will have at least three members: the principal advisor; the division director; and, whenever possible, an individual outside the institution with national stature in the candidate's field of interest, selected jointly by the candidate, principal advisor, and division director. In addition to evaluating the content of the dissertation proposal, the outside member will have a responsibility to maintain close and frequent contact with the student and principal advisor and to advise the division director concerning the progress of the acad e mic program. Ordinarily, the dissertation committee will be constituted as soon as possible after admission of a student to the division. The dissertation proposal may be submitted to the faculty prior to completion of course requirements in order to enable research activity to begin, but the student will not be formally admitted to candidacy until this is satisfactorily completed.

Candidacy
Upon acceptance of the dissertation proposal, the student will be admitted to doctoral candidacy and will be expected to devote fully his/her energies to the program. All students must meet a minimum residency requirement of one calendar year, following admission to candidacy, unless the division director and dean grant special exceptions. The principal advisor will make frequent reports to the division director concerning the student's progress. Should either faculty member or the candidate feel it appropriate, the dissertation committee can be called into session to judge the student's continued participation in the graduate program or to determine possible alterations in the area of his/her research efforts. In addition, the student and principal advisor will be expected to consult periodically with the other committee members, who may also request the division director to call formal meetings of the dissertation committee. Conflicts between the student and/or any members of the dissertation committee not resolvable by the full committee may be referred to the advisory committee of the division or higher authority as specified in the policies and procedures of The Graduate College. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is given in recognition of high attainment and ability in a particular field of scientific research as evidenced by submission of a dissertation showing power of independent investigation and forming an actual contribution to existing knowledge. Such dissertation will be submitted to the candidate's dissertation committee for review and defended orally at least three months before the degree is granted. The dissertation committee will ordinarily request an evaluation of the candidate's dissertation by a scientist of national stature not affiliated with Rush University. Acceptance of the dissertation by the dissertation committee will be reviewed by The Graduate College Council and the dean, along with the candidate's entire academic performance in The Graduate College. Determination of completion of all requirements will result in the dean's recommendation that the degree be awarded. Should the candidate not have submitted a dissertation three years after admission to candidacy, the dissertation committee will be convened to evaluate the candidate's progress, and, if proper, to suggest alteration in the program.