Dissertation
The dissertation is a PhD student's final step in completing the doctoral program. A cumultation of course work and research, the dissertation is a student's original contribution to their field of study.
Successful passing of the Qualifying Exam signals that the students are ready to enter the dissertation research portion of their studies. Students are expected to identify the research topic and the academic advisor early in the third year of the program and begin to develop the dissertation research...
During the third and fourth years of study, students then prepare and present a dissertation proposal. The supervisory committee (consisting of your academic advisor and at least two additional faculty members) provides written feedback on the proposal, outlining the steps necessary to complete the dissertation. Dissertation completion and defence take place in the fourth or fifth year of studies.
Additional information about the policies and guidelines related to dissertation supervision, preparation and defence can be found on the website of the School of Graduate Studies at
www.sgs.utoronto.ca.