#  Dissertation & Defense 

 



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 ![student in graduation gown](/sites/g/files/omnuum5476/files/pinphd/files/hannah_somhegyi_graduation_cropped.jpg)

 

PiN students are required to write a thesis, present a one-hour thesis seminar, and pass an oral examination (typically scheduled for two hours) in order to graduate. PiN expects the thesis to be equivalent in standard to a peer reviewed publication. While there is no publication requirement, most PiN students will graduate with at least one first-author paper or two or more other papers. The average time to degree completion for PiN students is approximately 5½ years.



 

##  Guidelines for PiN Students 

 





###    Administrative Procedures & Timelines  expand\_more  

 

When your [Dissertation Ad](/training/advising-mentorship/dac-meetings)[visory Committee](/training/advising-mentorship/dac-meetings) has determined that you are ready to begin writing your thesis, your committee will "check your box." The OGE PhD Defense Coordinator will reach out to schedule a meeting with you to discuss next steps, including dissertation & defense requirements, forming your exam committee, scheduling your defense, and preparing for graduation. **Students are required to defend within 6 months of getting their box checked.** Harvard awards official degrees only three times during the year: March, May, and November. However, students may defend any time during the year. Detailed [guidelines here](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/dissertation-and-defense).



 

 

 



###    Forming your Exam Committee  expand\_more  

 

After meeting with the [DMS defense coordinator](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/dissertation-and-defense), students form a defense exam committee in consultation with their DAC, the program director, and their thesis advisor, which should comprise three examiners, one alternate examiner, and an exam committee chair. All examiners must hold an assistant professorship or higher. Students are required to select one examiner from outside Harvard, and no more than one examiner may have served on a student's DAC. Detailed [guidelines here](https://dms.hms.harvard.edu/dissertation-and-defense).



 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 [ OGE PhD Dissertation & Defense Guidelines arrow\_circle\_right ](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/dissertation-and-defense)