What to Expect at Your Thesis or Dissertation Defense

Overview

The thesis or dissertation defense is the culminating event of your graduate program journey. This is your opportunity to share your research with the committee and the university community, answer questions about your work, and demonstrate your readiness to earn the degree. It is both a celebration of your accomplishments and a formal academic evaluation.

This page is designed to be a helpful guide for what to expect at your defense. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for a complete reference of regulations pertaining to the defense.

If you haven’t already, please also review the Defense Preparation page for a guide to preparing for your defense.

Structure of the Defense

A defense includes the following components:

1. Public Presentation

Audience: Open to the university community, including faculty, students, and guests.
Content: Present your research objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
Duration: Approximately 30–60 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A session.

2. Private Examination

Participants: Only you and your defense committee members (chair, committee members, GFR for dissertation defenses, and possibly an external evaluator).
Focus: In-depth discussion and questioning about your research to assess your understanding and the validity of your work.

3. Committee Deliberation

Process: You will be asked to leave the room while the committee discusses the outcome.
Outcome: The committee will determine if you have passed, passed with revisions, or failed the defense.

After the Defense

1. Committee Decision and Documentation

Once the committee reaches a decision, the GFR (for dissertation defenses) or committee chair (for thesis defenses) will document the outcome and will be responsible for submitting the appropriate form to the Graduate College by the next business day:

If you pass, committee members sign the Defense Committee Approval form.
If you do not pass, committee members sign the Report of Failure of Final Oral Examination form.

You will be invited back to receive the outcome and any feedback.

2. If You Passed – Next Steps

If you pass, your committee may still request revisions to your thesis or dissertation. These revisions must be completed and approved by your chair before you move forward with final submission.

Your chair will provide clear guidance on what is required.
Revisions should be completed promptly to stay on track for graduation.
After revisions are approved, you’ll proceed to submit the advisor-approved version of your thesis or dissertation for formatting review.

3. If You Did Not Pass – Next Steps

While most students pass their defense, it is possible to receive a failing decision.

If this happens:

You may request one repeat attempt
This request must be submitted in writing to your academic unit within five (5) working days of the defense
The repeat must take place within 12 months
If more time is needed, your program must request an extension from the Dean of the Graduate College

If you do not request or schedule a repeat defense within the required timeframe – or if your request is denied – you will be administratively withdrawn from the program.

Receiving a fail does not mean the end of your academic career. Students are encouraged to meet with their chair or program coordinator to review feedback, address concerns, and prepare for a successful second defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the public presentation mandatory?

Yes, the public presentation is a required component of the defense process.

Who needs to be present at the defense?

All committee members—including the GFR for doctoral defenses—must be present for the full duration of the defense, whether in person or via real-time video conference.

Can committee members participate remotely?

Yes, committee members can attend via real-time electronic connections, provided they can engage fully in the examination process.

What happens if someone loses internet connection during a remote defense?

If any member (including the GFR in dissertation defenses) loses connection and cannot return, the defense must be paused or rescheduled.

Can the GFR ask questions in dissertation defenses?

The GFR typically does not ask technical questions and focuses on ensuring fairness and adherence to procedure.

Can I take breaks during the defense?

Short breaks are common, especially between segments. Let your GFR or chair know if you need a break at any point.

What kind of vote is required to pass?

Most programs require a simple majority. If your program requires a unanimous vote, your chair will inform you in advance.

What if one member votes “fail” but the rest vote “pass”?

If your program uses a majority vote, you pass. If a unanimous vote is required, a single “fail” vote means the outcome is a failure.

How will I know if I need to make revisions?

Your committee will tell you during the post-defense discussion. Your chair will follow up with a detailed list.

Is there a deadline for revisions?

While there’s no set deadline for revisions themselves, the advisor-approved version of your thesis or dissertation must be submitted by the published deadline in order to graduate that semester.

What happens if I do not meet the deadline for revisions?

If you miss the deadline:

Your document goes on a waitlist and will be reviewed in the order received.
Your degree posting may be delayed until the next semester.
You may still be eligible for:
- Participating in commencement
- A thesis/dissertation credit waiver for the next semester
Contact us at success@boisestate.edu and we’ll guide you through your next steps.

What happens if I fail?

You’ll have one chance to try again. Submit a written request within 5 days and plan to defend again within 12 months. If you don’t request a repeat or if it’s denied, you’ll be withdrawn from the program.

Additional Resources

For personalized assistance or further questions, please contact the Graduate Student Success Center at (208) 426-GSSC (4772) or success@boisestate.edu.