After the thesis committee has approved the writing of the thesis, the student selects a date for the thesis defense in consultation with the Thesis Committee. The defense must be held in person on the Yale campus, with the entire Thesis Committee present. Typically, the defense lasts 1 to 2 hours and starts with an introduction of the student by the Thesis Advisor, followed by a 45-55 min seminar by the student. This is followed by a private examination of the student by the Thesis Committee. The dissertation must be submitted to the thesis committee 7 days before the thesis defense.
The Department of MCDB requires the student to e-mail the title of the thesis as well as the date of the defense to the Graduate Registrar. In addition, the student will be asked to fill out a Post-Graduate Form before he/she leaves the Yale Campus.