The dissertation is initiated by developing a prospectus describing the topic to be studied, the research questions being asked, the theoretical orientation, and a method of inquiry. A dissertation committee, consisting of three faculty members, one of whom is designated as first reader and who must be a member of the doctoral faculty in criminal justice, works with the student throughout the research period. Once the final draft or revised dissertation has been approved by the committee, it must be successfully defended by the student in an oral examination open to all doctoral students in criminal justice and to all CUNY doctoral faculty.

The Executive Committee voted to approve only The Third Comprehensive Examination, The Dissertation Defense, be scheduled during holiday breaks and during the summer . The defense can be scheduled provided that arrangements with all Dissertation Committee faculty and the Program Office are confirmed at least one month before the end of the semester in question.

Degrees are granted by the Graduate Center in October, February and June. Please make sure to refer to the Graduate Center Calendar for the last date to deposit a final dissertation for the appropriate degree date.

The First Written Comprehensive Exam, three parts, will only be scheduled twice a year, once each semester. The Second exam/dissertation proposal will only be scheduled during the semester while classes are in progress. The date for the second exam must be decided by all 5 professors of the examining comittee together with the student and must be notified 30 days advance notice to the Executive Officer.

Appeals for an exception may be made to the Executive Officer and at the Executive Officer's discretion the request will be brought to the Executive Committee for a vote.