Dissertations.

Engagement Requirements

1. Maintain consistent and satisfactory progress on your dissertation (see Dissertation Progress below)
2. Continue to fulfill the PhD student seminar requirement by attending at least 4 seminars or working groups per semester
3. Attend at least 3 doctoral student presentations each semester
4. Present the status of your dissertation research at least once per year
5. Register for Continuing Study status each semester (including summer) to document active progress on your dissertation

Dissertation Progress: Reports due October and May

The Biostatistics Department and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences expect you to make consistent progress towards completion of your dissertation. In order to monitor this progress, you will:

• Submit the first Dissertation Progress Update within 6 months of entering dissertation phase (within 6 months of having completed by the Qualifying Exams and coursework). The first progress update must include a general dissertation topic, a dissertation advisor, and an estimated timeline to completing the dissertation.
• Submit a Dissertation Progress Update every October after meeting with the dissertation committee. The update must document the dissertation topic, at least 3 committee members, progress to date, and the expected timeline to completion. This form will be reviewed by the Biostatistics Program Advisory Committee.
• Submit the SPH Doctoral Student Progress Report every May after meeting with the dissertation committee. The update must document the dissertation topic, at least 3 committee members, dissertation progress to date, and the expected timeline to completion. This form will be reviewed by your advisor(s), research mentor(s), and the SPH Education Office.

Please note: Students will be prevented from registering for the following semester until each dissertation progress update has been submitted.

General Resources

• BU Library Guide to Theses
• Dissertation tools and samples from the BU library
• GRS guidelines on Dissertation Committee Composition
• BU profiles to identify faculty research interests and possible research mentors
• GRS Dissertation and Graduation Procedures website

Writing Resources

• Pick up your own copy of How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper at the Biostat reception area.
• SPH Public Health Writing Program: Public Health Writing Guide and Peer Coaches
• Writing Assistance resources at the Educational Resource Center