Candidates for the PhD in Veterinary Clinical Sciences degree from?Louisiana State University are required to pass a comprehensive examination. This examination occurs within 3 years of onset of program and after completion of the majority of the student?s coursework. This examination may be oral, written or both, depending on the preference of the student?s graduate committee. Students that successfully complete part of the comprehensive examination but not all of the examination may be allowed a single retake at the discretion of the Graduate Advisory Committee.

The preparation of a dissertation is an important element in the program leading to the doctoral degree. The dissertation should demonstrate capacity for research, originality of thought, and facility in organizing materials. Final acceptance of the dissertation rests with a student?s graduate committee.

The dissertation must be successfully defended in a final defense and examination. A request for the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate School by the student?s department chair at least three weeks prior to the proposed examination date and by the current semester deadline, if the student is a candidate for a degree (see the academic calendar for all pertinent dates). The student should visit the Graduate School the semester before planned graduation for deadlines and procedures concerning requests for final examination.?