Doctor of Missiology - Biola University

Cook School of Intercultural Studies
Department of Intercultural Studies: Doctor of Missiology
DISSERTATION STAGES & TIMELINE SECTION 5.16
graduate. The reason for this is that once the dissertation has been successfully defended, it
must go to the format checker, who has a minimum of two weeks in order to make the initial
corrections. The dissertation is then returned and checked to see if all requirements have been
incorporated. Then it goes to the library reader. Since many scenarios and schedules are less
than perfect, the absolute guidelines we use are that the candidate must submit a defendable
draft not later than 60 days prior to the expected graduation date. If this manuscript is
acceptable to the chair, the chair will schedule a defense of the dissertation not later than 40
days prior to graduation. After the student has defended the dissertation successfully he/she
will be approved for graduation.
6. COMPLETED DISSERTATION: The final dissertation, successfully defended by the student
and incorporating all revisions suggested by the committee at the defense, shall be submitted to
the format checker not later than 35 days prior to the date of graduation for a final reading.
After the academic part of the dissertation is completed and all the persons involved have
signed off, the student must see the SICS secretary to make sure that all administrative
requirements are met. This includes duplicating three copies on 100% cotton bond paper,
applying for the University Microfilms registration, and paying all fees. (Note: As cotton bond
paper is not readily available everywhere, the Duplicating Center carries this in stock.) Please
note that this latter schedule often can not be completed to comply with university deadlines,
so plan to use the “semester before” guidelines to avoid unnecessary stress and strain.
Note: EXTENSION CENTER STUDENTS – Dissertation proposals and drafts may be conducted
via email correspondence. The dissertation defense may be conducted on Biola’s campus, by
telephone (at the student’s expense), or at another location agreed upon by all parties involved
Date: July 2006 Page 2 of 2