The Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University follows all of the Graduate College policies regarding the doctoral dissertation procedures. The doctoral dissertation: Is an unpublished ...

All students participating in a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degree program must complete a thesis or dissertation proposal for approval by the members of the student's steering committee ...

In addition to the other requirements of the University, a candidate for a doctoral degree must complete an acceptable dissertation. The dissertation must satisfy the following criteria: It should ...

Proposal must be at least one year before the final defense, since this shows the feasibility of the project and the committee’s buy in. Needs to be addressed in the yearly meeting with student.