Thesis Defense

THESIS DEFENSE

The defense consists of an oral presentation of the proposal to the committee followed by a discussion of both the presentation and  the written document. 

• Thesis defenses should be informally scheduled with the student’s committee at least several months in advance, at which time it should be foreseeable that the publication requirement will be fulfilled by the time the Thesis Defense Request Form is due.  

• Defense candidates are required to reserve a room on campus (does not need to be in Coolbaugh) that holds at least 50 individuals. You can reserve rooms through EMS.

• Beginning 8/1/2025: Defense presentations must be in-person on Mines campus if candidates are defending a graduate degree from Mines. Virtual options for people to attend is optional but the candidate is required to be in person. Ideally, all members of the thesis committee are also in person. If this is not possible, committee members must send a justification statement to the DH.

• Candidates must submit a Thesis Defense Request Form to Megan Paulson at least TWO weeks prior to the defense. This form must be signed by all other committee members prior to bringing a printed copy to the CH main office for DH signature. See Graduate Forms for more details.

• Candidates must email a  Thesis Defense Abstract with the following information formatted in a Word document to Megan Paulson (mpaulson@mines.edu) at least ONE week prior to the defense.

Name

Advisor

Defense Date & Time

Defense Location & Zoom/Teams Link if Applicable

Abstract Title

References

Formatting your thesis correctly is important.  The Grad Office will no longer be reviewing the format and encourages students to work with the Writing Center and Committee on formatting. 

https://www.mines.edu/graduate-studies/thesis-defense-rules-2/