What is a PhD thesis defense?

Once you’ve handed in your thesis, you still have one big challenge to overcome before you’re finished with your PhD: the thesis defense. This is an opportunity for you to present your research publicly and to answer questions about it from your thesis committee.

What is the difference between a dissertation and thesis?

Purpose. Perhaps the biggest difference between a thesis and dissertation is the intended purpose. A thesis, commonly required to obtain a master’s degree, is supposed to test a student’s understanding of his or her field of study. A dissertation is usually done by a doctorate student and focuses on original research.

What happens during PHD defense?

Defending a thesis largely serves as a formality because the paper will already have been evaluated. During a defense, a student will be asked questions by members of the thesis committee. Questions are usually open-ended and require that the student think critically about his or her work.