If the dissertation advisory committee finds the dissertation satisfactory, it schedules the candidate for an oral examination on the subject matter for the dissertation and the field in which it lies. An examining committee approved by the Graduate Studies office on behalf of the graduate dean will conduct the examination. The candidate's academic unit should forward the announcement of the oral examination, including the names of the examining committee members, to Graduate Studies at least ten working days prior to the exam.

If a candidate should fail to pass the final oral examination, the examining committee may recommend permission for one additional examination. In the case of failure, the registrar does not receive a report of the examination results.