The grade of "L"' may be assigned to dissertations, theses, and projects in which continuing registration is
required by the University. It will connote registration and faculty workload, but it will not have any quality
points associated with it. Professors may convert an "L" grade to a letter grade or an "S" or "U" grade
when the dissertation, thesis, or project is completed.
Doctoral Candidates
The following degree requirements must be completed by all doctoral candidates before degree conferral
is possible:
1. Maintain continuous registration until degree is conferred.
2. Complete a minimum of 72 credit hours of graduate study (see the related policy on use of prior
coursework).
3. Fulfill a minimum residency requirement of one year, which must include two consecutive
semesters of full-time study in residence under the auspices of the University.
4. Successfully complete a departmental preliminary or qualifying examination or equivalent.
5. Submit an Application to Candidacy within the proper deadline dates for approval at the
department, decanal, (divisional committee where required), and Graduate School levels.
6. Submit a dissertation proposal, prospectus or abstract.
7. Complete an acceptable doctoral dissertation.
8. Complete UB's Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training Requirement.
9. Complete additional requirements as the department or program might duly specify.
10. an approved Application to Candidacy (with all necessary attachments, including original
transcripts)
11. an M-Form
12. electronic submission of dissertation through the Graduate School's website at
www.grad.buffalo.edu/etd
13. Associated with the electronic submission is a mandatory $72.00 cataloging and processing fee
14. Survey of Earned Doctorates Form (http://www.grad.buffalo.edu/forms/students/sed.pdf)
15. Publishing and Copyright Billing Form (http://www.grad.buffalo.edu/forms/students/catcopy.pdf)
Dissertation Instructions
This should be an original contribution in the field as determined by the department or program
concerned.
Please consult the Graduate School guidelines on dissertations for complete instructions on dissertation
format and submission.
http://www.grad.buffalo.edu/etd/index.php
M-Form (Multipurpose Form)
As the name implies, the M-Form is used for several purposes. Related to the thesis or dissertation, the
form is submitted to the Graduate School Office to certify that defense of thesis was satisfactorily
completed and that ALL requirements for the degree have been satisfied. This form must be signed by
the major professor, the committee members, and by the chair or graduate director of the department.
Here, too, the form may be submitted prior to presenting the thesis/dissertation to the Graduate School
Office.
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