# Dissertation and Defense ## expand\_more ### A student's dissertation and defense is the final step in showcasing years of dedication, research, and intellectual growth. This pivotal moment allows students to present their findings, defend their methodology, and engage in scholarly discussions with their committees. Once students receive approval from their Dissertation Advisory Committees (DAC), they must schedule a “Packet Meeting” with the HMS Office of Graduate Education (OGE), where all key dates and defense requirements will be reviewed. For dissertation and defense questions, students can visit the OGE [Dissertation & Defense Page](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/dissertation-and-defense) or contact . ## Formatting the Dissertation When preparing the dissertation for submission, students must meet the minimum formatting requirements. The Registrar’s Office will review the dissertation for compliance and these formatting elements and will contact the student to confirm acceptance or to request revision. The Harvard Griffin GSAS [resource on dissertation formatting best practices](https://gsas.harvard.edu/resource/dissertation-formatting-guidance) expands on many of the elements below. ## Sample Dissertations **To find Harvard affiliate dissertations:** - [**DASH** ](https://dash.harvard.edu/)- Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard - DASH is the university's central, open access repository for the scholarly output of faculty and the broader research community at Harvard. Most PhD dissertations submitted from **March 2012 forward** are available online in DASH. - [**HOLLIS Library Catalog**](https://hollis.harvard.edu/) - you can refine your results by using the [**Advanced Search**](https://hollis.harvard.edu/primo-explore/search?vid=HVD2&mode=advanced&sortby=rank) and limiting **Resource Type** to **Dissertations** ## Requests for Change of Degree Title All BBS students will be given the degree title of Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences unless they satisfy requirements for and request one of our additional sub-disciplinary titles (below). The following degree titles can be requested from OGE, if the student has satisfied any specific curricular requirements and has pursued dissertation research in a lab identified within the relevant area; these titles include: - Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology - Cell Biology - Developmental and Regenerative Biology - Genetics and Genomics - Microbiology - Human Biology and Translational Medicine ## Masters in Passing A Masters in Passing/en route master’s degree (AM) is granted to enrolled PhD students, earned via their work completed typically in the first two years of graduate school, and conferred while they are still enrolled and continuing on in the PhD. This degree is optional. PhD students are not required to apply for the master’s in passing. G3+ OGE PhD students who are in satisfactory status, may apply for a masters in passing. The student must have successfully: - completed program course requirements - completed required rotations - performed at least 6 months of research in their dissertation advisor’s laboratory - passed their PQE - maintained a satisfactory [grade-point average](https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/grade-and-examination-requirements) You can learn how to apply for a master’s in passing in my.harvard via the [Knowledge Center](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=f315bae21baa585c351ceb9bbc4bcb71). For any questions, please contact . The degree is awarded three times a year, please visit the [OGE Masters in Passing](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/masters-passing) page for deadlines. ## Quick Links [ OGE Dissertation & Defense Website arrow\_circle\_right ](https://ogephd.hms.harvard.edu/dissertation-and-defense) [ Dissertation Formatting Guidance arrow\_circle\_right ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/resource/dissertation-formatting-guidance) [ DASH arrow\_circle\_right ](https://dash.harvard.edu/home)