Pass: A student earns an outcome of Pass when the DEC unanimously decides that the defense examination is satisfactory, and the written dissertation is acceptable as presented.

In Progress - Minor Revisions: A student earns an outcome of Minor Revisions when a majority of the DEC decides that the defense examination is satisfactory, and the written dissertation requires only minor revisions that do not materially affect the content of the dissertation. 

In Progress - Major Revisions: A student earns an outcome of Major Revisions when a majority of the DEC decides that the defense examination is satisfactory, and the written dissertation requires substantial revisions to the text. Major revisions include any revisions that materially affect the content of the dissertation, including the addition of significant content to the Introduction or the Discussion.

In Progress – Retest: A student earns an outcome of Retest when a majority of the DEC decides that the oral examination is unsatisfactory. The dissertation may be acceptable or may require minor or major revisions. Only one retest is permitted.

Fail: A student earns an outcome of Fail when the DEC unanimously decides that the defense examination and/or written dissertation is unacceptable and cannot be improved to the point where the DEC could find both acceptable.

Upon approval of the DEC, a student who has failed the dissertation examination will change programs to the MS exit pathway and may submit the written dissertation in partial fulfillment for the degree of MS.