6.2 The Dissertation Committee
The Program Director of the PhD in Biblical Studies assigns the student a Dissertation Advisor (also known as the “faculty mentor” and the first reader) and a second reader who serve as the student’s Dissertation Committee. Occasionally, a Dissertation Committee may also include a third reader. Once the student’s dissertation topic is approved by the Dissertation Committee, the student may begin writing the dissertation.
Appointments to the student's Dissertation Committee are made based upon several criteria, including the faculty member's area of expertise, the faculty member's dissertation load, the research interests of the faculty member, and the desires of the student. Students will be surveyed for their preferences in the configuration of their Dissertation Committee. While student preferences are honored whenever possible, other criteria may take priority. The final decision regarding the appointment of the Committee is made by the Program Director in consultation with the faculty members and the student. Students are to discuss their preferences with the Program Director rather than directly discussing them with potential Dissertation Committee members.