DOC 617 – Doctoral Project Defense

Doctor of Public Health in Spiritual Wellness and Community Health, Ph.D.
Ebed-Melech University
Course Duration: 8 Weeks
Credit Hours: 0 (Required for program completion)

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Welcome to Your Doctoral Project Defense!

Congratulations! You have reached the final stage of your doctoral journey. This is where your research transitions from a completed academic work into a valuable contribution to the world. Over the next eight weeks, you will refine, present, and launch your discoveries or interventions, ensuring that it has a lasting impact in academic, professional, and faith-based communities.

This course is structured to guide you through the final submission, committee review, and project defense, as well as the strategic steps to promote your intervention post-defense. Whether your goal is to publish, present at conferences, or implement your work in the field, this course will provide the necessary tools and guidance to successfully position your research for the next phase.

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Course Description

The Doctoral Project Defense course is designed to help you finalize and successfully defend your capstone project or culminating publication while also preparing to disseminate and apply your research. By Week 4, you will submit your final project. By Week 6, you will schedule your defense with your committee. By Week 8, you will present and defend your work. Throughout this process, you will also develop a plan for publication, professional outreach, and real-world application of your research.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Submit a completed and formatted capstone project or culminating publication by Week 4-6.
• Schedule your defense with your committee by Week 6.
• Successfully present and defend your project in Week 8.
• Develop a strategy for sharing your research through publications, conferences, and professional networks.

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Week	Tasks	Dates

Week 1

Organize all final research materials: Ensure your manuscript, data, and appendices are properly formatted. Identify potential platforms for publication and professional sharing.

March 3 – March 9, 2025

Week 2

Review and refine presentation materials: Create slides, speaker notes, and visuals. Research journals, conferences, and faith-based forums where your work can be shared.

March 10 – March 16, 2025

Week 3

Finalize submission materials: Conduct final formatting edits and verify citations. Develop an executive summary and impact statement outlining your research’s real-world application.

March 17 – March 23, 2025

Weeks 4-6

Submit your final capstone project or culminating publication: Turn in your complete research project for faculty and committee review. Develop a post-defense outreach plan for promoting your work.

March 24 – April 13, 2025

Week 5

Schedule your defense: Coordinate with your chair to confirm a date. Prepare for mock defenses to refine your presentation.

March 31 – April 6, 2025

Week 6

Finalize your defense strategy: Ensure all required materials are ready. Outline your publication/dissemination strategy for faith-based, academic, and community settings.

April 7 – April 13, 2025

Week 7

Conduct a practice defense: Engage in a mock presentation with peers. Prepare for Q&A and address final refinements.

April 14 – April 20, 2025

Week 8

Defend your doctoral project: Present your project before your committee. Submit the final approved version post-defense. Develop a publication and impact plan to share your work beyond academia.

April 21 – April 27, 2025

Course Schedule

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Post-Defense Planning

Your doctoral research is not just an academic achievement—it is a tool for impact and transformation. After your defense, you will develop a plan for how to share your work, including:

• Publishing your capstone project or culminating publication in academic or faith-based journals.
• Presenting at professional and ministry-related conferences.
• Creating a digital portfolio or website to showcase your research.
• Partnering with community organizations to apply your findings.
• Engaging in podcasts, blogs, or social media outreach to extend your reach.

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Assessment & Requirements

Component	Weight
Submission of Final Capstone Project or Culminating Publication (Week 4)	30%
Scheduling and Preparation for Defense (Week 6)	30%
Defense Presentation & Q&A (Week 8)	40%
Post-Defense Strategy (Publication, Community Engagement)	Pass/Fail

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Defense Artifacts Submission Guidelines

To complete this course, students must submit:

• Final Capstone Project or Culminating Publication (formatted per university guidelines)
• Presentation Slides (15-20 minutes)
• Annotated Bibliography & References
• Implementation & Outreach Plan (how your research will be applied or shared)
• Self-Reflection on Research Process

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Inspirational Scripture & Reflection

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

Your doctoral research is a ministry, a calling, and a contribution to the world. Trust that the work you have done will advance the field of public health, spiritual wellness, and community transformation. Let your faith guide you as you share your research and make a meaningful impact.

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Final Thought

This course ensures that you are not just defending a project—but launching a movement. Your work has the power to shape public health, spiritual wellness, and community engagement. Engage actively, seek feedback, and trust in your preparation.

We look forward to celebrating your success in your doctoral project defense!

Course Progress