Learn important academic dates and deadlines for the current and upcoming semesters.
Thesis, Dissertation, and Final Exam Deadlines — Fall 2026
The following deadlines are for theses, dissertations, D.M.A. performances, D.Eng. praxes, and D.B.A., Dr.P.H., and D.N.P. final oral presentations only. Students writing master's papers should contact their graduate program for deadlines.
Oct 13
Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed.-dissertation, and D.Eng. students only)
Nov 3
Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only)
Nov 3
Pass final oral presentation (D.N.P., D.B.A., D.Ed. (EDUC), and Dr.P.H. students only)
Nov 10
Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation
Future Semester Deadlines
| Deadline | Spring 2027 | Summer 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to graduate in LionPATH | January 25 | June 18 |
| Submit doctoral dissertation for format review | February 8 | June 11 |
| Submit master's thesis for format review | February 8 | June 11 |
| Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed.-dissertation, and D.Eng. students only) | March 1 | June 21 |
| Submit final thesis or dissertation and supporting materials | March 22 | July 9 |
| Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only) | March 22 | July 9 |
| Pass final oral presentation (D.N.P., D.B.A., D.Ed. (EDUC), and Dr.P.H. students only) | March 22 | July 9 |
| Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation | March 29 | July 16 |
Questions?
Questions about the doctoral dissertation defense should be directed to Graduate Enrollment Services. Students with questions regarding the master's thesis defense should contact their graduate program.
