Learn important academic dates and deadlines for the current and upcoming semesters.
Thesis, Dissertation, and Final Exam Deadlines — Summer 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.
Jun 22
Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed.-dissertation, and D.Eng. students only)
Jul 10
Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only)
Jul 10
Pass final oral presentation (D.N.P., D.B.A., D.Ed. (EDUC), and Dr.P.H. students only)
Jul 17
Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation
Future Semester Deadlines
| Deadline | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to graduate in LionPATH | September 15 | January 25 |
| Submit doctoral dissertation for format review | October 6 | February 8 |
| Submit master's thesis for format review | October 6 | February 8 |
| Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed.-dissertation, and D.Eng. students only) | October 13 | March 1 |
| Submit final thesis or dissertation and supporting materials | November 3 | March 22 |
| Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only) | November 3 | March 22 |
| Pass final oral presentation (D.N.P., D.B.A., D.Ed. (EDUC), and Dr.P.H. students only) | November 3 | March 22 |
| Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation | November 10 | March 29 |
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.
