Check out below for important academic dates and deadlines for the current and upcoming semesters.
Thesis and Dissertation Deadlines for Fall 2025
Oct 8
Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed., and D.Eng. students only)
Nov 5
Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only)
Nov 5
Pass final oral presentation (DNP, D.B.A., and Dr.P.H. students only)
Nov 12
Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation
Future Semester Thesis and Dissertation Deadlines
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.
| Deadlines by semester | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to graduate in LionPATH | January 26 | June 19 |
| Submit doctoral dissertation for format review | February 2 | June 12 |
| Submit master's thesis for format review | February 2 | June 12 |
| Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed., and D.Eng. students only) | February 23 | June 22 |
| Submit final thesis or dissertation and supporting materials | March 23 | July 10 |
| Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only) | March 23 | July 10 |
| Pass final oral presentation (D.N.P., D.B.A., and Dr.P.H. students only) | March 23 | July 10 |
| Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation | March 30 | July 17 |
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.
