Check out below for important academic dates and deadlines for the current and upcoming semesters.
Thesis and Dissertation Deadlines for Spring 2026
Feb 23
Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed., and D.Eng. students only)
Mar 23
Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only)
Mar 23
Pass final oral presentation (DNP, D.B.A., and Dr.P.H. students only)
Mar 30
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 | Summer 2026 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to graduate in LionPATH | June 19 | September 15 |
| Submit doctoral dissertation for format review | June 12 | October 6 |
| Submit master's thesis for format review | June 12 | October 6 |
| Pass doctoral defense (Ph.D., D.Ed., and D.Eng. students only) | June 22 | October 13 |
| Submit final thesis or dissertation and supporting materials | July 10 | November 3 |
| Pass final performance (D.M.A. students only) | July 10 | November 3 |
| Pass final oral presentation (D.N.P., D.B.A., and Dr.P.H. students only) | July 10 | November 3 |
| Committee members to approve final thesis/dissertation | July 17 | November 10 |
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.
