Degree Candidates Deadlines

Individual programs may establish earlier deadlines or guidelines for associated activities (e.g., signing up for comprehensive exams, submitting preliminary drafts of theses and dissertations, final examinations, etc.). The appropriate program handbook or graduate coordinator should be consulted for further information. Students are reminded that it takes time for faculty to read theses, dissertations, and examinations with the rigor and care they deserve.

The deadlines below are final Graduate College deadlines; however, individual programs may establish earlier deadlines. Refer to the relevant program handbook or consult with your graduate coordinator. Students are reminded to work ahead of these deadlines to avoid delaying graduation. All forms are due to the Graduate College by 5 p.m. on the specified date. 

Spring Semester 2026

Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 Approval of dissertation topic (Admission to doctoral candidacy) ** 
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 
Graduation application available online 
Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 
Approval of thesis topic **
Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 
Graduation application deadline 
Friday, March 27, 2026 
Completed Thesis/Dissertation Defense and Manuscript Approval Form. Students should plan to defend 2 weeks prior to this deadline to allow for revisions/approvals. 
Friday, April 3, 2026 
OhioLINK upload of the approved, final copy of your master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation 
Friday, May 1, 2026 
Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Commencement Ceremony

Summer Semester 2026

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 Approval of dissertation topic (Admission to doctoral candidacy) ** 
Sunday, March 15, 2026 
Graduation application available online 
Friday, April 24, 2026
Approval of thesis topic **
Friday, May 29, 2026
Graduation application deadline 
Friday, July 3, 2026
Completed Thesis/Dissertation Defense and Manuscript Approval Form. Students should plan to defend 2 weeks prior to this deadline to allow for revisions/approvals. 
Friday, July 10, 2026
OhioLINK upload of the approved, final copy of your master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation 
Friday, Aug. 7, 2026
Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Commencement Ceremony

Fall Semester 2026

Friday, May 29, 2026 Approval of dissertation topic (Admission to doctoral candidacy) ** 
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 
Graduation application available online 
Friday, July 31, 2026 
Approval of thesis topic **
Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Graduation application deadline 
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
Completed Thesis/Dissertation Defense and Manuscript Approval Form. Students should plan to defend 2 weeks prior to this deadline to allow for revisions/approvals. 
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
OhioLINK upload of the approved, final copy of your master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation 
Friday, Dec. 11, 2026
Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Commencement Ceremony

**Other topic approval deadlines may be acceptable if approved by the program.

Updated: 12/19/2025 02:21PM