Degree Candidates Deadlines

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. Students are reminded that it takes time for faculty to read theses, dissertations, and examinations with the rigor and care they deserve.

Fall Semester 2025

• Friday, May 30, 2025
  
  • Approval of dissertation topic (Admission to doctoral candidacy) **
• Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  
  • Graduation application available online
• Friday, August 1, 2025
  
  • Approval of thesis topic**
• Friday, September 19, 2025
  • Graduation application deadline
• Friday, November 7, 2025
  
  • 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, November 14, 2025
  
  • OhioLINK upload of approved, final copy of master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation
• Friday, December 12, 2025
  
  • Results of the capstone experience for ALL Plan II master’s degrees
    
• Friday, December 12, 2025
  
  • Commencement - Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Ceremony

Spring 2026

• Friday, September 5, 2025
  
  • Approval of dissertation topic (Admission to doctoral candidacy) **
• Tuesday, October 15, 2025
  
  • Graduation application available online
• Friday, December 5, 2025
  
  • Approval of thesis topic**
• Friday, February 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 approved, final copy of master’s thesis/doctoral dissertation
• Friday, May 1, 2026
  
  • Results of the capstone experience for ALL Plan II master’s degrees
    
• Friday, May 1, 2026
  
  • Commencement-Doctoral Hooding and Graduate College Ceremony

The Graduate College reserves the right to change these dates if necessary.

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