Graduate Studies

Deadlines & Dates

Graduation Dates for the 2026–2027 Academic Year

Graduation Dates Fall Spring Summer
Official Graduation Date
The date that will appear on your diploma and transcript.		 December 12, 2026 May 8, 2027 August 6, 2027

Due Dates

Actions and Deadlines Fall Spring Summer
Submit Application for Graduation.
Pay diploma fee in Bursar’s office or online.		 September 11, 2026 January 29, 2027 June 25, 2027
Comprehensive Exam Date determined by academic program. Your program will submit the Comprehensive Assessment Evaluation Form.
Thesis/Dissertation Defense Dates and specific steps determined by Thesis/Dissertation Committee:

  1. Before conducting any research, send your abstract to the Office of Research Integrity for review. Obtain a letter to put in Appendix A of your ETD.
  2. Before conducting any research, complete the Online ETD Training and submit the electronic verification form.
  3. Submit drafts of your ETD to your thesis/dissertation committee chair for review and comment.
  4. Submit revised drafts of your ETD to your committee members for review and comment.
  5. Work with your thesis/dissertation chair to schedule the defense of thesis/dissertation.
  6. Defend your thesis/dissertation.
  7. Revise thesis/dissertation as directed by your thesis/dissertation committee.
  8. Ensure the ETD meets the ETD Guidelines and Checklist.
  9. Upload revised and signed thesis/dissertation for ETD Review Team approval.
  10. Your thesis/dissertation chair will submit the Comprehensive Assessment Evaluation Form.
Approved and defended thesis/dissertation must be submitted to the ETD Administrator site for final review. November 13, 2026* April 9, 2027* July 9, 2027*
All requirements must be met for degree completion. December 14, 2026* May 10, 2027* August 9, 2027*
Commencement Exercise December 12, 2026* May 8, 2027*

* Review of theses/dissertations can take as little as a few days or as long as several weeks, depending on the edits that may be required and the number of manuscripts waiting to be approved. If your work is not complete and approved, your degree may be not be awarded until the next official graduation date.