Doctoral Degree Completion Deadlines

Priority deadline to submit an application to graduate in the Grad Student Portal

October 25

After this date, students must file a late application petition in the Grad Student Portal.

Last day to provide a draft of the dissertation to your committee

3 weeks prior to defense

This is the university's generally expected timeframe. Check with your department and/or committee for their specific requirements.

Last day to file application for dissertation defense

2 weeks prior to defense

Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve. 

Last day to hold dissertation defense

November 27

Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here.

Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense

2 weeks after defense

Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. 

Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies

2 weeks after defense

Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate

December 22

Official Degree Dates For Fall: 

• December 12, 2026: The official degree conferral date (the date as it will appear on the transcript and diploma) 
• December 15, 2026: Instructor deadline for submitting Fall grades.
• December 23, 2026 through January 16, 2027: The Office of the Registrar will start awarding degrees one week following the grade deadline (after receiving approval from the Division of Graduate Studies). 
• January 16, 2027: the 30-day deadline by which all Fall degrees must be awarded by the Office of the Registrar.

Priority deadline to submit an application to graduate in the Grad Student Portal 

January 31

After this date, students must file a late application petition in the Grad Student Portal.

Last day to provide a draft of the dissertation to your committee

3 weeks prior to defense

This is the university's generally expected timeframe. Check with your department and/or committee for their specific requirements.

Last day to file application for dissertation defense

2 weeks prior to defense

Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve.

Last day to hold dissertation defense

March 5

Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here.

Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense

2 weeks after defense

Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. 

Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies

2 weeks after defense

Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate

March 30

Official Degree Dates For Winter: 

• March 20, 2027: The official degree conferral date (the date as it will appear on the transcript and diploma) 
• March 22, 2027: Instructor deadline for submitting Fall grades.
• March 29, 2027 through April 19, 2027: The Office of the Registrar will start awarding degrees one week following the grade deadline (after receiving approval from the Division of Graduate Studies). 
• April 19, 2027: the 30-day deadline by which all Fall degrees must be awarded by the Office of the Registrar.

Priority deadline to submit an application to graduate in the Grad Student Portal

April 25

After this date, students must file a late application petition in the Grad Student Portal.

Last day to provide a draft of the dissertation to your committee

3 weeks prior to defense

This is the university's generally expected timeframe. Check with your department and/or committee for their specific requirements.

Last day to file application for dissertation defense

2 weeks prior to defense

Students should start the application 3-4 weeks before defense to allow sufficient time for committee members and program to approve. 

Last day to hold dissertation defense

May 28

Students defending after this date will be considered graduates of the next term. See final term registration information here.

Last day for dissertation committee to certify results of defense

2 weeks after defense

Instructions will be sent to committee members prior to the defense. 

Last day to upload your completed and committee-approved dissertation to the Division of Graduate Studies

2 weeks after defense

Last day for department to approve graduation requests in Slate

June 22

Official Degree Dates For Spring: 

• June 12, 2027: The official degree conferral date (the date as it will appear on the transcript and diploma) 
• June 15, 2027: Instructor deadline for submitting Fall grades.
• June 22, 2027 through July 15, 2027: The Office of the Registrar will start awarding degrees one week following the grade deadline (after receiving approval from the Division of Graduate Studies). 
• July 15, 2027: the 30-day deadline by which all Fall degrees must be awarded by the Office of the Registrar.