Program Handbook

Faculty Forms

Faculty forms to be completed at various stages of the doctoral program–including Qualifying Exam, Dissertation Proposal, Pre-Defense, and Defense.

Calendars and Deadlines

2026-2027 Doctoral Program Deadlines

The following are deadlines for each respective phase; however, earlier submissions are always welcome.

Dissertation Phase

Deadlines per Semester

Qualifying Essay

  • Fall 2026: September 1, 2026 or November 1, 2026
  • Spring 2027: February 1, 2027 or April 1, 2027
  • Summer 2027: By appointment only

Proposal

  • Fall 2026: December 14, 2026
  • Spring 2027: May 10, 2027
  • Summer 2027: August 9, 2027

Pre-Defense Meeting

  • Fall 2026: October 8, 2026
  • Spring 2027: March 4, 2027
  • Summer 2027: May 28, 2027*

*Effective in the 2026-2027 academic year, doctoral students are no longer eligible to walk in commencement in advance of their degree conferral, due to a change in the Graduate School policy.

Defense

  • Fall 2026: TBA
  • Spring 2027: TBA
  • Summer 2027: TBA

Dissertation - Final Draft for Grad School Review

  • Fall 2026: TBA
  • Spring 2027:TBA
  • Summer 2027: TBA

Dissertation - Completed Post-Review Edits to the Grad School

  • Fall 2026: TBA
  • Spring 2027: TBA
  • Summer 2027: TBA