Program Handbook

EDL Doctoral Program Handbook - Last updated June 2026

Faculty

Faculty who wish to serve on a Dissertation Committee as a Committee Chair should review all the information on the Administrative Steps for Dissertation Committee Chairs website. The site provides information on all the necessary steps and forms to use throughout the dissertation development process. 

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

Program Calendar