When to submit
It is important that you appropriately plan to defend and submit your thesis or dissertation in the approved and accepted format to the Graduate School. Upon submission, your manuscript will undergo review for final acceptance by the University.
The Thesis and Dissertation deadlines allow time for review, editing and approval by the Graduate School. Once it is approved by the Graduate School, it is sent for final review by the respective College Dean's office.
These deadlines are firm dates
Defending and/or submitting your thesis or dissertation after the deadline dates will result in you not graduating in the semester you planned. Also, this can incur additional expenses, based on the need to register for a subsequent semester. Note these dates and plan accordingly to defend and submit in the semester you plan to complete your manuscript.
The following are the specific deadlines for each type of degree and term.
There are two sets of deadlines per semester.
Primary and Secondary Graduation Deadlines
Primary Graduation Deadlines allow for graduation in the correct term as long as everything is completed according to the due dates. If you fail to meet the primary deadlines, you then move to the Secondary (Courtesy) deadlines. Please notify your academic department and Graduate School Liaison if you miss the primary deadlines, as your anticipated graduation date will need to be moved to the next semester.
The Secondary (Courtesy) Deadlines mean your anticipated graduation date will be moved to the subsequent semester, and if everything is completed by the appropriate dates, you will not be required to register for additional Thesis/Dissertation hours during the final semester. Once you have been moved to Secondary (Courtesy) Deadlines, your electronic thesis submission is not considered within the Primary Graduation Deadline time-window and you will not be eligible for graduation within the current semester.
If you miss any of the Secondary (Courtesy) Deadlines, you will have to register for 2 credits of Thesis/Dissertation and complete your degree requirements (manuscript, any applicable defenses or other requirements) the following semester.
These deadlines are for Doctoral programs that include a dissertation requirement.
- Fall 2025
Primary Graduation Deadlines for Dissertation Submission
June 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for December graduation.
September 26 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
October 10
Last day to defend your dissertation.
October 27
Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school for December graduation. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here. Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
December 2
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
December 12
Graduate Student Commencement.
Courtesy Deadlines for Dissertation Submission
These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Fall deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Spring 2026 without being required to register for dissertation credits for the Spring semester.
June 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for December graduation.
October 10 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
October 24
Last day to defend your dissertation.
October 31
Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here. Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
December 12
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
December 12
Graduate Student Commencement. You will need to request permission to walk in commencement if your dissertation has been approved by the graduate school prior to the commencement date.
January 5
If the dissertation is completely approved on this date, you may graduate Spring 2026, but will not be required to register for dissertation credit in Spring 2026.
- Spring 2026
Primary Graduation Deadlines for Dissertation Submission
October 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for May graduation.
February 20 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
March 6
Last day to defend your dissertation.
March 30
Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school for Spring graduation. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here. Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
April 20
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
May 8th and May 9th
Graduate Student Commencement.
Find more details about upcoming graduation ceremonies at the Graduation Ceremonies Info Page.
Courtesy Deadlines for Dissertation Submission
These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Spring deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Summer 2026 without being required to register for dissertation credits for the summer semester.
October 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for May graduation.
March 13 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
March 27
Last day to defend your dissertation.
April 3
Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here. Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
May 8
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
May 8th and May 9th
Graduate Student Commencement. You will need to request permission to walk in commencement if your dissertation has been approved by the graduate school prior to the commencement date.
Find more details about upcoming graduation ceremonies at the Graduation Ceremonies Info Page.
May 15
If the dissertation is completely approved on this date, you may graduate summer 2026, but will not be required to register for dissertation credit summer 2026.
- Summer 2026
Primary Graduation Deadlines for Dissertation Submission
March 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.
June 5 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
June 19
Last day to defend your dissertation.
July 10
Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school for August graduation. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here. Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
July 31
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
August 8
Degrees Awarded. No summer commencement ceremony.
December Graduation
Graduate Student Commencement. Student may walk in Fall commencement if dissertation is accepted.
Courtesy Deadlines for Dissertation Submission
These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Summer deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Fall 2026 without being required to register for dissertation credits for the Fall semester.
March 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Candidacy Application to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.
June 26 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
July 10
Last day to defend your dissertation.
July 24
Deadline to submit dissertation and dissertation exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your dissertation are located here. Dissertations are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
August 3
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
August 8
Degrees Awarded. No summer commencement ceremony.
August 13
If the dissertation is completely approved on this date, you may graduate in the Fall 2026 semester, but will not be required to register for dissertation credit during the Fall 2026 semester.
These deadlines are for Master’s or Specialist in Education programs that include a thesis requirement.
- Fall 2025
Primary Graduation Deadlines for Thesis Submission
June 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for December graduation.
October 3 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
October 17
Last day to defend your thesis.
November 3
Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school for December graduation. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here. Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
December 2
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
December 12
Graduate Student Commencement.
Courtesy Deadlines for Thesis Submission
These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Fall deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Spring 2026 without being required to register for thesis credits for the spring semester.
June 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for December graduation.
October 20 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
November 10
Last day to defend your thesis.
November 24
Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here. Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
December 12
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
December 12
Graduate Student Commencement. You will need to request permission to walk in commencement if your thesis has been approved by the graduate school prior to the commencement date.
January 5
If the thesis is completely approved on this date, you may graduate Spring 2026, but will not be required to register for thesis credit in Spring 2026.
- Spring 2026
Primary Graduation Deadlines for Thesis Submission
October 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for May graduation.
February 20 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
March 6
Last day to defend your thesis.
April 3
Deadline to submit thesis and Thesis exam results to the graduate school for Spring graduation. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here. Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
April 27
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
May 8th and May 9th
Graduate Student Commencement.
Find more details about upcoming graduation ceremonies at the Graduation Ceremonies Info Page.
Courtesy Deadlines for Thesis Submission
These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Spring deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Summer 2026 without being required to register for thesis credits for the summer semester.
October 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for May graduation.
March 6 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
March 20
Last day to defend your Thesis.
April 10
Deadline to submit Thesis and Thesis exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here. Theses are submitted to UTC.
May 11
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
May 8th and May 9th
Graduate Student Commencement. You will need to request permission to walk in commencement if your thesis has been approved by the graduate school prior to the commencement date.
Find more details about upcoming graduation ceremonies at the Graduation Ceremonies Info Page.
May 15
If the thesis is completely approved on this date, you may graduate summer 2026, but will not be required to register for thesis credit in summer 2026.
- Summer 2026
Primary Graduation Deadlines for Thesis Submission
June 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.
June 12 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
June 26
Last day to defend your thesis.
July 17
Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school for August graduation. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here. Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
July 24
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
August 8
Degrees Awarded. No summer commencement.
Courtesy Deadlines for Thesis Submission
These deadlines are for students who cannot meet the regular Summer deadline dates. Fulfilling these obligations will allow you the opportunity to graduate in Fall 2026 without being required to register for thesis credits for the Fall semester.
June 15
Deadline to submit the graduate student Graduation Audit For Degrees and Certificates Form to the Graduate School and the online graduation application for August graduation.
June 26 (last day to schedule your defense)
Submit your Notice of Scheduled of Defense to the Graduate School at least two weeks before your defense. This date has to be approved by your committee and usually by the program coordinator.
July 10
Last day to defend your thesis.
July 24
Deadline to submit thesis and thesis exam results to the graduate school. Instructions on submitting your thesis are located here. Theses are submitted to UTC Scholar. The manuscript will be reviewed by the graduate school and then the Dean of your College before final acceptance.
August 3
Last day for final edits to be submitted and accepted as requested by the graduate school. There may be multiple rounds of edits required from the date of your submission. Once edits are complete, it is forwarded to the Dean's Office of your college for final review.
August 8
Degrees Awarded. No summer commencement.
August 13
If the thesis is completely approved on this date, you may graduate in the Fall 2026 semester, but will not be required to register for thesis credit during the Fall 2026 semester.
If you have questions, please contact the Graduate School.
It is important that you appropriately plan to defend and submit your thesis or dissertation in the approved and accepted format to the Graduate School according to the dates and deadlines published above.
Defending and/or submitting your thesis or dissertation after the deadline date may result in you not graduating in the semester you planned, an additional expense to register for a subsequent semester and your degree not being conferred as planned. Note these dates and plan accordingly to defend and submit in the semester you plan to complete your manuscript.
The following is a listing of the steps required for submitting a thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School for formal review and approval.
Theses and dissertations are not considered complete until the document has been approved by the Graduate School; therefore, transcripts and diplomas are not released until all of the following steps are completed in the sequence provided.
Deadlines for submission of documents for review by Graduate School staff are published on the Graduate School site and the Graduate School Academic Calendar; these deadlines cannot be waived. However, if the deadline falls on a weekend, the thesis or dissertation must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on the following Monday.
To meet the first submission deadline (the first review of the document), the following verification forms or pages must be received by the Graduate School prior to the thesis or dissertation. Links are provided to each of the forms or pages.
