Graduate Program Deadlines

Spring 2026
Certificate/Master's/Doctoral Degree Candidates

 

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Jan. 28, 2026

Last day to:

  • File degree applications and graduate certificate applications online through MySam. Students anticipating graduating in May 2026 must file degree applications in the Registrar's Office by 5 p.m.
  • Submit a Graduate Certificate Completion Form to The Graduate School

March 5, 2026

Last day to:

  • Submit draft thesis/dissertation to the Thesis/Dissertation Specialist in The Graduate School for format and style review.

April 2, 2026

Last day to:

  • Complete a public defense of the thesis/dissertation.
  • Students must start an Electronic Route Sheet, and the department must send a signed report of the outcome of the thesis/dissertation defense to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences' Dean's Office.
  • Request an embargo via the Embargo Request Form for electronic thesis/dissertations to The Graduate School.

April 16, 2026

Last day to submit the following to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean's Office:

  • Signed report of the outcome of the thesis/dissertation defense.
  • Final thesis/dissertation or abstract.
  • Electronic Route Sheet.

Last day to submit a defended and approved Thesis/Dissertation to The Graduate School for final draft review.

April 28, 2026

Last day to:

  • Complete publication of Thesis/Dissertation through Vireo (or in print for Permanent Embargo students.) 
  • Submit the Electronic Route Sheet to the Thesis/Dissertation Specialist in The Graduate School.

April 30, 2026

Last day to:

  • Submit signed Report of Comprehensive Examination Form (or equivalent - Capstone Result Form, Portfolio Result Form, Examination Waivers) to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean's Office by 5 pm.
  • Submit the Electronic Route Sheet to the Dean of The Graduate School.

May 7-9, 2026

Commencement, Precise date and time TBD

May 11, 2026

All requirements for graduation (including grades) must be completed and processed through the Registrar's Office by 12 noon.