Defense Dissertation Thesis
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Thesis & Dissertation

Congratulations on reaching this stage in your graduate education! 

As you plan for your defense, regular communication with your committee can help keep your progress on track. We recommend that you begin coordinating potential defense dates and addressing major revisions several weeks before you plan to defend. 

 

How should I organize and format my thesis/dissertation?

The Guidelines for Preparation of the Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation provides detailed instructions and examples for completing your thesis or dissertation. You should also talk with your mentor and graduate program director about specific expectations within your program.

 

What deadlines do I need to meet?

Upcoming graduation deadlines are at the bottom of this page. International students should consult with the Office of Immigration Services about visa-related deadlines. 

  

How do I submit my thesis/dissertation and get permission to defend?

An overview of the defense process is provided below. Before the start of your final semester, complete the Expected Graduates Survey to let the Graduate College know that you expect to defend. If your coursework is on track for your defense, you will be given access to a Canvas course with detailed instructions for your final semester. 

 A link to the Expected Graduates Survey was e-mailed to all graduate students in the Graduate College Weekly Updates. If you need the link, please e-mail the Graduate College. 

How will I know if my thesis or dissertation is "enough"?

Your primary mentor, committee, and graduate program are responsible for determining when your thesis/dissertation is sufficient to complete your degree. You can get an idea of what's expected by talking with your mentors and looking at examples from recent graduates:

  • Many graduate programs keep a library of recent theses and dissertations
  • All OUHSC theses and dissertations are available in ProQuest via the Robert M. Bird Library.  Search using the term "sch(the university of oklahoma health sciences center)". 

 

How do I confirm my degree status for a potential employer?

Refer to the Graduation & Beyond guide for information about completing your degree, verifying degree status, and obtaining your diploma. 

 

I'm ready to celebrate! When can I walk across the stage and be hooded?

We look forward to celebrating with you! Please check with HSC Recruitment and Admissions for information about graduation ceremonies, regalia, and announcements. 

Write

  1. Draft your thesis/dissertation according to the Guidelines for Preparation of Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation. We also recommend that you:
  2. With your Mentor’s approval, send the Reading Copy to your Committee and complete the Report of Reading Copy Submission. 
    • The Reading Copy is a complete draft of your thesis or dissertation
    • The Graduate College recommends sending a full draft of the thesis/dissertation to your committee at least 6 weeks before your projected defense date. 
    • Your graduate program may have a more specific timeline and process for the review of the reading copy. 
  3. Complete the Expected Graduates Survey before the start of your final semester. This is how you will gain access the Canvas course containing the forms, instructions, and reminders for your final semester.
    • A link to the Expected Graduates Survey was e-mailed to all graduate students in the Graduate College Weekly Updates. 
    • If you need the link, please e-mail the Graduate College. 

Revise

  1. Work with your mentor and committee to make any major revisions to your thesis/dissertation. 
  2. All major revisions must be complete before the defense. You can also choose to address minor comments before the defense. 
    • MS and PhD Candidates are only allowed one chance to defend. A Candidate who fails the defense will be dismissed from the program. Therefore, it is best to take the extra time to address any major concerns before the defense.
    • Multiple rounds of revision might be required to address major revisions.
  3. After major revisions are complete, the committee should sign the defense request if the Reading Copy has their initial approval.

Request Authority to Defend

  1. Submit your Reading Copy, Defense Request, and PhD Defense Announcement (if applicable) through Canvas at least 10 business days before your defense.
  2. For Graduate Assistants, submit your Final Support Date form in Canvas to indicate the final day of your GRA stipend. 
  3. You should hear from the Graduate College within 3 business days of submitting the defense request. You are welcome to contact us to confirm that we received your submission.

Defend

  1. Start scheduling the defense with your committee and reserve a room well in advance.
    • You and your mentor are responsible for scheduling the defense, reserving rooms, and arranging for audiovisual/IT needs. 
    • Some possible room options include an auditorium or lecture hall in your college, the Library Auditorium, or the Library Atrium.
  2. Defenses and General Exams should be held in person. If a Zoom option is offered, review Using Zoom During a Defense:  Recommendations from OUHSC Academic Technology
    • The student, chair, and majority of the committee should be physically present in the same location (GC Bulletin 3.5.8, 4.8 and 4.11.3). 
    • For the PhD defense, a local audience should be present in person. 
    • If an exception is necessary, the Graduate College would need to be notified in advance. 
    • Special permission is not needed when offering Zoom as an option for family, etc. who cannot attend in person.

Submit the Final Copy

  1. At the defense, your committee will likely request minor revisions. The Graduate College may request revisions related to formatting. 
  2. You have up to 60 calendar days to make revisions, secure the committee’s final approval, and submit the Final Copy.
    • The final copy is submitted through ProQuest. You will need to create an account with OUHSC ProQuest ETDAdministrator 
    • To graduate in the current semester, the final copy and committee's approval are due before the next semester starts.
  3. After you submit the Final Copy, the Graduate College will confirm with your mentor that we have the correct, approved version. 
  4. Your approved thesis/dissertation will be published through ProQuest.
GRADUATION DEADLINES
  Spring 2026 Summer 2026

Fall 2026

(pending approval)

Classes begin.

Recommended deadline for completing the Expected Graduates Survey.

If you did not receive the link to the survey via e-mail, contact the Graduate College.

January 20 June 8 August 24

Final date to enroll.

January 26 June 10 August 28

Final date to submit the application for graduation/diploma electronically. You will receive the link in your OUHSC e-mail, from HSCGraduation@ouhsc.edu. 

After this date, you must contact OUHSC Recruitment & Admissions (HSCGraduation@ouhsc.edu) for instructions.

March 1 July 1 TBD

Final date to hold the MS comprehensive exam or thesis/dissertation defense.

After this date, you will be a graduate of the next semester and must enroll in the next semester. The defense cannot be scheduled on a University holiday or weekend. 

The request for the exam/defense and the reading copy must be submitted to the Graduate College 10 business days in advance. A complete draft of the thesis/dissertation should be sent to the committee well before this deadline so they can provide a thorough review and major revisions can be completed before the defense. Graduate programs and mentors may establish more stringent timelines. 

May 8 August 3 December 10

Priority deadline to submit the final thesis/dissertation and signature page in ProQuest.

If you expect to submit the final thesis/dissertation and signature page after this date, contact the Graduate College. 

May 15 August 3 December 18

Degrees are conferred the final date of the term. 

This is true even if you complete the degree requirements early in the semester. There are several options for obtaining a diploma, transcript, or degree verification letter.

May 15 August 3 December 18

 For semester start and end dates, registration deadlines, and add/drop/withdrawal dates, visit https://admissions.ouhsc.edu/Academic-Calendar