Dates & Deadlines
December 2025
-
Completion of Degree or Certificate
Degree Audit: August 22
Application for Graduation: August 22
-
Thesis/Dissertation
Proposal Approval Form: August 25
Right to Defend: 10 days before planned defense date (or last day to defend, whichever is earlier)
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Last Date for Oral Defense:
Dissertation: October 27
Thesis: November 10 -
Final Deposit Filling:
Dissertation: November 3
Thesis: November 17 -
Master's Comprehensive Examination
November 24
-
Degree Completion Date
December 13
May 2026
-
Completion of Degree or Certificate
Degree Audit: January 16
Application for Graduation: January 16
-
Thesis/Dissertation
Proposal Approval Form: January 16
Right to Defend: 10 days prior to defense date (or last date to defend, whichever is earlier)
-
Last Date for Oral Defense:
Dissertation: Monday March 23
Thesis: Monday April 6 -
Final Deposit Filling:
Dissertation: Monday March 30
Thesis: Monday April 13 -
Master's Comprehensive Examination
Monday April 27
-
Degree Completion Date
Saturday May 9
August 2026
-
Completion of Degree or Certificate
Degree Audit: May 22
Application for Graduation: January 16
-
Thesis/Dissertation
Proposal Approval Form: May 22
Right to Defend: 10 business days prior to planned defense date or last date to defend, whichever is earlier (must be approved at least 7 business days before defense is held)
-
Last Date for Oral Defense:
Dissertation: July 13
Thesis: July 20 -
Final Deposit Filling:
Dissertation: July 20
Thesis: July 27 -
Master's Comprehensive Examination
July 27
-
Degree Completion Date
August 8
December 2026
-
Completion of Degree or Certificate
Degree Audit: August 21
Application for Graduation: August 21
-
Thesis/Dissertation
Proposal Approval Form: August 24
Right to Defend: 10 business days prior to planned defense date or last date to defend, whichever is earlier (must be approved at least 7 business days before defense is held)
-
Last Date for Oral Defense:
Dissertation: October 26
Thesis: November 9 -
Final Deposit Filling:
Dissertation: November 2
Thesis: November 16 -
Master's Comprehensive Examination
November 30
-
Degree Completion Date
December 12
Master's Comprehensive Examination
Academic units submit results to grad.degree.audit@IllinoisState.edu. Master’s students check with their academic unit for exam information and date
Degree Completion Date
Diplomas are mailed approximately 8-10 weeks after this date.