Dates & Deadlines

May 2027

Completion of Degree or Certificate

Degree Audit: January 15

Application for Graduation: January 15
Thesis/Dissertation

Proposal Approval Form: January 15

Right to Defend: 10 business days prior to defense date (or last date to defend, whichever is earlier)
Last Date for Oral Defense:

Dissertation: March 22
Thesis: April 5
Final Deposit Filling:

Dissertation: March 29
Thesis: April 12
Master's Comprehensive Examination

April 26
Degree Completion Date

May 8

Completion of Degree or Certificate

Degree Audit: May 21

Application for Graduation: January 15
Thesis/Dissertation

Proposal Approval Form: May 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: July 12
Thesis: July 19
Final Deposit Filling:

Dissertation: July 19
Thesis: July 26
Master's Comprehensive Examination

July 26
Degree Completion Date

August 7

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

Academic units submit results to grad.degree.audit@IllinoisState.edu. Master’s students check with their academic unit for exam information and date

Diplomas are mailed approximately 8-10 weeks after this date.