Thesis & Dissertation Resources

Getting Started

1. Download one of the templates and the checklist.
2. Watch the introductory video to familiarize yourself with the template.
3. Begin writing in the template or move your text into the template.
4. Assign MS Word Styles to each heading and update the table of contents. Watch this video to learn how.
5. Check your documents against each item in the checklist. Use the tutorials for help.

Timeline

2026–2027 Graduate Graduation Deadlines for the McKay School:

December 2026 Graduation Deadlines:

See department for defense scheduling deadline.
Oct. 14: Last day to apply for graduation
Nov. 17: Defense has to be held by this day
Nov. 24: Deadline to submit the MS Word version to the MSE dean’s office
Dec. 14: Deadline to submit PDF to MSE dean’s office
Dec. 16: Deadline to upload ETD (PDF) to Gradprog

April 2027 Graduation Deadlines:

See department for defense scheduling deadline.
Jan. 22: Last day to apply for graduation
March 12: Defense has to be held by this day
March 19: Deadline to submit the MS Word version to the MSE dean’s office
April 15: Deadline to submit PDF to MSE dean’s office
April 19: Deadline to upload ETD (PDF) to Gradprog

June 2027 Graduation Deadlines:

See department for defense scheduling deadline.
March 12: Last day to apply for graduation to walk in April 2027 (May 3 for those not wanting to walk)
May 7: Defense has to be held by this day
May 14: Deadline to submit the MS Word version to the MSE dean’s office
June 11: Deadline to submit PDF to MSE dean’s office
June 15: Deadline to upload ETD (PDF) to Gradprog

August 2027 Graduation Deadlines:

See department for defense scheduling deadline.
March 12: Last day to apply for graduation to walk in April 2027 (June 17 for those not wanting to walk)
July 7: Defense has to be held by this day
July 14: Deadline to submit the MS Word version to the MSE dean’s office
Aug. 5: Deadline to submit PDF to MSE dean’s office
Aug. 9: Deadline to upload ETD (PDF) to Gradprog