The dissertation is the hallmark of the research expertise demonstrated by a doctoral student. It is a scholarly contribution to knowledge in the student’s area of specialization. By researching and writing a dissertation, the student is expected to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and the capability to function as an independent scholar.
A thesis is a hallmark of some master’s programs. It is a piece of original research, generally less comprehensive than a dissertation, and is meant to show the student’s knowledge of an area of specialization.
Document Preparation
PhD and master’s students are responsible for meeting all requirements for preparing theses and dissertations. They are expected to confer with their advisors about disciplinary and program expectations and to follow Graduate School procedure requirements.
Submission
The Graduate School’s format review is in place to help the document submission process go smoothly for the student. Format reviews for PhD dissertations and master’s theses can be done remotely or in-person. The format review is required at or before the two-week notice of the final defense.
Access and Distribution
Ohio State has agreements with two organizations—OhioLINK and ProQuest/UMI Dissertation Publishing—that store and provide access to Ohio State theses and dissertations.
Examinations
Graduate degree examinations are a major milestone in all graduate students’ pursuit of their graduate degree. Much hinges on the successful completion of these examinations, including the ability to continue in a graduate program.
The rules and processes set by the Graduate School ensure the integrity of these examinations for graduate students, the graduate faculty, and for Ohio State.
Final Semester
During your final semester as a graduate student there are many activities that lead up to commencement and receiving your degree. Complete the final semester checklist and learn more about commencement activities.
Graduation Calendar
Select your expected graduation term below to see specific dates concerning when to apply for graduation, complete your examinations and reports, submit approved thesis and dissertation, commencement, and the end-of semester deadline.
Autumn 2024 Graduation
Applications to Graduate Due1 : September 6, 2024
Examinations and Reports completed by2 : November 22, 2024
Approved thesis and dissertation submitted and accepted by3 : November 27, 2024
Commencement4 : December 15, 2024
End of Semester Deadline5 : January 3, 2025
Spring 2025 Graduation
Applications to Graduate Due1 : January 24, 2025
Examinations and Reports completed by2 : April 11, 2025
Approved thesis and dissertation submitted and accepted by3 : April 18, 2025
Commencement4 : May 4, 2025
End of Semester Deadline5 : May 5, 2025
Summer 2025 Graduation
Applications to Graduate Due1 : May 23, 2025
Examinations and Reports completed by2 : July 11, 2025
Approved thesis and dissertation submitted and accepted by3 : July 18, 2025
Commencement4 : August 3, 2025
End of Semester Deadline5 : August 25, 2025
Autumn 2025 Graduation
Applications to Graduate Due1 : September 12, 2025
Examinations and Reports completed by2 : November 26, 2025
Approved thesis and dissertation submitted and accepted by3 : December 5, 2025
Commencement4 : December 21, 2025
End of Semester Deadline5 : January 9, 2026
1 Applications to graduate include current semester or End-of-Semester deadline. Applications must be received by close of business.
2Format reviews may occur electronically or in person at the Graduate School during announced business hours. Both options require submitting a digital version of the dissertation or DMA document draft in a PDF format to grad-schoolformatreview@osu.edu.
3 Approved documents must be submitted via OhioLINK and accepted by the Graduate School by the close of business before the Report on Final Document will be processed.
4 Students not attending commencement must complete the commencement section on the Application to Graduate to indicate how their diploma should be disbursed.
5 A degree applicant who does not meet published graduation deadlines but who does complete all degree requirements by the last business day prior to the first day of classes for the following semester or summer term will graduate the following semester or summer term without registering or paying fees
Still Have Questions?
Dissertations & Theses
614-292-6031
grad-schoolformatreview@osu.edu
Doctoral Exams, Master's Examination, Graduation Requirements
614-292-6031
grad-schoolgraduationservices@osu.edu