Degree Requirements
5. When is the deadline to file for your degree?
You must submit your thesis/dissertation by the deadline for the quarter in which the degree is to be conferred. Friday of the tenth week of classes is the deadline for submitting theses and dissertations during each quarter.
What happens if you complete your requirements (including submission of the thesis/dissertation) AFTER the tenth week of classes, but BEFORE the beginning of the subsequent quarter? Not to worry -- you will earn a degree for the subsequent quarter, but will not be required to pay fees for that quarter! To avoid payment of fees for the subsequent quarter, you must have submitted the manuscript and degree paperwork prior to the first day of the quarter in which the degree is to be earned. These deadlines are published in the Schedule of Classes each quarter.
What if you don't finish your degree by the Spring deadline? Good news: you may earn a Summer degree if you submit your manuscript and all degree paperwork by the Summer degree deadline. Students who file their thesis/dissertation and are awarded their degree during the Summer term must either pay the Filing Fee, or be enrolled and registered through Summer Session.
The following applies to payment of the Filing Fee in lieu of registration:
- Students may only pay the Filing Fee in lieu of registration once during their academic career.
- Students must be registered in the academic term immediately preceding the term in which they pay the Filing Fee. Students cannot be on Leave of Absence during the academic term immediately preceding payment of the Filing Fee.
- Students who have already paid the Filing Fee in lieu of registration will be required to register and enroll in a minimum number of units (typically Independent Study/Research units; the minimum number of units varies by program) through Summer Session and pay the corresponding Summer Session unit registration fees.
