Fall 2026 Exam Notification Deadline
📅 September 15, 2026: Ph.D. students must notify Dr. Jennifer Esposito and Damien Lawrence of their intent to take the Comprehensive Exam via email for the Fall 2026 semester.
Spring 2027 Exam Notification Deadline
📅 February 1, 2027: Ph.D. students must notify Dr. Esposito and Damien of their intent to take the comprehensive exam via email for the Spring 2027 semester.
Note: The Comprehensive Exam cannot be taken during the summer semester.
Program-Specific Procedures
Ed.D. comprehensive exams have different dates and procedures. You'll be informed by the Ed.D. program coordinator regarding the details.
Note: The Comprehensive Exam cannot be taken during the summer semester.
Fall 2026 Prospectus Defense Timeline:
Submission Deadline
November 17, 2026: Last day to submit Prospectus Announcement and Prospectus draft (approved by your dissertation committee chair) to Dr. Esposito.
Prospectus Announcement and Prospectus draft must be approved by your dissertation committee chair before submission to Dr. Esposito 30 calendar days prior to the presentation date.
Final Presentation Deadline
December 15, 2026: Last day to present the Prospectus for Fall 2026 semester.
You cannot present the Prospectus during Thanksgiving Break (November 23 – November 28, 2026).
Spring 2027 Prospectus Defense Timeline:
Submission Deadline
April 6, 2027: Last day to submit Prospectus Announcement and Prospectus draft (approved by your dissertation committee chair) to Dr. Esposito.
Prospectus Announcement and Prospectus draft must be approved by your dissertation committee chair before submission to Dr. Esposito 30 calendar days prior to the presentation date.
Final Presentation Deadline
May 4, 2027: Last day to present the Prospectus for Spring 2027 semester.
You cannot present the Prospectus during Spring Break (March 15 – March 21, 2027).
Note: The Prospectus cannot be presented during the summer semester.
Fall 2026 Dissertation Defense Timeline:
Submission Deadline
November 6, 2026: Last day to submit Dissertation Announcement and Dissertation Manuscript (approved by your advisor) to Dr. Esposito to graduate in Fall 2026.
Dissertation Announcement and Dissertation Manuscript must be approved by your advisor before submission to Dr. Esposito 30 calendar days prior to the defense date.
Final Defense Deadline
December 4, 2026: Last day to defend the Dissertation to graduate in Fall 2026.
You cannot defend the Dissertation during Thanksgiving Break (November 23 – November 28, 2026).
Spring 2027 Dissertation Defense Timeline:
Submission Deadline
March 26, 2027: Last day to submit Dissertation Announcement and Dissertation Manuscript (approved by your advisor) to Dr. Esposito to graduate in Spring 2027.
Dissertation Announcement and Dissertation Manuscript must be approved by your advisor before submission to Dr. Esposito 30 calendar days prior to the defense date.
Final Defense Deadline
April 23, 2027: Last day to defend the Dissertation to graduate in Spring 2027.
You cannot defend the Dissertation during Spring Break (March 15 – March 21, 2027).
Note: The Dissertation cannot be defended during the summer semester.