Degree Completion

Degree Completion Deadlines

Spring 2026

RequirementDeadline
Apply for DegreeMarch 20
Schedule Oral DefenseTwo weeks in advance*
Submit Final Thesis or DissertationMay 26
Degree RecommendationJune 5
Last day of the quarterJune 12

Summer 2026

RequirementDeadline
Apply for DegreeJune 12; May 8 if participating in June commencement
Schedule Oral DefenseTwo weeks in advance*
Submit Final Thesis or DissertationAugust 7
Degree RecommendationAugust 14
Last day of the quarterAugust 21

Fall 2026

RequirementDeadline
Apply for DegreeSeptember 21
Schedule Oral DefenseTwo weeks in advance*
Submit Final Thesis or DissertationNovember 30
Degree RecommendationDecember 4
Last day of the quarterDecember 11

Winter 2027

RequirementDeadline
Apply for DegreeDecember 11
Schedule Oral DefenseTwo weeks in advance*
Submit Final Thesis or DissertationMarch 5
Degree RecommendationMarch 12
Last day of the quarterMarch 19

*Notify the Graduate School of your oral defense date two weeks before the defense occurs. You can hold your defense anytime prior to the thesis and dissertation submission deadline.

Oral Defense Schedule Form

Degree Completion Forms

Master's Degree Application

Doctoral Degree Application

Certificate Completion Application

Oral Defense Schedule

Degree Recommendation - Thesis

Degree Recommendation - Non-thesis

Commencement Sign-up

Ready to Graduate?

  1. Check your status in Degree Works
  2. Submit your Degree Application by the deadline
  3. Complete your remaining requirements by the end of the quarter

Completing a Dissertation or Thesis?

  1. Submit an Oral Defense Schedule form two weeks before your defense
  2. Format your manuscript according to the guidelines
  3. Upload your defended dissertation or thesis by the deadline

Note: The Registrar's Office mails diplomas approximately 6-8 weeks after the end of the quarter you graduate. Please email registrar.office@wwu.edu directly if you have questions.