| Task To Be Completed | Spring 2026 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last day to defend a thesis or dissertation. Note: Your program may have an earlier deadline. Extensions may be requested by your committee chairperson via email to the Graduate Dean. | 4/3/26 | 7/11/25 | 11/13/25 |
| Upload document to ProQuest for review by Graduate School Dean. | 4/10/26 | 7/18/25 | 11/22/25 |
| Printed final copy due to the Graduate School. See guide for details. | 4/27/26 | 8/4/25 | 12/8/2025 |
Thesis – Each graduate program determines whether they require, or provide an option for, master’s students to submit a thesis.
Dissertation – All Ph.D. candidates will complete a dissertation.
Thesis and Dissertation Guide
The Thesis Dissertation Guide outlines the general timeline, policies, and procedures for producing a thesis or dissertation at the University of Central Arkansas. It is important to read and understand fully the contents of the manual.
What are my responsibilities?
- Doctoral and master’s students must complete and submit for approval a Thesis/Dissertation Defense Approval Form. Students need to select faculty to serve on their committee. All committee members must have current Graduate Faculty status at UCA. Selection criteria for committee members are described in the Thesis Dissertation Guide.
- Students and faculty will work with the Research Compliance Officer to comply with all university policies regarding research and the use of human subjects and animals in the research.
Thesis and Dissertation Forms
- Thesis Dissertation Guide
- Thesis/Dissertation Checklist
- Frontmatter Example
- Dissertation Announcement Link (Committee Chair)
- Thesis Announcement Link (Committee Chair)
- Thesis/Dissertation Defense Approval Form (Committee Chair) Once you click on the link, select USE. Please do not EDIT.
- Thesis or Dissertation Committee Selection Form (Thesis or Dissertation Chair)
- Thesis or Dissertation Committee Member Change Form (Committee Chair)
- Thesis and Dissertation Permission Form (student)