Doctoral Dissertation Timelines & Instructions
A dissertation is the culminating, integrative, scholarly experience of doctoral study. The purpose of the dissertation research is to: (a) make an original contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s field of specialization, (b) demonstrate an advanced command of research skills, and (c) demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate findings.
The information below provides general, recurring guidance for GW School of Business doctoral students on dissertation timelines, required steps, and final submission processes.
Graduation Timelines
Important Note on Graduation Timing
- Dissertation deadlines are determined by the university’s Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD/ProQuest) submission deadlines each semester. The ETD submission date—not the defense date—determines the student’s official graduation term.
- University deadlines are fixed. Students are responsible for planning defenses, revisions, and final submissions accordingly. Failure to meet the ETD deadline will result in graduation being deferred to the following semester.
- Exact dates are published each semester by the university and should be confirmed early in the academic year.
Fall 2026 Graduation
- October 23: Final dissertation materials due to schedule a fall defense
- November 20: Last date to hold a defense for fall graduation
- December 11, 5 pm: Fixed ETD/ProQuest submission deadline
Spring 2027 Graduation
- February 19: Final dissertation materials due to schedule a spring defense
- March 18: Last date to hold a defense for spring graduation
- April 14, 5pm: Fixed ETD/ProQuest submission deadline
Summer 2027 Graduation
Students defending after spring deadlines are classified as summer graduates. Some students may be eligible for Continuous Enrollment (CE), subject to eligibility rules.
- May 3: Last day to submit materials to defend in the fall semester while enrolled in CE
- May 31: Last date to defend for summer graduation
- August 15, 5pm: Fixed ETD/ProQuest submission deadline
Dissertation Process Overview
Step 1: Form Dissertation Committee
Form a four-member committee (Chair plus three members) and submit the Dissertation Committee Membership Form. Please refer to the Handbook for required members.
Step 2: Proposal Development and Defense
Draft and defend the dissertation proposal. Obtain all required approvals before beginning data collection, including IRB/OHR approval if applicable.
Step 3: Research Phase
Enroll in 1 credit of "8999 Dissertation Research" each fall and spring until research phase is completed.
Step 4: Complete Written Dissertation
Finalize the dissertation manuscript and prepare for defense and submission.
Step 5: Oral Defense
Complete the oral examination with the dissertation committee after submitting required materials at least 30 days in advance.
Step 6: Final Submission and Graduation Clearance
Submit the final dissertation to ProQuest, receive formatting approval from GW Libraries, complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates, and finalize any IRB closure requirements.
Key Action Items for All Doctoral Students
Submit required forms at least 30 days prior to the dissertation defense
Maintain regular communication with the dissertation chair
Apply for graduation in the intended term
Confirm enrollment requirements for the final semester
Dissertation Support Resources
GW Libraries
The library is here to support you in all stages of your research, including research strategy, finding materials and sources, analyzing data, citation management, and more. Access their "Get Research Help" page for a comprehensive list of support resources.
In addition, review the GW Libraries' guide developed to help doctoral students in researching and writing their dissertation. The guide provides resources for choosing your topic, finding examples of other dissertations written by GW students, publications to guide you through the process, and funding opportunities.
If you're conducting a literature review and are interested in other ETD authors' findings on your topic, the library has you covered. Search library and web resources for Dissertations and Theses from GW and other national and international institutions.
GW Writing Center
The GW Writing Center offers free, peer-based support to students and faculty from across the university. Schedule a consultation for one-on-one support for support at all stages of the writing process.
Student Research Commons
The Student Research Commons is a hub for finding research fellowships, funding opportunities, and other related resources.
ETD Submission
- ProQuest's Resources & Guidelines: Provides links to a variety of information to help you make decisions about copyright, publishing, formatting and submission questions.
- For technical assistance with submitting your thesis or dissertation, submit an online support request to ProQuest or call 877-408-5027.
- Electronic Theses and Dissertations Submission (ETD) Guide: Central resource for all of your ETD needs from formatting your manuscript to submission using the ProQuest ETD Administrator.
- Review a glossary of ETD Terms and Definitions.