Deadline to File a Thesis or Dissertation For Masters / Ph.D. students The deadline to file a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation is always the last day of the semester for which the degree is to be earned (e.g. the last day of summer semester for a summer degree, the last day of fall semester for a fall degree). You can find the exact dates on the academic calendar for the relevant term/semester. We recommend that your faculty committee review your thesis 30-60 days prior to your anticipated filing date. For instructions on how to format and submit your thesis or dissertation, see the Thesis Writing and Filing (Masters) or Dissertation Writing and Filing guides.