Doctoral Degree Requirements for Graduation

All Graduate School requirements for graduation are listed below. Unless stated otherwise, you should submit all forms to 316 Johnston Hall. Forms may be picked up at the locations listed above. Note: all students must submit an Application for Degree to 200 Fraser Hall or 130 Coffey Hall on or before the first working day of the intended month of graduation.

1. Degree Program submission is based on departmental requirements, but must be filed with The Graduate School no later than one term prior to your Preliminary Oral Exam.
2. After completion of all Preliminary Written Exams and at least one week before the Preliminary Oral Exam, submit the Preliminary Written Examination Report form.
3. Schedule the Preliminary Oral with The Graduate School at least one week in advance of the exam. The Prelim Oral must take place at least one academic term (15 weeks) before the Final Oral Defense.
4. Within one working day of completion of the Prelim Oral exam, submit the signed Preliminary Oral Examination Report form.
5. One term after passing the Preliminary Oral Examination submit a Thesis Proposal form.
6. Anytime after the Thesis Proposal has been approved by The Graduate School, request a graduation packet by clicking here, or by visiting 316 Johnston Hall. The Thesis Reviewer's Report form will be issued at that time.
7. Submit an Application for Degree to 200 Fraser or 130 Coffey by the first working day of the intended month of graduation.
8. Submit Final Oral Defense Scheduling Form at least one week prior to the exam.
9. Return the signed Final Oral Examination Report form no later than one working day following completion of the Final Oral Defense.
10. Submit a copy of the dissertation abstract and a copy of the dissertation (all signed by the advisor[s] ) plus the Microfilm Agreement Form and the Survey of Earned Doctorates by the last working day of the intended month of graduation.
    • Electronic Dissertation Submission
    • Formatting Guidelines for the Doctoral Dissertation

Graduate School registration requirement: As a Graduate School student you are required to register every fall and spring term to maintain your active status up through and including the term in which you will officially complete your degree. Failure to maintain your active status will result in the discontinuation of your student status and require applying for readmission.

Forms for Doctoral Students (All forms are available in 316 Johnston Hall (east bank), unless otherwise noted.  Choose "explanation" to view an explanation of why you need to file a particular form. Choose "download" to view the form.)
Form Name	Details	Options
Degree Program Form		Explanation Download
Preliminary Written Examination Report	Also available in your department.	Explanation Download
Doctoral Preliminary Oral Examination Scheduling		Explanation Download
Preliminary Oral Examination Report	Sent by the Graduate School to the Chair of the examining committee if student has scheduled exam one week in advance and has met the requirements listed on the Doctoral Preliminary Oral Examination Scheduling form.
Thesis Proposal Form		Explanation Download
Graduation Packet	Available from 316 Johnston upon approval of Thesis Proposal by the Graduate School.	Request a Doctoral Grad Packet
Time Limits for the Completion of Doctoral Degrees		Download
Special Purpose Forms
Registration Exception Request Form	For changing registration.	Download
Graduate School Petition Form	To request changes on an approved program or extension of time to complete degree.	Download
Change of Status/Readmission Request Form	For readmission or change of major/degree objective.	Download
Language Department Certification of Foreign Language Proficiency		Download
Graduate Department Language Certification		Download

Full service hours in 316 Johnston Hall are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you are a prospective (not yet admitted) Doctoral student, please use the following e-mail address to contact the Graduate Office of Admissions: gsadmit@umn.edu

If you are a current Doctoral student and have specific questions you may contact Stacia Madsen, Doctoral Degree Coordinator (612)625-0168; gsdoc@umn.edu