Dissertation and Thesis Guidelines

The submission of your electronic thesis or dissertation (ETD) is the final step in the awarding of your degree. The finished document is a scholarly work, and something to be proud of — the result of a long period of preparation and research.

Allowing enough time for all the required steps, paying attention to deadlines, and adhering to the format guidelines are crucial. Follow these guidelines carefully to ensure the process goes smoothly. The electronic copy of your manuscript, which you submit to the Graduate Division Dean's Office through ProQuest, is deposited in the UCSF Library and eScholarship and becomes an official and permanent record available for use by other scholars and the public. Your committee will guide you in the content of your manuscript, and your graduate program may specify certain elements of style in addition to the prescribed format for all programs.

Please note: deadline extensions are not granted.

Deadlines for Spring 2025 Graduates (ProQuest Degree Date: June 2025)

Deadline Type Deadline Date
Students can begin submitting manuscripts for this term † (see note below table)
(This is the earliest our system is ready to receive this term’s manuscripts.)		 March 31, 2025
Graduate Division to begin reviewing submissions in ProQuest † (see note below table) April 7, 2025
All students submit final, completed manuscript to ProQuest *† (see notes below table)
(This will initiate the formatting check process. The Graduate Division Dean's Office will review your manuscript and provide feedback. You will then update your manuscript and resubmit, the Graduate Division Dean's Office will review your submission again, etc., until you have a formatted version. Students must check their email regularly during this time and be on alert for any required revisions!)		 May 1, 2025 (no later than)
Notice of approved manuscript must be received by 5 p.m.** (see note below table)
(All students must have a notice of approved manuscript by this day. Students should NOT be submitting drafts for an initial review on this date. All drafts must be submitted before this date in order for the review to have completed by the deadline date. Please plan accordingly. Exceptions for submission are not made.)		 May 30, 2025
Survey of Earned Doctorates (external link) May 29, 2025
Doctoral Exit Survey (The survey link is manually sent to your UCSF email account upon submitting your dissertation to ProQuest. The Graduate Division Dean's Office will be notified when you complete this survey.) May 29, 2025
Signed title page (begin this process early in the event a committee member is not available later) May 29, 2025

†Neither committee approval nor a signed title page is required for a formatting review. However, the title page is required by the deadline.
*A signed title page is not required for the initial submission.
**Students must have received an acceptance confirmation by this date. This will be the version to send to publishing. Students submitting after this deadline will need to register for the subsequent term or go on Filing Fee, if eligible.

Guidelines