Completion deadlines for master's students
Fall 2025
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Degree applications filed | Friday, September 26, 2025 |
| Manuscript submitted to the Graduate School for Format Check | Immediately following defense |
| Last day to defend | Check with department |
Final Graduate School requirements:
| Tuesday, December 15, 2025 |
| Fill out and submit permissions form to archive and disseminate published thesis with the Wayne State University Library System. | After completing the format check. |
Winter 2026
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Degree applications filed | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Manuscript submitted to the Graduate School for Format Check | Immediately following defense |
| Last day to defend | Check with department |
Final Graduate School requirements:
| Tuesday, May 4, 2026 |
| Fill out and submit permissions form to archive and disseminate published thesis with the Wayne State University Library System. | After completing the format check. |
Spring/Summer 2026
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Degree applications filed | Friday, June 5, 2026 |
| Manuscript submitted to the Graduate School for Format Check | Immediately following defense |
| Last day to defend | Check with department |
Final Graduate School requirements:
| Friday, August 21, 2025 |
| Fill out and submit permissions form to archive and disseminate published thesis with the Wayne State University Library System. | After completing the format check. |
Graduation
Wayne State confers degrees in the winter, spring/summer and fall terms. Graduation ceremonies are held in December and May. Detailed information about applying for the degree and commencement procedures is available on the commencement website.
Degree application
Degree applications are available via Academica on the Student tab, Student Self Service menu.
Application deadline
The deadline for applying is the Friday of the fourth week of class in the semester in which graduation is anticipated.
Caps, gowns, and tickets
Information concerning Commencement announcements, caps and gowns, tickets, and other relevant information will be mailed to the degree candidate by the Commencement Office prior to the event.
Attendance at the ceremony
Candidates for advanced degrees are requested and expected to attend Commencement, where they will receive their diplomas. Diplomas will be mailed to those candidates unable to attend the ceremonies.