Thesis and Dissertation Policies & Timeline

Step Two: Writing the Thesis or Dissertation

Step Three: Defending the Thesis or Dissertation
The Defense should take place approximately six weeks before graduation (commencement); the student should give the document to committee members approximately three weeks before this, approximately nine weeks before graduation.

Step Four: Submitting the Thesis or Dissertation to the Department
The student should submit the document to the Department Chair approximately five weeks before graduation.

Step Five: Submitting the Thesis or Dissertation to the College
The student should submit the document to the College Dean three weeks before graduation (at the very latest).

Step Six: Submitting the Thesis or Dissertation to the Graduate School (and the Library)
The student should submit the document (and supporting materials) to the Graduate School one week after graduation (at the very latest). Please download the Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form and submit to the Graduate School with your materials.

A Comprehensive Guide for Writing a Thesis or Dissertation at UNF
Click here for a printable PDF copy of the Guide.

Programs with Theses (Required or Optional)

Brooks College of Health
• M.S.H. Health Science: Nutrition (optional)
• M.S.H. Health Science: Geriatric Management (optional)
• M.H.A. Health Administration (optional)
• M.S.N. Nursing (optional)

College of Arts and Sciences
• M.A. Biology (optional)
• M.S. Biology (required)
• M.S. Criminal Justice (optional)
• M.A. English (optional)
• M.A. History: American History (optional)
• M.A. History: European History (optional)
• M.S. Mathematical Science: Mathematics (optional)
• M.S. Mathematical Science: Statistics (optional)
• M.A. Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics (optional)
• M.A.C.P. Counseling Psychology (optional)
• M.A.G.P. General Psychology (required)
• M.S. Applied Sociology (optional)

College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction
• M.S. Computer and Information Sciences: Computer Science (optional)
• M.S. Computer and Information Sciences: Information Systems (optional)
• M.S. Computer and Information Sciences: Software Engineering (optional)

College of Education and Human Services
• M.Ed. Elementary Education: Advanced Study (optional)
• M.Ed. Elementary Education: Teaching English as a Second Language (optional)
• M.Ed. Secondary Education: Adult Learning (optional)
• M.Ed. Secondary Education: Professional Education (optional)
• M.Ed. Secondary Education: Teaching English as a Second Language (optional)

Programs with Dissertations (Required or Optional)

College of Education and Human Services
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership (Required)