Graduation
All graduates and faculty are encouraged to attend graduation ceremonies. This is an important event for the Student, the Major Advisor, the College, and the University. The graduation ceremony singles out and celebrates this significant and important accomplishment.
Applying for Graduation
Degrees are awarded in May, and December. Students must complete and submit the "University of Louisville Application for Degree" form available from the Education Advising Center in the School of Education (502-852-5597) or from the Graduate School in Houchens Building (502-852-6495). The deadline for submitting this form, which is typically early in the semester, is listed in the schedule of courses.
Submission of Dissertation
The School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies (SIGS) Office in Houchens Hall must have your completed dissertation along with the signed Dissertation Approval Form [DOC] approximately 10 days before the end of the semester in which you plan to graduate. One unbound copy of the dissertation must be submitted to SIGS.
Length of Candidacy
A doctoral degree student must have been admitted to candidacy not later than the end of the ninth month prior to the awarding of the degree, that is:
- August graduation-November 30 of preceding year
- December graduation-March 31 of same year
- May graduation-August 31 of preceding year
School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies http://graduate.louisville.edu/pubs/graduate-catalog.

