Doctoral Degree Forms and Deadlines

All current, degree-seeking graduate students pursuing a doctoral degree must complete the steps below, referring to the deadline dates and handbook as needed. NOTE:  Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher is required to download and enter information into these forms. Once you have entered information on a form, you can then save it as a PDF document on your local computer. It is recommended that you use Internet Explorer as a browser when saving the forms to your computer.  If you do not have Adobe Reader, click here .

Degree Compliance Specialist Connie Sokolowski 777 Glades Road, SU80,101 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-297-6065 csokolow@fau.edu

	Doctoral Degree Deadline Dates
	Thesis & Dissertation Guidelines

Plan of Study for the Doctoral Degree

• The Plan of Study

• Required for all Doctoral students

• All students wishing to graduate in Summer 2008 or Fall 2008 are required to submit this form by May 9, 2008. If you have submitted a Candidacy form with a detailed list of courses, you are not required to fill out a Plan of Study. Students are strongly encouraged to submit this form during their first or second semester of enrollment.

• It is recommended that you meet with your advisor to develop your Plan of Study.

• You must file the Plan of Study with the Graduate College prior to completion of half of your coursework

• Download the writable PDF form. Note: The Plan of Study form will not be accepted unless it is typed).  Click here for the Plan of Study form.

• The doctorate degree requires a minimum of 80 credits beyond the baccalaureate including dissertation credits.

• Complete the form by outlining all courses that will count toward the degree (including transfer credits and classes to remove deficiencies or other stipulations) in the appropriate tables. You may save the populated form if you have Adobe Reader 8. Check with your advisor to determine whether or not you can email the form for signature.

• Research Compliance and Safety

• All doctoral students conducting research with human and animal subjects must complete the Research Compliance and Safety form (Form 12), and attach it to the Plan of Study before submission to the Graduate College.  Click here to download the form.

• Obtain required signatures and return the Plan of Study form to the Degree Compliance Specialist in the Graduate College (SU-80, 101).

Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree

• Once you have completed a substantial number of credits on your program of study and have passed the comprehensive examinations administered by the department in the major and minor (if applicable) fields, you are eligible to apply for doctoral candidacy.

• Download the writable PDF form (form must be typed or will not be accepted).  Click here for the Doctoral Candidacy form.

• This form should be filed within one month of successful completion of the student’s qualifying examination.

• Prior to submission to the Graduate College, signatures must be obtained from all committee members, the Department Chair and the College Dean.

• Once candidacy is achieved, registration is required for at least 2 semesters each calendar year until you graduate.  Additionally, you must be registered for at least one credit during the graduation semester.

Application for Degree submission

• Application for Degree must be submitted by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar for the semester in which you intend to graduate.

• Download and complete the writable PDF form, print the form, get the appropriate signatures and submit it to the Registrar’s office by the posted deadline.  Your college may have additional requirements for Application for Degree submission.

• Click here for the latest Academic Calendar

• Click here for the Application for Degree form
  
  

Dissertation Preparation

• For information on preparing a Doctoral dissertation, please refer to the FAU Requirements and Guidelines for Graduate Thesis and Dissertations. 

Dissertation Submission to the Graduate College

• Once your dissertation has been successfully defended, you must submit one copy of the dissertation on draft paper for format review.  You must include the signed signature page on 20 lb/25% cotton bond paper by the date specified in the Academic Calendar for the semester in which you plan to graduate. 

• After revisions are made the three final copies of the dissertation and the other items on the Doctoral dissertation checklist must be submitted to the Graduate College no later than one week prior to graduation.  Click here to download the checklist.

• For more information, refer to the FAU Requirements and Guidelines for Graduate Thesis and Dissertations.

	FAQs
	What if I want to revise my Plan of Study?
	What if I'm required to submit an "Academic Progression Plan?
	What are the requirements for writing a dissertation?
	What if I need to have a university regulation waived?