Submit Your Thesis/Dissertation
Be sure you have prepared and formatted your document properly before you submit.
Formatting Guide
Make sure your thesis or dissertation conforms to the formatting requirements or you will be asked to make changes and resubmit.
Spring 2024 Deadlines & Commencement
March 4: Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation
March 15: Graduation Application Deadline
March 22: Defense Deadline
April 8: Final Submission Deadline
May 3: Master's and Certificate Commencement by College, 3 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
May 4: Master's and Certificate Commencement by College, 9:30 a.m., Colonial Life Arena
May 4: Doctoral Commencement, 1 p.m., Koger Center
May 4: Master's and Certificate Commencement by College, 3 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
Summer 2024 Deadlines & Commencement
July 5: Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation
July 15: Graduation Application Deadline
July 15: Defense Deadline
July 22: Final Submission Deadline
August 15: Official Date of Graduation*
*Summer 2024 graduates will participate in commencement ceremonies December 16, 2024
What is the Final Submission Deadline?
On or before this date, you must submit a finalized document that conforms to all formatting requirements.
Formatting Your Thesis or Dissertation
We require consistency in form and appearance for all thesis and dissertation documents.
Fall 2023 Formatting Workshops
Graduate students are invited to attend free in-person or virtual formatting workshops to help format your thesis or dissertation. Visit the thesis & dissertation workshop calendar for a list of events and registration links.
Submitting Your Thesis or Dissertation Document
Try to submit your document early. That way, you will have more time to make any necessary changes that come out of your format check.
1. Review the Format Guide
Ensure your document conforms to our formatting requirements.
2. Submit Your Document
You will submit your thesis or dissertation through ETD Administrator.
Instructions for Submitting
Once you get to the ETD Administrator site, click the box that says "Sign up and get started today!" You will create an account (separate from your USC accounts) and complete the steps to submit your document.
3. Make Any Necessary Formatting Changes
We will review your document for format compliance and notify you of any necessary changes via the email address you entered to create your ETD Administrator account. It may be several days before you hear back from us.
4. Revise Your Online Submission
If you need to make changes to your formatting, do so. After you have made the required revisions, log in to ETD Administrator and submit your new version. Do not create a new account.
Instructions
Once logged in to your ETD Administrator account, click "View/revise existing submission."
5. Wait for Acceptance
You will either be notified that you have passed the format check or that you need to submit another round of revisions. Once you have passed the format check, your thesis or dissertation is accepted and there is no need to submit again.
Delayed Release or Embargo
Students can elect to delay the dissemination of their manuscripts with what is commonly referred to as an embargo.
How to Request an Embargo
UMI/ProQuest Embargo
Indicate your desired embargo length when you submit your thesis. This prevents the
full-text version of your work from being available in the UMI/ProQuest database until
your embargo period is over.
USC Scholar Commons Embargo
Indicate your desired embargo length on your required signature form and attach a
justification memo or letter signed by both your major advisor and program graduate
director.
An Embargo May Be Appropriate if Your Scholarship is...
- Creative Work
- Intellectual Property with Commercial Potential
- Politically Sensitive Material
How Long An Embargo Lasts
You can typically choose one of three options: 6 months, 1 year or 2 years.
Where Theses and Dissertations Are Stored:
- UMI/ProQuest Database
- Scholar Commons, USC's repository
Accessing Your Published Thesis or Dissertation
USC UMI/Proquest Portal
Users with a valid USC ID can access full-text PDF versions of USC theses and dissertations through this portal. Full-text access will be restricted if you are not using the portal through this USC library link.