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.
Fall 2022 Deadlines & Commencement
October 10: Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation
September 19: Graduation Application Deadline
November 1: Defense Deadline
November 15: Final Submission Deadline
December 12: Commencement, 2:30 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
December 12: Doctoral Commencement, 9:30 a.m., Koger Center
Spring 2023 Deadlines & Commencement
March 1: Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation
March 10: Graduation Application Deadline
March 21: Defense Deadline
April 4: Final Submission Deadline
May 5: Commencement, 3 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
May 6: Commencement, 9:30 a.m., Colonial Life Arena
May 6: Doctoral Commencement, 1 p.m., Koger Center
May 6: Commencement, 3 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
Summer 2023 Deadlines
July 6: Format Check Deadline for Thesis/Dissertation
July 14: Defense Deadline
July 18: Graduation Application Deadline
July 24: Final Submission Deadline
August 15: Summer Graduation (No Commencement Ceremony)
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.
Recorded Workshops
Thesis & Dissertation Workshop
Learn the basics about formatting, submitting, and finalizing your thesis or dissertation.
This workshop will cover policies and procedures, as well as provide a general overview
of formatting.
Thesis & Dissertation Workshop | Recorded Feb.10, 2022
Thesis & Dissertation Workshop | Recorded Feb.16, 2022
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.