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MFA Thesis Checklist

MFA Students

This checklist can help you keep track of your progress on your MFA thesis and ensure you don't miss any steps.

Checklist

  1. Attend the Thesis Overview Meeting for second-year students in January of your second year (to be arranged by the MFA Coordinator).
  2. Fill out and submit “Thesis Committee Preference Form,” due to the MFA Coordinator two weeks after the Thesis Overview Meeting.
  3. Submit thesis proposal one year in advance of graduation: due April 15 for spring graduates, November 15 for fall graduates.
  4. Turn in a draft of your thesis by Nov. 15 for spring graduates (May 15 for fall graduates) to your thesis director.
  5. Thesis director responds to your draft by Dec. 15 (Jun. 15 for fall graduates)
  6. Carefully review the Thesis Submission Format section of the MFA Handbook.
  7. Submit pdf draft for format approval (with accompanying DocuSign) to the graduate school. For semester-specific deadlines see the Graduate School link above.
  8. Work with your Director to schedule the defense and book the room with office staff. Defense must be completed between March 1-April 15 for spring graduates, and October 1-November 15 for fall graduates.
  9. Provide copy of thesis for all members of your committee at least three weeks prior to defense.
  10. Complete the 2-part thesis defense: formal defense and public reading.
  11. Secure formal committee approval and submit to Graduate School. (see link in #6 above)
  12. Submit the EDT permissions form to the Graduate School. (see link in #6 above)
  13. Email final pdf of thesis to the Graduate School and to the department.