Dissertation Completion

In addition to completing all required coursework, dissertation defense, and other program requirements, candidates for doctoral degrees of the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (PB) are required to electronically submit their dissertations to the University Library via Digital Commons @ NLU (http://digitalcommons.nl.edu) for archiving and accessibility. 

• Candidates apply for their diploma during their final term at NLU in accordance with quarterly degree finalization deadlines posted in the official NLU calendar. 
• Diploma application alerts the Registrar’s office to conduct a degree audit to ensure that all required coursework has been completed and all grades have been entered on the candidate’s transcript. 
• The candidate must successfully defend the dissertation. Successful defense of the dissertation is documented by a completed dissertation signature page transmitted to the respective Office of the Dean by the designated College officer. 
• The candidate’s degree will be conferred at the end of the term in which the defense occurs upon receipt of the completed dissertation signature page by the Registrar. 
• The candidate submits an electronic copy of their dissertation to the University Library via Digital Commons @ NLU (Instructions are found here: http://libguides.nl.edu/dc/dissertations). 
• Upon publication of the dissertation on Digital Commons @ NLU, the Registrar will release the diploma and official transcript to the graduate. 
• Students wishing to participate in June commencement hooding ceremonies must have their final hearing on or before April 30th . Students who have their hearing after the April 30th deadline will be invited to participate in the June commencement ceremony the following year.