Thesis and Dissertation Information

1. E-mail the final, defended version of the thesis or dissertation as a .pdf to gradreviewer@valdosta.edu by the published deadline.  Starting Fall 2024 all dissertation must be in APA 7th ed. Please e-mail questions separately. 
2. Students may not graduate until the next term if the thesis or dissertations is received after the published deadline and/or all edits are not completed by the end of the semester.   
3. Include the one signed signature page in the PDF document (the page signed by all committee members in black or blue ink or electronic signature – do not date when signing, only list the defense date at bottom of page).  Students can send the signature page seperatly when first submiting the thesis or dissertation for Grad School review, but the completed signature page with the Associate Provost's signature must be included in the final document prior to uploading to ProQuest & V:text and  prior to binding (forward the original to the graduate school for signing via email or campus mail or as a copy in DocuSign).
4. Include your contact information (name, phone numbers, and VSU e-mail address) if we need to contact you with additional instructions.
5. Do not make further changes to your thesis or dissertation unless directed by the Reviewer to do so.
6. The Graduate School reviews to ensure compliance with the required format.
7. The Graduate School’s review can take up to 3 to 4 weeks, possibly longer depending on the number of theses and dissertations received at the same time (e.g. at the deadline). Please submit well before the deadline if possible.  The review process is completed as quickly as possible based on the order received.
8. AFTER the review, the fully signed signature page (with the Associate Provost's signature) will be emailed to the student.  Insert the fully signed signature page in the thesis or dissertation prior to uploading it to the V-text and ProQuest data bases.
9. ProQuest and V:Text: Students are submitting to both when they go through the ProQuest steps. (printable guidelines).

 Remember: Students are not required to submit copies to be bound – this is voluntary.  Please   read below if one chooses to order bound copies: 

• Students may order bound copies for themselves, or their friends and family. There are many commercial binding companies that can bind your thesis or dissertation. While Odum Library does not endorse a particular company, we are happy to share a couple of options.

  • Thesis on Demand  can print and bind your dissertation from a PDF file. 
  • ProQuest allows you to purchase a bound copy when you upload the PDF file or at a later date https://dissexpress.proquest.com/

• • Thesis Committee Appointment Form (PDF format) For masters and ed specialists students only. Note: Submit to the Graduate School at least 3 semesters before graduation!
  • Thesis Defense Notification Form
  • Doctoral students should submit the following formsSignature Page Sample (this is a sample of what your signature page should contain)
    • • Admission to Candidacy Form
      • Dissertation Committee Appointment Form
      • Dissertation Proposal Approval Form (must include a copy of IRB exemption or approval with this form)
      • Final Approval of Dissertation form
      • Dissertation Defense Notification
  • Required submission to ProQuest and V-Text after the review is complete: printable guidelines
  • The Graduate School does not require binding of approved theses or dissertations.

• • - Office of Sponsored Programs and Research
  • Working in Word - Headers, Footers, Page Breaks Source: Information Technology
  • Page Numbering in Word (a YouTube help video)

• EDD Handbook
• EDD & SLPD Doctoral Program Resources
• DNP Handbook
• DPA Program Resources 

Click here for details about items on the checklist      Printable List (PDF)

Consult advisor for program-specific requirements

• Register for thesis or dissertation hours
• Develop tentative proposal
• Select committee - STOP! Committee members must have graduate faculty status - check the lists!  (Graduate Faculty List)
• Submit Thesis or Dissertation Committee Appointment form  (at least 3 semesters before graduating)
• Prepare a draft of proposal - obtain committee approval
• Obtain IRB or IACUC Approval/Exemption
• For Doctoral students: Submit Dissertation Proposal Approval form 
• Begin research and writing 
• Apply for graduation (at least 2 semesters in advance)
• Schedule the Defense
• Submit Thesis or Dissertation defense notification to the Graduate School.
• Defend the Thesis or Dissertation
• Make suggested edits from the committee (if any)
• Proofread final version
• Submit final version and the signed signature page to Graduate School by published semester deadlines
• Order regalia (hood, cap/tam, gown) for graduation
• Complete edits for the Graduate School (if any)
• Submit final, approved thesis or dissertation.
• Required - Submit a final copy of your thesis or dissertation to V-text and Proquest by following the Printable Guidelines.
• Celebrate with family and friends at commencement!!

Click here for component (formatting) details, templates, and sample pages  

Click here for info about the paper, margins, etc. 

(Page order for a thesis or dissertation. Items with asterisks (*) are optional. )

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Signature Page
• Fair Use and Duplication Release Form
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures or Illustrations
• List of Tables
• *Preface
• *Acknowledgments
• *Dedication
• Body of Text and Nontext Elements (type 2 spaces after a period ending a sentence)
• Endnotes/Footnotes/Text References
• Bibliography/Reference List
• Appendix/Appendices (if applicable)

Many forms are in PDF format. You may need to update your PDF software to view.

Dissertation Committee Information (Faculty and their Research Areas/Expertise)

Note: Please refer to Graduate Faculty Lists. Applications for full status are reviewed during fall and spring semesters only. 

COEHS Approved Faculty for Dissertation Committees

(faculty must complete an COEHS application to be approved for serving on a COEHS dissertation committee)