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Before typing the thesis, praxis or dissertation, the student should obtain the Guidelines for the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations now used University-wide for the preparation of papers. The student should also obtain other forms from his/her departmental office to determine whether all graduation requirements have been met. You may search for LaTex resources on SMU’s website and typing 'LaTex' in the search box. LaTex is the preferred formatting tool to use and will make the formatting process much easier.

Download the LaTex Style template

Initial Check by Jim Dees

Sample materials of Theses, Praxes or Dissertations should be emailed on or before this date to Jim Dees. The sample materials should include one chapter with samples of equations, figures, tables, references and bibliography.  Mr. Dees will ensure that the format is compliant with SMU standards. Please schedule an appointment in advance to discuss any corrections or potential problems. This step is mandatory. Please email PDF copies. 

Final Check by Jim Dees

An emailed PDF copy of Thesis, Praxis or Dissertation in final form is due on or before this date to Jim Dees.  Mr. Dees will ensure that the copy deposited is compliant with SMU standards.  The student is responsible for making any required corrections.  After all formatting corrections are completed, a copy of the document is made for each committee member and distributed by the student to the members of his/her examining committee for review two weeks in advance of the final examination.

Deadline for dissertation/thesis defense - scheduling your defense

Publication of Dissertation Defenses:  Oral examinations for the Ph.D. degree are open to the public and announced on a University calendar that is publicly available.  The completed Dissertation Defense Announcement form, including the date, time, and location of the examination (or, in the case of a virtual examination, a link to register for or attend the examination online), must be submitted to the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled defense.  The examination will be announced on the Moody School events calendar as well as in the Moody School newsletter.  Additional announcements are at the discretion of the student’s dissertation committee, in adherence with relevant departmental policies.  The format of the oral examination and the participation of the audience are also at the discretion of the dissertation committee, in adherence with relevant departmental policies.  Usually, the examination will include a portion open to the public and a portion that includes only the student and the dissertation committee members. Adopted by the Graduate Council November 19, 2021.

The appropriate form to schedule the defense is located here: 

Last day to schedule a dissertation or thesis defense:

Deadline for Final upload of Thesis, Praxis or Dissertation to SMU Scholar

Degree Conferral date

Use the appropriate date below as the conferral date on title and abstract pages