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Stay connected to the deadlines and processes for completing your thesis.

Spring/Fall Deadlines: All Divisions

Division-Specific Thesis Due Dates

The Arts Division

Download the arts division thesis calendar.

History & Social Sciences Division

Download the history and social sciences division thesis deadlines.

Literature & Languages Division

Download the literature and languages division thesis due dates.

The mathematical and natural sciences division doesn't have thesis draft deadlines. Refer to your specific academic department for potential internal deadlines.

The philosophy, religion, psychology, and linguistics division doesn't have thesis draft deadlines. Refer to your specific academic department for potential internal deadlines.

1. Provide your thesis adviser with a PDF of ​a properly formatted thesis draft (you must use one of the available templates for correct formatting). Your thesis adviser reviews and provides you with proof of approval. A PDF of a Reed email from your adviser is sufficient proof of approval.
   
   
2. Once your thesis adviser approves, you will submit two files to the :
   —a PDF of your thesis adviser’s approval and
   —a PDF of your thesis (this is for the first check of your thesis).
   (If an earlier submission date is required, contact your thesis adviser and the registrar’s office for more information.)
   
   
3. Your submission for this first check will be confirmed, and you and your thesis adviser will be notified that you may proceed to orals. In the system, your thesis will be marked with the status "under review."
   
   
4. Immediately after receiving confirmation—the same day—distribute a copy of your thesis to each member of your orals board to ensure readers have sufficient time to review your thesis before the oral exam. (Please note: some orals board members may want you to provide a printed copy.)
   
   
5. You will be notified (by the library) if you need to make required format changes. You might receive this email before or after your oral exam. The library does not check citations, bibliographies, or content, which are reviewed by your thesis adviser.
   
   
6. After the oral exam, make both edits required by the orals board and any formatting changes required by the library. We recommend completing this step right after the exam so your final thesis can be submitted earlier than the final deadline.
   
   
7. As soon as possible, upload your final, corrected thesis to the . You will be notified (by the library) that either your thesis meets all guidelines and has been approved or that further changes are required. (To allow for this final review, do not not wait until the last minute to upload corrections.)
   
   
8. If further changes are required, you must make the corrections and resubmit your corrected document by the final deadline.

Failure to submit the thesis and make corrections by the required deadline may result in a failed project.

For Help, Send Us an Email

Requesting an Extension

1. If you wish to request an extension, contact your thesis adviser to see if that option is available.
2. If so, submit proof of their approval as a PDF (a PDF of a Reed email is sufficient) along with your completed  before 3 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024. 

Extension Options

Weekend Extension

Your thesis is due no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, December 9. Taking the weekend extension may require rescheduling your oral exam.

Winter Extension

Your thesis is due no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025. Taking the winter extension results in a delay of your graduation date to the spring semester (or later if there are other outstanding requirements).

Thesis Templates

Information Technology provides downloadable templates for both Word and LaTeX. As you write your thesis, ensure your work is formatted correctly for printing and inclusion in the thesis tower!

IT Thesis Guide & Templates

Library Resources

Find information about citing sources, copyright, formatting requirements, and more.

Graduation Checklist

As you prepare for the end of the academic year, ensure you have a clear understanding of the steps needed to graduate.

Graduation Checklist

Helpful Resources for Seniors

• Doyle Online Writing Lab
• Grants and Awards
• Registrar's Office 
• Student Technology Equipment Program

Crossing the Finish Line!

Laurels: Eliot Chapel

Members of Reed’s senior class receive laurel wreaths after submitting their senior thesis. If you submit early, forward your submission-confirmation email to alumni relations to pick up your laurels early (they distribute laurels as way to welcome you to the Reed alumni community!).

• Thursday, December 5, 12:30 to 4 p.m., Eliot chapel
• Friday, December 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eliot chapel

Celebrating Your Achievement

Thesis Board

After you submit your thesis, complete our submission form to add your name, major, and thesis title to Reed's Thesis Board.

Complete the Thesis Board Submission Form