Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to Candidacy Deadlines

To advance for summer term for fall enrollment in 999: August 1st (Submissions will be accepted through August 15th, for 2026 only.)
To advance for fall enrollment in 999: August 1st (Submissions will be accepted through August 15th, for 2026 only.)
To advance for fall term and register for spring enrollment in 999: November 15th
To advance for spring enrollment in 999: November 15th
To advance for spring term and summer/fall enrollment in 999: April 30th
To advance for summer enrollment in 999: April 30th

Please plan accordingly to ensure that all required paperwork is submitted by the appropriate deadline. Once the advancement is on your Mason Degree Audit, contact your department to obtain a CRN to register for 999 and you must maintain continuous registration for fall/spring terms (and summer if that is your graduation term). For additional information, refer to the Checklists for Graduation.

NOTE: You must advance to candidacy six years from the term of first enrollment as a degree-seeking student.

For CHSS Program Directors/Coordinators:

Send all advancement paperwork to chssgrad@gmu.edu. The submission should include:

Approved Plan of Study
Doctoral Advancement to Candidacy (DAC) form (available on the Registrar's webpage)
Approved Committee form
Documentation confirming that the student has successfully passed comprehensive examinations (if applicable)