Application for Candidacy (ACDD)

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Thesis/Dissertation Requirements

 

Purpose

  • Submission of the Application for Candidacy (ACCD) Form is a significant point in the doctoral student’s program because the Major Professor, Supervisory Committee, and Department Head thereby attest that the student is ready to conduct independent dissertation research—although successful completion is not guaranteed.
  • This form is also used to document that the student has obtained any necessary regulatory approvals (IRB, IACUC, etc.) (see SGS Catalog Section 5.1.) and completed any safety trainings necessary. The form should therefore be submitted after the student’s committee approves the dissertation research proposal, and prior to the student conducting their research.   
  • For updates on IRB regulations and to determine whether a student’s research requires IRB approval, view USU's IRB webpage. 

Submission Deadline

  • Doctoral students are encouraged to submit this form by the end of their second year, as soon as their dissertation proposal is approved, all regulatory approvals are complete, and the student passes their comprehensive exams.
    • Verification of regulatory approvals must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies before the student’s Application for Candidacy can be approved.
    • The student, their Major Professor, Committee Members, Department Head, and IRB/IACUC (if needed) will receive an email notification from ServiceNow, to review and approve the Application for Candidacy form. Once all signatures are obtained electronically, all parties will receive a final email from Service Now with a completed form.
    • NOTE: The Application for Candidacy Form should be submitted at least three months prior to the student’s final defense.

Signatures Needed

  • Major professor/Advisor
  • Committee members
  • Department head
  • Student

Students Who Need This Form

Note: The policies and procedures on this page are referenced from the School of Graduate Studies Catalog Section 10.1.2., regarding the Application for Candidacy (ACCD) Submission and Approval. The Catalog is the official text. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this page, the catalog is the authoritative source of information.