Timeline at a Glance

This Master’s Project timeline applies to students who matriculate in fall 2026 and beyond.

For more information on switching to the Course-Based Pathway, please visit our FAQ Page.

Spring 2028 Graduates (May 2028)

Client and Faculty ideas solicitedSummer-Fall 2026
MP ideas from Faculty and Clients circulated to students (tentative)10/15/2026
Onus on students to explore/develop ideas with advisorsFall 2026
MP Prospectus with explicit approval from Advisor due via Duke Box to Student Services2/17/2027
Program Chair approval of Prospectuses3/1/27
Opportunity to switch to Course-Based Pathway per discussion with Advisors and/or Program Chair ahead of fall registration3/31/27
MP Work Plan due to MP Advisor and primary concentration Program Chair(s) via Duke Box5/3/27
Any revisions to MP Work Plan due to MP Advisor and submitted to Student Services via Duke Box. This is the final deadline for the Work Plan8/16/27
Opportunity to switch to Course-Based Pathway per discussion with Advisors and/or Program Chair ahead of Drop/Add9/3/27
Update and mid-term grade discussion with MP Advisor. Continuation approved, or movement to Course-Based Pathway ahead of spring registration10/27/27
Feedback provided by MP Advisor and grade for semester 1 discussed and approval granted for final semester. If C- or lower, switch to Course-Based Pathway11/23/27
Complete written draft due to MP Advisor2/16/28
Revised draft due to MP Advisor3/20/28
10-Line Abstract due via Duke StrongFiles3/24/28
MP SymposiumDates TBD, early April 2028
Submit final MP to iThenticate for scanning4/14/28
Final MP due (non-negotiable deadline) Two-part submission process: Upload to DukeSpace and submit signed Executive Summary to Student Services4/21/28