FAQs related to Theses and Dissertations

How do I submit my thesis or dissertation (ETD)?
Details about submitting an ETD are included in the Institutional Repository Support section of the ScholPub webpage, or contact your school/department for details.

What is the policy on adding an embargo to a dissertation or thesis?

Dissertations: Effective Fall 2025 WashU doctoral students may request to embargo the public release of their dissertation for 6 months, one year, or two years.

An embargo can only be requested pre-graduation and the initial request must be submitted through ProQuest at the time of dissertation submission. Renewals after the initial embargo will be granted by the Vice Provost for Graduate Education in rare cases.

• An embargo renewal request must be submitted in writing at least 30 days before the expiration of the original embargo. The request form will be made available online.
• Only one renewal request can be submitted.
• Renewal requests require written approval from either the graduate’s dissertation committee chair or the current chair of the department that issued the degree before being referred to the Vice Provost for Graduate Education.
• When an embargo expires the dissertation will be automatically released--graduates will not receive advance notice before an embargo ends.

The policy is referenced in the Bulletin under "Dissertation Submission". More details are in the Washington University PhD Dissertation Guide. Consult with your department or school if you have questions.

Master's Theses: Current University Libraries policy (effective 2022): At the request of depositors, content can be “embargoed,” or restricted, from view for a limited amount of time of up to three years. The WashU repository requires an end date to the embargo, at which time the content automatically becomes available for viewing. However, the depositor may submit one renewal request to extend the embargo for a maximum of three additional years, for a total maximum embargo of six years."

Academic departmental policy may govern the use and duration of embargoes and students should consult their department for this information.-- Scholarly Repository Submission and Use Policy, under Embargoes

How can I add an embargo to my thesis or dissertation?
Details about requesting an embargo are at http://libanswers.wustl.edu/faq/5618. View the WashU Libraries policy on embargoes.

How can I read a thesis or dissertation under embargo?
Works under embargo are not accessible.

If the information you are looking for is not covered here, please visit Ask Us to ask a question and view more FAQs regarding the WashU Scholarly Repository or email digital@wumail.wustl.edu.