Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) are required for all doctoral, masters, and baccalaureate degree programs with a thesis requirement at the University of Pittsburgh. Over 7,000 ETDs have been published by the University of Pittsburgh since the program’s beginning in 2001.

The ETD program at Pitt is part of the University Library System Digital Publishing Program, and is administered by the Office of the Provost, the University's 13 graduate schools, and the University Honors College. Training and support for students preparing ETDs are provided by the University Library System.

Embargo Policy

As of the Fall semester of 2019, the University of Pittsburgh will now allow a maximum of a two year embargo on the initial approval of an ETD. If an extension is requested before the expiration of that embargo period, it will be automatically enacted for one to two years from the end of the initial embargo length. 

If the embargo request comes after the embargo has expired of you have already enacted the initial automatic embargo renewal, you will need to provide a detailed explanation of the reason for the extension. It will be forwarded to your school and the Office of the Provost for approval. The decision will be shared with you via ETD Support.

To make a request for an embargo extension, please use the Ask an ETD Specialist form.