Graduation Information

A candidate must be registered for the semester or summer term in which degree requirements are completed and during the preceding semester.

Master’s Candidates

Jan. 25, 2012 Award May 20, 2012 Award Sept. 25, 2012 Award
Thesis Title Approval Form due in Graduate School Office (GRS) May 6, 2011 November 4, 2011 April 6, 2012
Diploma Application due in GRS* November 1, 2011 February 1, 2012 July 1, 2012
First draft of thesis (submitted to readers) October 7, 2011 March 2, 2012 July 1, 2012
Approved and signed thesis (2 copies due in GRS on or before this date)** December 16, 2011 April 13, 2012 August 17, 2012
* The diploma application is valid only for the graduation date specified; you must file a new application if you do not graduate as planned.
** Prior to the signing of the thesis, you must schedule an appointment with the Records Officer for review of the thesis format. All MA degree requirements are complete only when both copies of the thesis have been certified as meeting the standards of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and of the Mugar Memorial Library.

PhD Candidates

January 25, 2012 Award May 20, 2012 Award
Dissertation Prospectus due in Graduate School Office (GRS) April 1, 2011 October 7, 2011
Diploma Application due in GRS* November 1, 2011 February 1, 2012
First draft of thesis (submitted to readers) October 7, 2011 February 3, 2012
Dissertation defense abstract (max. 350 words) approved by department—due in GRS for review and approval by the Dean At least three weeks prior to Final Oral Exam At least three weeks prior to Final Oral Exam
Schedule of Final Oral Examination (to be arranged by department) due in GRS with fourteen copies of approved abstract Two weeks prior to Final Oral Exam Two weeks prior to Final Oral Exam
Last date to hold Final Oral Exam (Same deadline for submission of the dissertation) December 16, 2011 April 13, 2012
Approved and signed dissertation (2 copies due in GRS on or before this date)** December 16, 2011 April 13, 2012
* The diploma application is valid only for the graduation date specified; you must file a new application if you do not graduate as planned.
** Prior to the dissertation defense, you must schedule an appointment with the Records Officer for review of the dissertation format. All PhD degree requirements are complete only when both copies of the dissertation have been certified as meeting the standards of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and of the Mugar Memorial Library.