Rules, policies, and regulations pertaining to the fulfillment of PhD and Research Master’s degree requirements and awarding of graduate degrees are listed here.
Applying for Graduation
To become a candidate for the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy in Mathematics or Doctor of Philosophy degrees in a given term, a student must meet all degree and program requirements and complete an application for graduation.
View the student checklists to start the process:
Graduation Requirements and Deadlines
The specific deadlines relevant to the graduation process are listed in the degree calendar. Graduate groups must submit completed and approved electronic forms to the Office of the Provost via Penn Graduate Forms.
View the checklist for Graduate Group Coordinators here.
Before the deposit appointment, the PhD candidate must complete all steps in the PhD Student Graduation Checklist.
Research Master’s candidates must also complete all steps in the Research Master’s Student Graduation Checklist.
Diploma Information
Degrees should be visible on the transcript approximately one month after the end of the term. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 8-10 weeks after the conferral date by the Office of the University Secretary. For more information, please visit the Office of the Secretary’s website.
Submatriculation
Submatriculants, enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate schools, follow special graduation procedures. Three months prior to the anticipated graduation, a submatriculant must declare candidacy for the Master’s degree by completing undergraduate and graduate forms within their school. Graduate degree deadlines for candidacy are firm, and a submatriculant is responsible for obtaining degree information by contacting the appropriate graduate department administrator.