Graduation and Beyond

The Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences oversees the review of all non-professional doctoral dissertations and Master's theses for the University. Consequently, degree candidates not just in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, but for all academic graduate degrees in all nine of the university's graduate schools must apply to this office when planning to graduate in any given term. Professional degrees within SAS apply here for degree.

The University of Pennsylvania confers degrees in May, August, and December. Commencement and diploma ceremonies are held in May.  

The Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences oversees the graduation process for all PhD, AM and MS degrees at the University. Degree candidates should apply online via the Degree Candidate System according to the dates listed in the Degree Calendar. The University's requirements for formatting the dissertation are in the Dissertation Manual(revised October 2012).

The specific deadlines for notification are listed on the Degree Calendar. Please read the Doctoral Dissertation Manual for assistance with formatting your work.

There are specific policies which apply to the fulfillment of degree requirements and to the graduation process. Rules and regulations pertaining to the awarding of graduate degrees are listed here.

The specific deadlines relevant to the graduation process are listed in the degree calendar.

Dissertation Defense and Deposit Instructions for Spring and Summer Semesters 2020 >

To record the completion of Masters and Ph.D requirements such as language requirements, AM/MS Masters research and Final Exams, PH.D. Qualification Evaluations and Preliminary Examinations, and the Dissertation oral defense, the graduate group must submit forms, signed by the graduate group chair, to the Office of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences. After the data is recorded onto a student's records, all forms become part of the student's file.

In preparation for the submission of a thesis or dissertation, degree candidates should consult the Master's Thesis Style Guide or Doctoral Dissertation Manual for assistance with the formatting of their work.

Consult the degree calendar for information on making an appointment to deposit a dissertation or thesis at the Graduate Division Office, 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A. You can contact us by telephone: 215-898-7444 or through email: gas-degree@sas.upenn.edu Note that late fees, microfilm and copyright fees are paid at the Office of Student Financial Services.

There are specific policies and timetables which apply to this process. You will find information below which will assist you in determining your term for graduation. You will be contacted by email once you apply.

The current on-line application for graduation is now available. You will need your PennKey and password to access this secure website.

Please review the instructions and calendars for the upcoming semesters. While the calendars change from term to term, you can check old schedules to get a feel for the timing.

Calendar >
 

For further assistance with graduation or degree questions, feel free to email the Graduate Division Office.

To become a candidate for the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degrees, a student must complete an application for graduation. Beginning May 2005, this application is available on-line. You will need your PennKey and password to access this secure website.

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 both by completing forms for the undergraduate school and also by coming to 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A to complete the graduate application for the Master's degree. Graduate degree deadlines for candidacy are firm and a submatriculant is responsible for obtaining degree information by contacting the appropriate graduate department administrator or the Office of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Degrees are awarded in May, August and December of each year. Recipients of August and December degrees may participate in the annual Commencement Exercises held in May of the following year.

Graduate students are invited to attend graduation exercises for their own graduate division as well as for the entire University. No tickets are necessary to attend the main University commencement activities at Franklin Field. Information on this event is distributed by department and school offices. Graduates of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences receive invitations and tickets from the Graduate Division Office to attend their own ceremony and reception.  Follow this link to view a current list of School Ceremonies.

Cap and gown rentals are arranged through the University Bookstore.

Details of the graduation ceremonies are available from the Office of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences Office and from departmental offices.

Penn Arts & Sciences 2020 Graduate Division Graduation Celebration >

Set up an appointment with the graduate student/postdoc team at Career Services where you can get guidance and resources designed specifically for PhD students exploring their many career options within higher education and beyond. Whether you are seeking faculty positions, postdocs, or roles in industry, government, and non-profits, you can call 215 898 7530, or log in to Handshake, Career Services’ online platform, to set up a time to speak with career advisors who are specialized in working with PhD students at any stage of the career exploration and career development process. Career advisors can also help you to tap into the vast network of PhD alumni, through tools such as QuakerNet, to help you gain a complete understanding of career paths that value your PhD.

What are the deadlines to apply for graduation? When and how do I formally deposit my dissertation at 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A?

Consult the Graduation Calendar. Graduating students sign-up for graduation through this on-line application You will need your PennKey and password to access this secure website. To make an appointment, contact us through email: gas-degree@sas.upenn.edu or by telephone: 215-898-7444.

How do I get a copy of Penn's dissertation manual?

Both the Master's Thesis Style Guide and the Doctoral Dissertation Manual are available on-line. Printed copies may be obtained at the Office of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A.

How do I get graduation tickets and a cap and gown for the May Commencement?

No tickets are necessary to attend the main University commencement activities at Franklin Field. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Ceremony begins at 10:15 a.m.

Invitations and tickets for the School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Division commencement ceremony and reception are sent out by the Office of the Graduate Division. Ceremony begins at 1 p.m.

Cap and gown arrangements are made at the University Bookstore.

Where do I pay late fees, microfilm and copyright fees?

These fees are all paid at the Office of Student Financial Services.

My bill is not clear. I know it has to be clear before I can graduate, but how do I take care of this?

This is best handled at the Office of Student Financial Services. The staff of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences can look up your record, but cannot do anything about changing the record.

I need a new diploma because:

• I received a damaged diploma through the mail
• I was storing my diploma at my parents' house, but when they moved it was lost
• I have legally changed my name.

What can I do?

New diplomas can be obtained only through the Office of the Secretary of the University. For more information phone 215/898-7005 or e-mail ofcsec@pobox.upenn.edu.

Is there anything that can be done to assure my new employer that I have fulfilled all degree requirements, even though the official graduation date is still some time away?

The Office of the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences can supply a letter (complete with embossed seal) stating that you have fulfilled all degree requirements.

For further assistance with graduation or degree questions, feel free to email the Graduate Division Office.