The application form for award of an advanced degree is available online through WebSIS. Students must submit this form to have their names placed on the degree list.
Deadline dates for submitting advanced degree applications are listed on the Institute’s calendar, and processing fees will be charged for applications received after these dates. No later than the last day of classes, names on the degree list may be added or withdrawn by request of the departmental registration officer to the Registrar. After this date, changes may be made only by action of the Committee on Graduate Programs. Only those on the degree list will be considered for the award of degrees.
The only formal graduation exercise is in early June. Students may receive their diplomas at this time or may request (via the online degree application) that their diplomas be sent to them. Students may also arrange to pick up their diplomas from the Registrar’s Office in Room 5-111. Students completing degrees in either September or February may attend commencement exercises the following June.
Before diplomas are awarded, the student must return all library books; return all keys to the Key Office; and settle all accounts with the Student Financial Services. In addition, there must be no pending disciplinary actions.
Diploma format
Master of Science: The diploma for a degree with specification reads as in the following example:
“Massachusetts Institute of Technology upon the recommendation of the faculty hereby confers on (name) the degree of Master of Science in (name) in recognition of proficiency in the general and the special studies and exercises prescribed by said Institute for such Degree given this day under the Seal of the Institute at Cambridge in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”
Similar language is used for the Master of Architecture, Master of Business Administration, Master of City Planning, and Master of Engineering degrees.
The diploma for a degree without specification reads as in the following example:
“Massachusetts Institute of Technology upon the recommendation of the faculty hereby confers on (name) the degree of Master of Science in recognition of proficiency in the general and the special studies and exercises prescribed by said Institute for such Degree given this day under the Seal of the Institute at Cambridge in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”
Engineer: The diploma for an Engineer’s degree reads as in the following example:
“Massachusetts Institute of Technology upon the recommendation of the faculty hereby confers on (name) the degree of (name) Engineer in recognition of proficiency in the general and the special studies and exercises prescribed by said Institute for such Degree given this day under the Seal of the Institute at Cambridge in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”
Doctor of Philosophy: The diploma for a Doctor of Philosophy degree reads as in the following example:
“Massachusetts Institute of Technology upon the recommendation of the faculty hereby confers on (name) the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of scientific attainments and the ability to carry on original research as demonstrated by a thesis in the field of (name) given this day under the Seal of the Institute at Cambridge in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”
Similar language is used for the Doctor of Science degree.
