Graduation Deadlines
Degrees are awarded three times per year at MIT: May/June, September, and February. Commencement exercises only take place in May/June. Students awarded degrees in February or September have the option of participating in Commencement in May/June following their degree completion. A Doctoral Hooding Ceremony takes place the day preceding Commencement.
Highlights of Semester Deadlines for Advanced Degree Candidates
| May/June Candidates | September Candidates | February Candidates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree application deadline | Friday of 1st week of term | Friday of 1st week of term | Friday of 1st week of term |
| Apply for OPT, if international | Mid-February | Early Summer | By beginning of December |
| Deadline to establish doctoral Thesis Examination Committee | Mid-March | Early July | Early December |
| Thesis Title info due | Late March | Early July | Early December |
| Schedule Doctoral Thesis Defense | April | July | January |
| Thesis due | Late April / Early May | End of 1st week in August | Mid-January |
| Deadline to go off degree list | Mid-May | Mid-August | Mid-January |
A complete list of thesis deadlines for the current year may be viewed and printed.
Instructions
For more specific semester deadline details, consult the Math Academic Services Office.
Extensions
The thesis submission deadline for each semester is posted on the MIT Academic Calendar. Extensions of this deadline are approved only under unusual circumstances, generally only for reasons beyond the student's control. To apply for an extension, have the following sent to the Graduate Co-Chairs: (1) an email explaining the reason for the extension, and (2) an email from the advisor recommending the extension.