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.