Graduation Information

Tufts University grants degrees three times a year: in February, May, and August but has only one commencement ceremony.  This ceremony occurs in May and all graduates completing their studies during that academic year are encouraged to attend. Participating in Commencement Day is a wonderful way for you to celebrate your academic achievements. PhD and MS regalia is provide by the School for students attending the ceremony.

View Commencement info for 2020.

First Steps Toward Graduation

To ensure that the graduation process goes smoothly, students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Associate Dean to review degree requirements, thesis formatting instructions, and graduation deadlines. Please schedule this appointment as you are preparing to ask your thesis committee for permission to defend your thesis.

Contact Associate Dean Volchok.

Thesis Formatting Instructions

Before starting to write the thesis, students should carefully read the thesis formatting guidelines that apply to their degree.

Instructions for the Master's Thesis

Instructions for the PhD Thesis

Each document contains specific information about arranging content, formatting, style, fonts, and other required elements. Checking these instructions early in the process will save time in the end.

Students should also familiarize themselves with the ProQuest/UMI online thesis submission process found in Section 8 of the Formatting Instructions document.

Required Forms and Surveys

In addition to preparing a thesis, students are required to complete two graduation forms (the Thesis Defense Form and the Approval of Thesis Revisions Form), the Student Exit Survey, and, for PhD candidates only, the Survey of Earned Doctorate. Understanding what needs to be done and completing all the required forms before the deadlines will insure that your last days at GSBS go smoothly. Additional information can be found on the Student Forms page.

Graduation Deadlines

The deadlines for each of three graduation dates are listed below.

*Degrees voted by the Trustee Executive Committee in September are effective August 31.