Handbook | Degree Certification
3. Degree Certification
The University of Massachusetts Amherst awards graduate degrees three times each year: 1 September, 1 February, and at the May Commencement. Deadlines for completing all degree requirements and submitting required forms to the Office of Degree Requirements are 31 August, 15 January (or the next workday), and 30 April (or the last work day prior to these dates) for the respective award dates. Actual degrees are recorded upon the Graduate School's verification of degree completion, with diplomas being mailed to degree recipients approximately two months following the degree date. Prior to the formal awarding or posting of an advanced degree, the Graduate School can furnish a certification attesting to the completion of all degree requirements, provided all academic requirements and financial obligations to the University have been met. Requests for this certification must be made in writing, noting the person/agency to whom such a document should be sent. These requests will be handled in the order received; please allow sufficient time for processing, especially immediately following the filing deadline. The annual University Commencement ceremony takes place at the end of the spring semester (the exact date is published in the University Calendar and in the Graduate School Bulletin). Doctoral candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the April deadline to participate in the ceremony. Master's degree candidates may attend Commencement if they have submitted the Degree Eligibility Form by the April deadline, completed thesis and program examination requirements, and anticipate completing all courses by the end of the spring semester. Students who were awarded degrees the previous September or February are also invited to attend Commencement. Information regarding Commencement activities is sent to prior degree recipients in March. Any questions regarding Commencement should be directed to the Office of Degree Requirements.
Master's Degree Requirements:
Doctoral Degree Requirements:
