When entering their final semester, candidates who anticipate a faculty
recommendation for conferral of the degree are required to follow the
procedures listed below:
1. Ensure that all academic
requirements are being completed. If a student is unable to do so by
the deadline date, both forms listed below must be refiled for a
later-dated diploma.
2. Ensure that related fees and any outstanding debts to the university are paid.
3. Submit the completed candidacy application form by the
announced deadline, normally in early January, May, or October.
4. Submit a diploma application through the Rutgers University-New Brunswick registrar's website by the announced deadline, normally January 2, March 15, or October 1.
Once the application deadline has passed, the website
will not allow an application to be submitted. Permission of the Office of the Dean is required to file
exceptionally.
If the application is not filed by the deadline, the degree cannot be
conferred as scheduled, and graduation will be delayed. Students must
refile for a later degree date if the deadline has passed.
All forms are available
from the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School. Students are urged
to submit the appropriate forms in advance of the deadlines, if
possible. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all
requirements for graduation by the scheduled dates. All students should
consult with the graduate director of their programs and with the
Office of the Dean of the Graduate School about completing the
requirements for graduation.
Conferral of degrees
occurs once a year at the annual spring commencement. However, students
who file the applications and complete all other requirements for the
degree by the announced October or January dates will get a diploma
dated for the respective month. Doctoral diplomas are
distributed at the annual spring commencement. Master's diplomas will be mailed or may be picked up by the
student at the registrar's office in accordance with the student's expressed
preference at the time of filing the online diploma application. October- and January-dated diplomas are
available by November and February, respectively. Any student who does not wish to attend commencement is
asked to indicate that fact on the diploma application.
Students may request a temporary certificate of
completion by submitting a written request to the university registrar
(Administrative Services Building, Busch Campus). This request form may
be obtained at the dean's office.
The diploma will be withheld from any student who has a financial obligation to the university.
Degree Requirements 
