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Graduation

Fulfilling all of your academic requirements is only one part of what is necessary to graduate from the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Students must meet graduation deadlines and submit required paperwork to ensure their degree is awarded on time.

This page outlines what to submit, when to submit it, and where to go for help. Requirements vary by degree type, so please review the sections below carefully.

 Graduation Requirements and Checklists

Expand the sections below for degree-specific requirements and to download a checklist.

PhD Graduation Requirements and Checklist »

1. Apply for Graduation

  1. Submit your graduation application in PeopleSoft.

2. Complete the Required Surveys

  1. Complete the three (3) required surveys:
  2. Forward the confirmation emails or certificates to dsgsgrad@pitt.edu.

3. Submit Final ETD

  1. Review the instructions for submitting ETDs.
  2. Submit your final ETD in the ETD Administrator.

4. Submit ETD Processing Fee Receipt

  1. Initiate the fee by emailing payments@pitt.edu. Provide your Student ID, the dollar amount ($50), and the academic term (e.g., Spring 2026).
  2. Once the fee is posted, you will see the charge in PittPAY on the Account Activity tab. Process the payment on the Make Payment tab.
  3. PittPAY will email you a receipt as soon as the payment is made.
  4. Forward a copy of your receipt to dsgsgrad@pitt.edu.

Use this checklist to help track your Dietrich School graduation requirements.

Download PhD Graduation Checklist
Master's Graduation Requirements and Checklists (MA, MS, MFA)»

1. Apply for Graduation

  1. Submit your graduation application in PeopleSoft.

2. Complete Required Survey

  1. Complete the required Dietrich School Graduation Survey.
  2. Forward the confirmation email to dsgsgrad@pitt.edu.

If your program requires a thesis:

3. Submit Final ETD
  1. Review the instructions for submitting ETDs.
  2. Submit your final ETD in the ETD Administrator.
4. Process ETD Fee
  1. Initiate the fee by emailing payments@pitt.edu. Provide your Student ID, the dollar amount ($50), and the academic term (e.g., Spring 2026).
  2. Once the fee is posted, you will see the charge in PittPAY on the Account Activity tab. Process the payment on the Make Payment tab.
  3. PittPAY will email you a receipt as soon as the payment is made.
  4. Forward a copy of your receipt to dsgsgrad@pitt.edu.

Use this checklist to help track your Dietrich School graduation requirements.

Download Master's Graduation Checklist
 

Graduation Deadlines

Failure to submit materials by the listed deadlines may result in the postponement of graduation.

Term Graduation Applications Due Graduation Paperwork Due
FALL 2026 December 1, 2026 by 5:00 PM December 4, 2026 by 12:00 PM (Noon)
SPRING 2027 April 1, 2027 by 5:00 PM April 9, 2027 by 12:00 PM (Noon)
SUMMER 2027 August 1, 2027 by 5:00 PM August 4, 2027 by 12:00 PM (Noon)

Note for PhD Students: If you are earning a "master’s along the way" and the application option is missing in PeopleSoft, email dsgsgrad@pitt.edu one week prior to the deadline to have your account updated.

 

 Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Information

Students whose program requires a thesis or dissertation must prepare their document using the University-approved ETD Template and adhere to all format guidelines. Once finalized, your document must be submitted via ETD Administrator.

Degree Requirements and Graduation Policies

Each student is responsible for ensuring the timely completion of all degree requirements as outlined in the Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog. Because requirements vary by program, you must also regularly consult your department’s graduate handbook. The information provided below outlines the minimum requirements to assist you in your graduation planning.

Registration Requirements

All graduate students must be registered for at least one credit or for Full-Time Dissertation Study (FTDS) during the term they are completing an academic milestone*.

Graduate students are expected to be registered in order to:

  • Follow the approved program of study for their degree.
  • Complete graduate milestones (e.g., comprehensive exams, thesis or dissertation defense).
  • Access library services, including book checkout, interlibrary loan, and online databases.
  • Maintain a Network Authorization Account for computer access.
  • Allow the University to certify enrollment for student loan deferment.
  • Meet immigration and visa requirements (for international students)

*Exception to the Registration Rule

Registration in the final graduation term is not required if you meet ALL of the following criteria:

  1. You are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  2. You were registered during the term you successfully defended your thesis or dissertation.
  3. You have completed all academic requirements.
  4. Your thesis or dissertation revisions are the only remaining task and extend into the subsequent graduation term.
Incomplete and Missing Grade Policy

Students cannot graduate with missing grades or incomplete (I) grades.

  • Missing Grades: Must be entered in PeopleSoft by the course instructor for the student to be certified for graduation.
  • Incomplete (I) and G Grades: Must be updated, or the student’s diploma will be held. "I" or "G" grade change requests must be submitted through PeopleSoft.
Minimum Requirements: MA, MS, and MFA Degrees

To be eligible for graduation, students must:

  • Hold full status (not provisional).
  • Pass the required comprehensive milestone.
  • Successfully complete an oral defense of thesis (if required by program).
  • Complete at least 30 credits (some programs require more) with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
    • Note: Independent study credits do not count toward the MA/MS/MFA degree requirements.
  • Complete 12 graduate-level credits (2000- or 3000-level) with a grade of B or higher.
    • Excludes independent study, teaching credits, and directed study.
  • Submit all required graduation paperwork.
  • Submit a final thesis (if required by program).
Minimum Requirements: PhD Degrees

To be eligible for graduation, students must:

  • Complete at least 72 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
    • May include coursework, directed study, independent study, and/or thesis and dissertation research.
  • Pass preliminary examination or evaluation.
  • Pass comprehensive examination.
  • Be admitted to candidacy.
  • Successfully complete the oral dissertation defense.
  • Submit all required graduation paperwork.
  • Submit final dissertation.