Award of the Degree

After a successful defense and the complete deposit of the dissertation, the degree is awarded on the next conferral date, in October, February, or May of each academic year.

The student should clear all outstanding accounts, including those in Student Financial Services, Health Services, Columbia Information Technology, University Libraries, and the Registrar’s Office.

Celebrations for candidates from these three conferral dates are held once each year in May: Degree candidates are invited to robe and march in the annual Doctoral Convocation in the Graduate School and University Commencement. There are no conferral ceremonies held in October or February.

At the time of deposit, all candidates will receive a letter from the Office of the Dean certifying completion of all academic requirements for the doctoral degree.