Approaching the end of the PhD program can be daunting. Below you can find critical information about dissertation submission deadlines, registration options, funding and health coverage information, and resources to support you as you plan the transition from Yale to the next stage of your career.
Once admitted to candidacy, it's a good idea to look ahead to the final stages of your degree, discuss your dissertation timeline and goal for submission with your adviser and committee, and review the resources below to get a full picture of your options for the final stage of your degree program.
All continuing students in GSAS must affirmatively register every semester. As you approach the final stages of your degree, you should consider carefully – and discuss with your program – what registration status is right for you. This is especially important if you are considering employment opportunities prior to finishing your dissertation. See this page for an overview of registration status options available to advanced PhD students.
Graduate School degrees are awarded three times each year: at Commencement in May, in late September, and in December (the latter two dates are determined by the meeting schedule of the Yale Corporation). See here for an overview of the policies and deadlines governing degree conferral.
To formally submit your dissertation to the Graduate School for final review and degree conferral, you will need to meet a series of hard deadlines associated with one of the three degree conferral dates in the Graduate School (May, September, or December). See here for a detailed timeline for each degree conferral date.
As you plan to transition from your degree program to the next stage of your career, stipend and health coverage end-dates are important for your planning. See here for the schedule of final payments and end-dates for student health coverage based on your final term of full-time enrollment and/or dissertation submission date.
Comprehensive deadlines and guidance for dissertation submission, with access to the DPRS system, through which you will officially submit your dissertation to the Graduate School to complete your degree requirements.
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A comprehensive guide to registration deadlines, processes, forms, and systems maintained by the University Registrar's Office. Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan.
This page includes annually updated information and resources for degree candidates planning to attend Commencement.
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The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) supports GSAS students from every discipline and at every stage of their time at Yale through career advising, programming and resources aimed at the specific career interests and needs of PhD and Master’s students. At OCS, graduate students can explore diverse career paths; build professional skills and experience; identify opportunities; and get help with job search strategies, application materials, and interviewing in preparation for a successful job search within and beyond the academy. Services offered by OCS for Master’s and PhD students are part of a suite of resources supported by the Graduate School to foster professional and career development.
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We promote an intentional approach to professional development, one that begins with the first year of your PhD and continues to evolve as you build knowledge and shape your scholarly and professional identity. Take advantage of the resources Yale has to offer: join a workshop series on leadership, communication, or project management; develop mentoring skills; or prepare for the job market through workshops on scholarly profile, job market materials, and interviewing skills. You can participate in professional development and career strategy workshops, and also schedule one-on-one consultations about your professional development and job search readiness.
Resources for current students seeking connections with GSAS alumni and resources and opportunities for engagement after completing your degree.
Yale Health is the comprehensive, on-campus, full-service health center and health care plan for students and their family members. For information about your particular coverage, you should contact Member Services.
