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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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The Graduate School, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Graduate School

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Doctoral thesis checklist

Please refer to the current Rensselaer Catalog for further information.

Registrar

  • Registration for the semester in which the degree will be conferred is required.
  • A Degree Application Form must be on file with the Registrar's Office, refer to the academic calendar for due dates applicable to the semester you intend to graduate.

Graduate School

  • An approved Plan of Study must be on file with the Registrar's Office with a copy on file with the Graduate School (Courses listed on the Plan of Study must agree with courses shown on your transcript.)
  • An approved Doctoral Committee Nomination Form must be on file with the Graduate School.
  • A record of successful completion of the Candidacy Examination must be on file with the Graduate School.
  • A fully complete original Record of Thesis/Project Examination Form signed by your Examining Committee must be provided to the Graduate School. This form is signed by the Graduate School and sent to the Registrar's Office to notify them that your thesis requirement has been met.
  • One paper copy of the doctoral thesis, including the title page with original signatures, printed on acid-free bond paper with 25 percent cotton content must be presented to the Graduate School.
  • One (1) additional copy of the Abstract on acid-free bond paper with 25 percent cotton content must be submitted with an Abstract Title Page. The Abstract Title Page does not require signatures.
  • In addition, you must submit one electronic copy of your dissertation and one electronic copy of your abstract and abstract title page. Information and instructions for electronic submission can be found at Rensselaer Research Libraries.
  • A receipt from the Bursar's Office for $90.00 binding and processing fee. If you choose the Open Access Publishing Option the total fee is $185.00.
  • A completed ProQuest Information and Learning Company (formerly UMI) Microfilm Agreement must be turned in with the thesis.
  • Optionally, ProQuest Information and Learning Company (PQIL) will also assist in filing for the copyright of your dissertation. If you elect to use this service, please submit a money order for $65.00, payable to PQIL.
  • A completed Survey of Earned Doctorates form must be submitted with the thesis.
  • Please bring the completed Graduate Student Exit Survey form when you submit your thesis.
  • We ask that you please take a moment to complete one additional survey: the First Destination Survey. We have many employers who request compensation guidelines for PhD grads-this data can help strengthen salary offers for our students.

Please Note: To attend commencement in May you must file a degree application by January and attend status check in April. Please visit the Commencement website for more information.