Forms & Steps for Graduating

More information on the forms below can be found in the Graduate HandbookThe order in which they are presented below represents how you should complete them, e.g., starting with Rotation Selection.

For Ph.D.

1. Rotation Selection

Beginning with the third week of the Fall term, participation in a formal laboratory rotation is required. Rotation schedules vary between subdivisions (see graduate handbook). Students in all areas of chemistry should submit a Rotation Selection Form, including at least three research groups with which they wish to rotate, to Graduate Academic Support.

The schedule for rotations will be posted on the Monday following the submission deadline (see Graduate Handbook), and rotations begin immediately.

Rotation Selection Form

2. Advisor Selection

After the end of the third rotation in Preparative, Biophysical, or Physical Chemistry, each student completes an Advisor Selection Form, ranking their three preferred research groups, with the top lab ranked #1. It’s recommended that you speak directly with the lab adviser ranked #1 during the days before the submission deadline.

If you have difficulty choosing a group at that time, you should immediately contact Graduate Academic Support or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Advisor Selection Form

3. 2nd Year Graduate Qualifying Exam

The purpose of the qualifying exam is for you to demonstrate skills outlined in the Graduate Handbook in both written and oral formats. 

You should complete the candidacy exam before the last day of the spring semester reading period  of your second year in the Ph.D. program, with timing details reached through consultation with your advisor.

Once approved by the committee, Academic Support assistants will advance to candidacy. An M.S. degree will be awarded in the following term.

2nd Year Graduate Qualifying Exam Form (all divisions)

4. 4th Year Independent Proposal

Part of being a Ph.D. chemist is the ability to devise, research, and defend new research directions. In order to provide training in this area, students are required to write and defend an independent research proposal after candidacy and before the end of the spring semester of their fourth year of graduate studies. The exact timing of the proposal will be determined by you and your research advisor in conjunction with the thesis committee.

4th Year Independent Proposal Form

5. Writing Dissertation 

The Graduate School has detailed requirements mentioned below for the thesis format, and you should consult such criteria before beginning to write the thesis.
 
Barbara Withington in the Dissertation Office can also help answer your specific questions.
 

Send a copy of your dissertation to your advisor to review. Once they approve it, send a copy at least two weeks prior to thesis seminar to committee.

6. Steps for Ph.D. Graduation

Important: Download the Chemistry Graduation Check List for all key instructions and deadlines.  

Note, an oral thesis defense committee form is no longer required by the department for the final steps to obtain a Ph.D. 

25Live Room Reservation System                                                                                
Once a date and time have been established for your thesis seminar, you should use the 25Live user guide to  reserve a room using 25Live or, as appropriate, schedule a Zoom meeting.

Notification of Leave/Graduation                                                              

Notification of Graduation is seen as the formal notification to the department that you plan to submit a dissertation and graduate.

Therefore, notification deadlines are set by GSAS as February 15 for a May degree and September 1 for a December degree.

Before you leave the department, it is necessary to certify that all keys, books, laboratory equipment, and records have been returned and that your research area has been cleaned and left free of hazards. You must properly dispose of residual chemicals is required before departure because it is tremendously expensive to dispose of unknown chemicals. You must also submit a Notification of Leave/Graduation to let the department know you are leaving and any future employment and contact information.

Dissertation Submission
You need to submit your dissertation through the Dissertation Progress Reporting and Submission  no later than March 15 for May degrees and October 1 for December degrees.  

Yale GSAS Dissertation Submission Process (required documents and deadlines)
For further assistance, refer to the FAQs and instructional video for Dissertation Progress Reporting and Submission. 

Degree Verification 
For degree verification letters for your future employer,  email the Graduate Registrar Austin Hanlin: austin.hanlin@yale.edu
Be sure to include the letter recipient’s name, mailing and email address.
 

Commencement
For information about Commencement, including ordering regalia, visit Yale Commencement

GSAS Forms, Petitions, & Policies

To find forms such as changing courses, enrollment,  or grading, refer to the University Registrar’s Office’s Forms & Petitions. (Choose “Graduate Students” then “Apply.”)

GSAS - Programs and Policies
GSAS – Different Student Registration Statuses
University Registrar’s Webpage 

For M.S. Terminal Degree

You need to petition for a master’s degree by completing this form by GSAS’s deadlines if you are not going to complete your Ph.D.

Additionally, you will need to submit a Change of Status form. The GSAS Dean’s Office will send an email outlining instruction on change of status, including any additional required actions.

You also must complete a Notification of Leave/Graduation to let the department know you are leaving and any future employment and contact information. 

Before you leave the department, it is necessary to certify that all keys, books, laboratory equipment, and records have been returned and that your research area has been cleaned and left free of hazards. You must properly dispose of residual chemicals is required before departure because it is tremendously expensive to dispose of unknown chemicals.

Room Bookings & Academic Calendars

25Live Room Reservation System: to reserve a room in Chemistry or Yale campus buildings 
25Live User Guide

Academic Calendars:

Yale College (helpful for those teaching)
GSAS