Petitioning to Graduate
The New School confers degrees twice a year, in January and May. All degree requirements, as specified in school bulletins, must be completed prior to the graduation date for a degree to be awarded.
Students intending to graduate must file the Graduation Petition Form (PDF) with the Office of the Registrar (except Mannes students who must file with the Mannes Office of Records and Registration) and pay the appropriate fee by the following dates:
- For January graduation, no fee if filed prior to October 1, a $20 late fee if filed after October 1, and a $50 late fee if filed after November 1. The final deadline to petition is November 15.
- For May graduation, no fee if filed prior to February 15, a $20 late fee if filed after February 15, and a $50 late fee if filed after March 15. The final deadline to petition is March 30.
Please note: Attendees must purchase graduation attire for $55 in May from the university supplier. Additional information will be provided in February.
Students may also submit the graduation petition online prior to the first deadline through MyNewSchool.
Requirements
To earn an undergraduate degree, students must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and have completed departmental requirements.
To earn a graduate degree, students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and have completed departmental requirements. Doctoral programs may require a cumulative GPA above 3.0.
Degree Completion Term Limits
Students must complete degree requirements within 5 years for the master's degree. Term limits for the PhD are 10 years at The New School for Social Research, except the clinical psychology PhD, which must be completed within 12 years; and 8 years at Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy. Beyond these time limits, students are not permitted to register unless an extension of time is obtained. Extensions of time may be granted based on a petition submitted by the student and assessed by the student's academic department. To petition, the student must outline work completed toward the degree and a plan for completion of the degree. If the extension of time is not granted, the student will be dismissed from the program.
Graduation Honors
Undergraduates who have completed at least 60 credits in residence for a bachelor's degree or 34 credits in residence for an associate's degree and who have a 3.7 cumulative GPA will graduate with honors, which will be noted on their diploma and transcript. Parsons undergraduate and graduate programs' departmental honors are noted on diplomas and transcripts.
Commencement Ceremony Attendance
The commencement ceremony for both May and January graduates is held in May. Undergraduate students who are within 9 credits of completing their requirements and will complete all outstanding credits in the summer term following commencement may participate in the ceremony.
Graduate students must complete all degree requirements in the semester prior to commencement to participate in the ceremony.
Additional information regarding the ceremony can be found on the university's commencement Web page.
