Graduating master’s students must complete the Application to Graduate and register to attend the Master’s Ceremony. Learn more on the Master’s Programs website. Important graduation deadlines can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Regalia (cap or tam, gown and hood) must be worn for the Procession and Commencement ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday. Commissioning students and those with military service have the option to wear formal military attire in place of the cap and gown if they so choose and if permitted according to their status with the military. Master’s students may purchase keepsake regalia during Grad Fair or directly from the Brown Bookstore. 

Concurrent undergraduate/graduate students may purchase and wear master’s or undergraduate regalia.

Dual degree master’s students should select only one hood color.

The Master’s Ceremony is not ticketed. Students are advised to bring no more than four to five guests each; seating is first come, first served. Some departmental ceremonies do ticket, so it is important to confirm this with your department in advance.

Graduating students should submit special recognitions received while a master's student at Brown by May 1 for possible inclusion in the Commencement program. Students should submit these honors regardless of whether or not they plan to participate in Commencement.

The Master’s Commencement Ceremony celebrates the academic achievements of those graduating from Brown University master’s programs. The order of events during the ceremony is:

• Invocation
• Opening remarks by President Paxson
• Master's student speaker
• Awards presentation
• Conferral of degrees
• Benediction

As Commencement nears, the Division of Master’s and Professional Programs will provide instructions to help students prepare to participate in the Master’s Ceremony.

Graduate slides, also known as lower thirds, display on a screen when your name is called during the Master’s Ceremony. Brown provides the diploma name, degree and program for the slide. If you want to add details to your personalized slide, you may upload a photo and record a pronunciation of your name in Tassel (formerly Marching Order) when you register to attend the ceremony. Virtual slides will be available to download and share on social media a week before Commencement.

Graduating master’s students also may sign up with GradImages to have photos taken during the ceremony. 

Sign up for GradImages

Details about lining up for the Master’s Procession on Saturday and the Commencement Procession on Sunday, as well as other directions, will be posted closer to Commencement.