What you need to know
All MIT graduates receive a traditional paper diploma and can opt-in to receive a digital diploma. You may also request a replacement diploma if the original is lost or damaged, or in the case of a gender change.
By default, your MIT diploma displays your legal name at the time of your graduation; it is also the name read at the Commencement ceremonies. We strongly recommend using your legal name to ensure that your credential can be verified in MIT’s systems and by third parties such as government entities and international employers.
Changes to the way your first and middle names appear on your diploma can be made within the degree application. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date.
What you need to do
- Visit degreeapp.mit.edu.
- Review your diploma name.
- You may change your first name to either your preferred or legal name. Your middle name can be included in-full or omitted, or you can choose to use an initial.
- You also can add special characters or accents, if needed.
- Click “Update” to save.
- If you decide to change your first name back to your legal name after graduating, you will need to request and pay for a replacement diploma.