University requirements for advanced degrees are found in The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Handbook (GSAS Handbook).

University requirements include:

• Common Requirements for Degree Candidates.
• Academic Residency Requirements: For the AM degree, a minimum of one year of full-time study in residence—normally eight half-courses or equivalent—is required. For the PhD degree, the minimum requirement is for two years of full-time study in residence—normally 16 half-courses or equivalent.