Each May, commencement ceremonies are held on both the Morningside and the Columbia University Medical Center campuses.

Commencement traditionally falls on the third Wednesday of May. In the morning, P&S graduates participate in the large Columbia University commencement ceremony at Low Plaza on the Morningside campus. The Columbia University President confers degrees and delivers the commencement address to nearly 10,000 Columbia graduates. Each faculty of the University presents its candidates. Medical school candidates, presented by the P&S dean, recite the Hippocratic Oath.

In the afternoon of that day, graduates receiving M.D. or Ph.D. degrees gather at the Armory Track and Field Center. A commencement speaker is identified by the fourth year medical school class. Notable speakers have included actor Alan Alda, Nobelist Harold Varmus, author Robert Coles, Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders, author Oliver Sacks, and astronaut Storey Musgrave. The Hippocratic Oath is recited again at this ceremony. Awards are bestowed on graduating students and faculty. The graduating class presents a distinguished teacher award. At this ceremony, graduating students receive their diplomas from the Dean of the Faculties of Medicine. A reception follows the graduation ceremony.