If you are not an international student, it does not matter if your degree can be conferred before the start of your Ph.D. program.
If you are an international student, you should advise your international advisor to release your SEVIS IDÂ as soon as possible after your degree have been conferred because your new school can issue you a new I-20 as long as they have received your SEVIS ID.
zjppdozen got a reaction from DRMF in Accepted to PhD program but my graduation may be delayed until August?