This page outlines graduation deadlines, requirements, and final semester steps for graduate students. Requirements vary depending on whether you are completing a thesis/dissertation or a non-thesis/certificate program.

• Students must submit an application for graduation through Joe'SS within the first four weeks of the semester (two weeks for the summer session) in which they plan to complete all degree requirements. A separate application for each degree program and/or certificate is required.
• Submitting an application is required for your name to appear on the official graduation list and for your degree to be awarded—even if you do not plan to attend commencement.
• Please note: Thesis and dissertation students must meet the Graduate Education deadlines to graduate in a given term. These deadlines occur before the semester officially ends and are published prior to the start of the term.
• A $75 graduation fee (or $25 completion fee for certificates) will be charged to your student account once your application is submitted. If you miss the deadline and are removed from the graduation list, you will need to reapply, but you will not be charged the fee again.

Your degree audit is a tool to help you confirm that you are on track to graduate. You may request your degree audit in Joe’SS at any time to review your progress toward degree completion.

Review your audit carefully and look for any unmet requirements. Confirm that all coursework, GPA, and program requirements are showing as in progress or satisfied.

Some graduation requirements may not be flagged in the audit, including:

• Time limit issues
• Incomplete grades
• Certificate Program Courses Forms

If Graduate Education identifies audit issues that may prevent your degree from being awarded, your department will be notified. However, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to work with their department and/or graduate specialist to resolve all issues before the close of the semester or session.

Depending on your program, you may need to submit additional forms, such as:

• Form 1/1A – Plan of Study / Revised Plan of Study
• Form 5A – Revised Plan of Study
• Certificate Program Courses Form
• Substitution for Required Certificate Course(s) Form

All required forms must be submitted and fully approved by Graduate Education before the close of the semester or session in which the degree will be awarded. Failure to resolve audit issues or obtain required approvals may delay your degree to a future term.

Deadlines for Form 2 and Form 7 are listed in the Thesis/Dissertation Deadlines section.

Your hard work has led to this moment—celebration time! Check out Your Guide to Commencement for everything you need to know: ceremony schedules, regalia, FAQs, and tips to make the most of your graduation day.

Degrees are conferred approximately 3–4 weeks after the close of the semester or session, after final grades are posted and all graduation requirements have been verified.

Doctoral candidates receive their diplomas during the commencement ceremony. Diplomas for master’s degrees are mailed approximately 6–8 weeks after commencement. Questions regarding diploma delivery should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Students who require documentation prior to the official conferral may request a degree completion letter from their graduate specialist. This letter is a standard template and may be used for employment, licensure, or visa purposes until the degree appears on the official transcript or the diploma has been issued. Once the degree has been awarded, students who need proof of degree completion must request an official certification letter from the Registrar’s Office.