Graduate Degree Completion/Graduation
The degree completion process assures that all program requirements, University policies, and policies of the Office of Graduate Studies are met.
The degree audit begins when a student submits their Application for Graduation. Applications are required - a degree or certificate will not be awarded if an Application is not submitted - and due by the posted deadline.
- Degree audits for graduate students are performed by the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Degree audits for undergraduate students are performed by the Registration and Academic Records office.
Preparing to Graduate
Ensure all paperwork mentioned in the steps detailed below is submitted by the posted deadlines.
1. Apply to Graduate/Receive your Degree
All graduate students who are ready to graduate (including students earning a graduate certificate) must submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of Graduate Studies.
- The Application for Graduation must be approved and signed by all appropriate faculty members (this information is detailed on the Application for Graduation form)
- Ensure all signees have been appointed as members of the graduate faculty.
2. Register for credit during your final semester
All graduate students must be registered for least one graduate-level credit during the semester in which they intend to graduate. This is a requirement per the University's Graduate Enrollment Policy.
- Finishing a previous course with an 'IP' does not fulfill this requirement. Continuous Registration is required for Doctoral students.
3. Complete and Submit (if applicable) the Capstone
All graduate students (excluding those only earning a graduate-certificate) are required to complete a capstone for their program, however, only the thesis or dissertation is submitted to the Office of Graduate studies.
- Specific information regarding how and where to submit a thesis or dissertation.
- A late thesis or dissertation submission will result in the student's graduation date being pushed back by one academic semester and the student may be required to register for additional graduate-level credit. Visit the deadlines page for more information.
- Information regarding capstone project requirements and types.
4. Submit the appropriate Recommendation Form
All graduate students (with the exception of graduate certificates) are required to submit a signed recommendation form after all of their capstone requirements are complete and approved by the department.
Commencement/Graduation Ceremony
Your registration window will not open until you have submitted your Application for Graduation to the Office of Graduate Studies. You are not required to register for, or walk in, the Commencement Ceremony, the ceremony is entirely optional and will not effect the awarding of your degree.
Questions about the Commencement/Graduation Ceremony, ordering garments, etc., please contact Commencement Services at events@mnsu.edu.
- Please allow 10 days after your Application for Graduation is processed (you'll receive a confirmation e-mail from Graduate Studies) for your registration window for commencement to open.
- You will receive an email from the Office of Commencement Services with instructions for registering for commencement and ordering your cap, gown, and other necessary accessories.
- There is no Commencement Ceremony in the summer. Summer graduates are automatically able to register for the spring or fall ceremonies directly before or after their summer term of graduation.
- If you wish to walk in a Commencement Ceremony that is not during your semester of graduation, please email the Office of Graduate Studies with the semester you wish to walk.
- If you are an international student needing to request an invitation for graduation, please refer to the Kearney International Center form.
Degree Awards, Transcripts & Diplomas
1. Degree Awards
Degrees are posted as soon as possible after the last day of the semester. All courses must have final grades assigned and all required forms must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies before your degree(s) will be awarded.
To check if your degree has been awarded, view your unofficial transcripts in your eServices account. If your degree does not appear there, it is not yet awarded.
2. Transcripts
Degrees appear on students transcripts as soon as they are awarded. Unofficial transcripts can be viewed in eServices.
Official transcripts (for employers, other universities, etc.) can be ordered here: Official Transcripts
3. Diplomas
Diplomas are mailed to students approximately 8 weeks after the end of the semester. They are mailed through standard USPS - a tracking number is not provided - to the address provided on your Application for Graduation.
If after you apply for graduation, your address changes, you are responsible for updating it by updating it online or contacting the Office of Graduate Studies with the updated information.
If you wish to have your diploma mailed within the US with a tracking number, or if you need your diploma mailed internationally:
- Create a shipment order through eShipglobal and select 'Registrar's Office' as the contact.
- Inform the Office of Graduate Studies that your diploma will be mailed through eShipglobal. This allows us to ensure your diploma gets to the correct place for shipment.
Lost or Damaged Diplomas
Diplomas undelivered to students (or lost in the mail) because of an incorrect mailing address can be re-ordered by submitting a Diploma Replacement Request.
Diplomas damaged in the mail can be re-ordered by emailing grad@mnsu.edu. Please include your name and TechID In the email.
