Application for Degree and Commencement

Each student must file a formal application for degree (completed online through the NEST > Student Services > Student Records > Degree Application and Graduation Participation) by the following deadlines:

Degree completion in Spring Semester (May conferral): Application due February 15

Degree completion in Summer semester (August conferral): Application due February 15 - if participating in the May Commencement ceremony; If not participating in May Commencement ceremony, application is due June 15

Degree completion in Fall semester (December conferral): Application due October 15; Undergraduates participating in the May Commencement ceremony prior to degree completion, application due February 15)

Late applicants may be charged a late fee.

Annual University Commencement ceremonies for all Colleges and Schools are held in May. The Graduate School holds a University Commencement ceremony in December for students who complete their degrees in Summer or Fall. 

The Graduate School Students who complete their degrees in the Spring Semester are expected to be present at Commencement. Students who complete their degree programs in the Summer or Fall Semesters may attend Commencement in May following completion or the May prior to completion. Diplomas will be mailed upon confirmation of the completion of all degree requirements by the respective Dean.

NOTE: A student may participate in only one Commencement ceremony for each degree granted.

The respective Deans of the Schools and Colleges of the University have the responsibility for approving candidates for graduation.

Those applicants who do not complete all degree requirements or who are not approved must complete another application by the published deadline in order for a degree to be conferred at the end of the next semester.

Application for Certificate

Each student must file a formal application for certificate with the Registrar by the following deadlines:

Certificate completion at end of Spring semester: February 15

Certificate completion at end of Summer: June 15

Certificate completion at end of Fall semester: October 15

The respective Deans of the Schools and Colleges of the University have the responsibility for verifying and approving completion of certificate requirements. Applications are completed online.

Students earning certificates do not participate in Commencement or Hooding ceremonies.

Graduation Honors

Students graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 will be identified as graduating "with high honors." Those who achieve a cumulative grade point average between 3.90 and 3.99 will be identified as graduating "with honors."