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.

Graduation Honors

Graduation honors are based only on a student’s undergraduate work at Creighton. To be eligible for honors, the student must have completed at least half of the prescribed hours for the degree in the undergraduate college at Creighton. Honors are applicable to the baccalaureate degree only. The diploma of a student who qualifies for honors is inscribed as follows:

Summa cum laude—for a GPA of 3.850-4.000
Magna cum laude—for a GPA of 3.700-3.849
Cum laude—for a GPA of 3.500-3.699