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Applying for Graduation

All candidates for a degree must file a formal application for graduation with the Graduation Office (231 Sparks Hall). Candidates for a bachelor’s degree should apply in the semester in which they expect to attain their 90th semester hour or two semesters preceding their expected graduation date, whichever comes first. Graduate degree candidates must apply at least two semesters in advance of the expected semester of graduation.

1. Apply and pay your graduation fee

All candidates for a degree must file a formal application for graduation with the Graduation Office (231 Sparks Hall). Candidates for a bachelor’s degree should apply in the semester in which they expect to attain their 90th semester hour or two semesters preceding their expected graduation date, whichever comes first. Graduate degree candidates must apply at least two semesters in advance of the expected semester of graduation.

Every student receiving a degree must pay a graduation application fee.  How much is the graduation application fee?  The graduation fee is $50 for all graduate and undergraduate students.  Students must pay a separate fee for each degree/major earned. Students should first fill out the Application for Graduation (PDF) and then pay the graduation fee at the Student Accounts window, 1st floor, Sparks Hall. Payment accepted is cash, check, or money order. No credit or debit cards are accepted. 

After applying for graduation, it is important that you stop by the Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) in the appropriate academic area because the Graduation Office will conduct an audit during the graduation term listed on the students Application for Graduation.

2. Your Academic Audit

The Graduation Office will inform the student’s college when the application is filed. Please note that the Graduation Office will not look at your application for graduation or complete an academic audit until the semester you graduate.  It is imperative for students to visit  their appropriate Office of Academic Assistance once you have submitted your application for graduation. The Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) of that college will conduct an audit for undergraduates to ensure the student is on track to meet graduation requirements. The OAA will inform the undergraduate student of any remaining requirements.  Additionally, the Graduation Office will conduct an audit during the graduation term listed on the student's application for graduation.

Audits are also conducted for graduate students (except for students in the College of Arts and Sciences). Again, the Graduation Office conducts its own audit for graduate students.

*Note: Graduate students from the college of Arts and Science are strongly advised to consult the website from that area as procedures differ.

3. Important Deadline Dates for Students 

Students who know they will not graduate the semester for which they have applied should contact the Graduation Office. Students may either e-mail the Graduation Office at graduation@langate.gsu.edu, stating what semester they now wish to graduate, or complete the Change of Graduation Date form and return it to 231 Sparks Hall. If the e-mail option is selected, please note that this method is only valid if the student receives an e-mail confirmation from the Graduation Office.

All special test scores (Regents, CLEP, Advanced Placement and Legislative exams), transcripts from other institutions and grade adjustments for previous terms (I and IP grades), must be on file in the Office of Registration and Academic Records by 5:00 p.m. on November 24, 2009 for those who wish to graduate in fall 2009.

Dissertation titles for fall 2009 doctoral candidates must be submitted to your college. Contact your college to determine their deadline date for dissertation titles. Graduating PhD students must bring their doctoral hoods with them to commencement.

4. Receive your diploma

Diplomas are not awarded at any of the ceremonies. The Commencement Office will mail your diploma to you when your degree requirements have been certified, and when you have been placed on the Final Graduates List. This takes from four to five weeks after the official date of degree conferral. All financial obligations to the university must be cleared before it can be mailed.

Your diploma will be mailed to your mailing address of record in PAWS.

Your legal name on record at Georgia State University will be the name printed on your diploma. If you have had a legal change of name, you must visit the One Stop Shop (Second floor of Sparks Hall) with proof (Marriage license, Divorce Decree, etc.). Submit any name changes to the Registrar's Office (One Stop Shop) by the midpoint of the semester you are scheduled to graduate. Candidates for graduation may check the Tentative Graduates list.  This list will be posted online by the midpoint of each semester or your can view the hard-copy list posted just to the left of Room 224 Sparks Hall.

If you have a change of address, change your personal information in PAWS prior to commencement so your diploma will be mailed to the correct location.