Graduation & Commencement

You've come a long way and graduation is just around the corner. Whether or not you choose to attend the commencement ceremony, you will need to apply for graduation. Let us walk you through the process.

When to Apply for Graduation

Bachelor's Degree Candidates: Apply in the semester in which you earned your 90th semester hour, approximately two semesters preceding your expected graduation date.

Graduate and Law Degree Candidates: Apply at least two semesters in advance of the expected semester of graduation.

Students are eligible to apply for graduation if they meet the following criteria:  Undergraduates must have a minimum GPA of 1.5 and at least 90 credit hours earned.  Graduate students must have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5 and at least 24 credit hours earned.  Law students must have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.2 and at least 24 credit hours earned.

How to Apply

Complete the application form by logging into PAWS, navigating to the Student Records block on the One Stop Shop tab, and selecting Apply to Graduate. Submit the form online with the graduation fee.

The graduation fee is $50 for all graduate and undergraduate students. Students must apply for each degree/major earned and pay a separate fee. The fee covers the cost of printing, packaging and mailing your diploma.

After You Apply

Undergraduate graduation applicants will be contacted by their college's Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) 4-8 weeks after applying.

Graduates should continue to work with their specific academic advisor. They will work with you to ensure you are on track to meet graduation requirements. The advisor will inform you of any remaining requirements. Additionally, the Graduation Office will conduct an audit during the graduation term listed on your application.

Note: Graduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences are strongly advised to consult the website for their area as procedures differ.

Changing Your Graduation Date or Your Attendance at the Ceremony After You Apply

Students who know they will not graduate the semester for which they have applied, but will graduate a subsequent semester, or students who want to change whether they are attending the actual commencement ceremony must complete the Change of Graduation Date form (.doc).

• Click on the form above and complete.
• Save the form on your computer.
• Attach the form to an email and send it to graduation@gsu.edu.