Paperwork must be submitted to the Graduate School by the deadlines on the above pages to qualify for the specified graduation date. These deadlines are strict and apply regardless of planned attendance at the commencement ceremony.
Apply Online to Graduate
Both MS and PhD degree candidates must apply online to graduate by the deadline for the semester in which they intend to graduate. You must apply to graduate online whether or not you plan to attend the formal graduation ceremony.
MS Graduation Checklist
- Apply to graduate
- Candidacy Application
- Complete to the best of your ability and send to the graduate program advisor for review, signatures, and submission to the Graduate School
PhD Graduation Checklist
Complete all of these by the indicated deadlines linked above.
- Review the Graduate School's PhD Checklist
- Schedule Defense
- Update Title of Dissertation through Buff Portal as necessary.
- Final Defense Examination report. Complete to the best of your ability and return to the graduate program advisor at least 2 weeks prior to the exam date to complete processing.
- Thesis Approval Form
- Final Copy of Dissertation
- Guidelines and instructions to upload an electronic copy to the Graduate School using ProQuest.
- Final Grade Card - The graduate program advisor will complete this for you. Please let her know when you have deposited your thesis.