- Graduation FAQ
Helpful Tool to Stay on Track: Want to know if you are on track to graduate? Interested in preparing your schedule for Fall 2024 registration? Check your ARR to see what graduation requirements and major requirements you need to complete.
The last step to completing your degree is to file for your bachelor's or master's degree. For Undergraduate students, please evaluate your Academic Requirements Report (ARR) with your major/minor department before applying for graduation. You must complete the online graduation application by the posted deadline dates:
| Graduation Filing Deadlines | |
|---|---|
| Graduation Term | Final Filing Date |
| Spring 2025 | February 1, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | February 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2024 | September 15, 2024 |
Students may choose from three Graduation terms Spring, Summer, and Fall. Application processes will vary for undergraduate and graduate students; see below for details.
Former students (not current students) who have not attended SSU for more than two semesters will need to follow our instructions for students who have not attended SSU for more than 2 semesters.
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Additional Information
Students not in a period of continuous enrollment at the time of filing for their degree must meet the catalog requirements in effect at the time of filing.
RQ number Include the complete RQ number (example: XXX-XX ).
Explanation Include the exact 'heading' of the requirement being met (there may be multiple requirement headings under the same RQ number). Include as much detail as possible, as this will allow for fast processing and will help avoid delays in having to return the form to get the necessary information.
International Program (IP) Courses Include the full course topic/title as it appears on the transcript (example: 'American Art: 1960's Era').
Transfer Courses Verify that the transfer course covers the required units, otherwise you will need to apply another course to make up for the remaining overall units.
Please Note: Substitutions for transfer and IP courses cannot be processed until the official transcript has been received and posted to the student's record.
What's the difference between graduation and commencement? Graduation is the actual academic semester, or term, in which you officially and successfully complete all of your graduation requirements. You must apply for the term in which you plan to graduate. Once grades are posted, your record will be evaluated and if all requirements are met, your degree will be awarded.
The commencement ceremony is often referred to as 'graduation', but in reality there is a difference. Commencement is a ceremony and celebration for students who are projected to successfully complete all of their graduation requirements by the end of spring semester or those that completed in the prior fall or upcoming summer semesters. You will not receive a diploma at the commencement ceremony.
For information on commencement ceremonies, please go to the commencement website.
Degree Honors: Criteria used to determine honors at graduation are those in effect as of the date of graduation. Students graduating with the baccalaureate earn degree honors by meeting the following criteria:
a. Completion of a minimum of 45 letter-graded semester units in residence; and
b. Attainment of cumulative and SSU grade point averages as indicated below:
Summa Cum Laude is awarded to those students achieving a cumulative grade point average in ALL university and college work and a cumulative GPA in all work undertaken at SSU of not less than 3.90.
Magna Cum Laude is awarded to those students achieving a cumulative grade point average in ALL university and college work and a cumulative GPA in all work undertaken at SSU of not less than 3.75.
Cum Laude is awarded to those students achieving a cumulative grade point average in ALL university and college work and a cumulative GPA in all work undertaken at SSU of not less than 3.50.
For the purposes of the commencement program, SSU utilizes data from the last graded semester (fall or spring) and does not calculate in coursework in progress. Final determination of honors will be determined at the time the degree is posted and, if applicable, will be listed on your diploma and official transcripts.
For further information regarding grades, guidelines and University statutes, please refer to the SSU Catalog.
For All Graduate Students
You must apply to graduate by submitting the Master's Degree Graduation Application to the Office of the Registrar.
*Note: If you already applied for an earlier graduation date but didn't complete your requirements, you must reapply or submit a Graduation Changes Form.
For Those Completing a Thesis or Project
Submit your signed Completion of Requirements form (GS 02) along with the review copy of your thesis or project to the Graduate Studies Office (Stevenson 1041). Your thesis or project must have been publicly defended and approved by your committee prior to submitting to the Graduate Studies Office.
For those Completing with Other Culminating Experiences (Comprehensive Exam, Professional Papers, Cognate, Internships, etc.): Submit your signed Completion of Requirements form (GS 02) to the Graduate Studies Office (Stevenson 1041).