Graduation and Commencement

Graduation is not the same thing as the Commencement Ceremony. Graduation is the process by which degree completion is confirmed and certified. The Commencement Ceremony celebrates that academic achievement.

Degree Completion

Degree completion is not automatic. You must apply to have your degree conferred, even if you do not plan to attend a commencement ceremony. 

• Complete the Graduation Application in your My Ohio Student Center. The application is available on the first day of the semester. If you do not see the correct program, degree, or are missing a certificate, you need to update your record with the Graduate College. Before proceeding with the application, contact your graduate program for help submitting an update of program form.
• You must meet all deadlines for filing your final project, thesis, dissertation, or other capstone experience.
• Your cumulative graduate grade point average must be at least 3.00 (without rounding).
• You must have completed all requirements for your degree and removed any incompletes.
• You must be in unconditional and final admission status.
• You must fulfill all financial and other obligations to the university before your diploma will be released.
• Graduation applications not completed by the deadline listed in the  academic calendar  will be assessed a late processing fine.

Certificate Completion

Certificate conferral is not automatic. You must complete the Graduation Application in your My Ohio Student Center. If you do not see a certificate option in the application, you need to update your record with the Graduate College by filling out an Update Graduate Program form: Graduate College Forms | Ohio University . 

• Your cumulative grade point average must be at least 3.00 (without rounding).
• You must have completed all certificate requirements.
• You must be in unconditional and final admission status.
• You must fulfill all financial and other obligations to the university before your certificate will be released.
• Graduation applications not completed by the deadline listed in the  academic calendar  will be assessed a late processing fine.

Still have Questions?

Visit the University's official Commencement website, which features Frequently Asked Questions, the schedule of events, event speakers and more.

Commencement Website