Students eligible for a degree or certificate must apply for graduation.

  • Because it declares your intent to graduate: The "applying for graduation" process is how you officially declare your intent to graduate with a credential.
  • Because it triggers a degree audit: When you apply, it prompts graduation services to officially evaluate your completed coursework and ensure you have met all degree or program requirements.
  • Because it prompts a review of your application for eligibility to participate in the commencement ceremony: You must apply for graduation before you may become eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Deadlines

Graduation Date Graduation
Application Deadline
May 2026 October 31, 2025
August 2026 February 28, 2026 (preferably earlier so you can receive timely information regarding Commencement)
December 2026 June 30, 2026
After December 2026 At least 1 semester prior to graduation

Conferral Dates

Degrees and certificates are conferred three times a year in May, August and December.

How to Apply

To apply online for graduation: log on to Student Planning & Advising (SPA) and click on "Graduation Overview."

Application Fee for Graduation

Graduate and part-time students will be billed a non-refundable graduation fee when they submit a graduation application online. The fee covers administrative expenses pertaining to graduation and the production of diplomas. The graduation fee is not charged to students who are earning certificates, and it is not associated with participation in commencement.

In the event the student does not complete the requirements for the degree within one year of the originally indicated date, a new application and fee will be required. Full-time undergraduate students pay the fee as part of their tuition and will not be billed separately.

For graduation related questions email graduation@sacredheart.edu.