Graduation
To be considered a candidate for the completion of a graduate degree, graduate certificate, or graduate minor, you must complete all necessary paperwork as well as the Application for Completion of Degrees, Certificates and Minors by the posted deadlines. Late submissions will be processed in the order received AFTER all submissions made by the deadline are finalized. Failure to meet the deadlines will result in the delay or postponement of your graduation.
Graduation & Commencement Steps
Deadlines
| Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | |
| Application Open | 3/4/2024- 12/6/2024 | 10/23/2024- 5/9/2025 | 10/23/2024- 7/25/2025 | 3/3/2025- 12/12/2025 | TBD |
| Commencement Bulletin Inclusion Deadline | 11/15/2024 | 3/21/2025 | 3/21/2025 | TBD | TBD |
| RSVP Open | 9/9/2024 – 12/1/2024 | 1/21/2025 – 5/3/2025 | *See Commencement Participation Policies | 9/8/2025 – 12/1/2025 | TBD |
| M3/S3/D4 and thesis or dissertation materials due | 12/2/2024 | 5/2/2025 | 7/11/2025 | 12/5/2025 | 5/1/2026 |
| Due to degree processing deadlines, late submissions WILL NOT be accepted after this date | 12/6/2024 | 5/9/2025 | 7/18/2025 | 12/12/2025 | 5/8/2026 |
| Commencement | 12/14/2024 12:00 pm Hearnes Center | 5/16/2025 Master’s/Ed.Sp: 1 pm Doctoral: 4 pm Mizzou Arena | *See Commencement Participation Policies | 12/19/2025 -12/21/2025 | 5/15/2026 – 5/17/2026 |
Graduation Application
The online application for graduation is available prior to classes beginning each semester. It must be completed in order for a student to be considered a candidate for graduation at the end of that term. Fill out the Application for Completion of Degrees, Certificates and Minors. The information submitted in the application for graduation will be used to update your degree candidacy in myZou. Completion of the myZou application for graduation is not necessary.
Before you apply for graduation, you must already have an approved plan of study on file with the Graduate School. Failure to file a plan of study may mean a delay of graduation. Consult with your program to confirm that your plan of study is on file.
Delaying Degree or Certificate Completion
If you do not graduate at the end of the term you for which apply for graduation you must:
- Contact the Graduate School regarding your plans
- Apply for graduation in a future semester
Paperwork
Check with your academic program to make sure all of your paperwork has been submitted to the Graduate School for graduation. See the graduation requirements for master’s, doctoral and educational specialist student.
Thesis or Dissertation Submission
Students writing a thesis or dissertation must submit to the Graduate School by the semester deadline. If a thesis or dissertation is part of your program, it must be submitted to the Graduate School as part of your degree requirements.
- Original Research Manuscript
- Required Supplemental Thesis or Dissertation Materials
Please consult the Guidelines for Preparing a Thesis or Dissertation for formatting and submission requirements.
Final Exam and Enrollment Requirements
For all Graduate Degree-Seeking Candidates
- Students expecting to present a thesis, manuscript, project, portfolio or dissertation or to take comprehensive exams must be enrolled and be examined during the regular semester session. You may defend, present or take final exams any time during the regular semester session excluding holidays, weekends and semester breaks.
- When your final exam has been completed, the results must be submitted to the Graduate School by the semester deadlines. Please consult with your program for department procedures regarding this matter.
Doctoral Candidates
- Post-comp doctoral students are required to enroll in two hours of course work in the spring, two hours of course work in the fall and one hour of coursework in the summer.
Master’s and Educational Specialist Candidates
- Master’s and educational specialist students who have completed all their course work and need only to take comps or defend a thesis or project should enroll for “8999 Graduate Examination.”
- Registration in the “Graduate Examination” does not count toward enrollment certification. Students enrolled in the “Graduate Examination” would not be considered full-time or part-time. If students need to use the library or computers on campus, they should enroll in at least one hour of regular credit instead of Graduate Examination.
- Students that have a financial aid or visa situation should check with Financial Aid or the International Center respectively before registering for the Graduate Examination option. Failure to do so could cause serious consequences for the student’s financial aid or visa status.
- Extra fees apply for access to the Student Health Center and the Student Recreation Center. Please consult the Cashier’s Office for these optional fees.
Name on Your Transcript and Diploma
The name on your transcript and diploma will be the same as is listed in the University’s database through myZou. You will have the opportunity to review name and address information when you complete the application for graduation process.
More About Your Transcripts
Once your degree or graduate certificate has been awarded, the following additional information is printed to your official transcript within approximately 10-15 business days days after the close of the semester:
- Degree
- Major
- Emphasis (if applicable)
- Minor (if applicable)
- Graduate Certificate (if applicable)
- Date of Conferral
The Office of the University Registrar transcript department is located in 125 Jesse Hall. Transcript requests can be made in person, by mail, by fax or online.
If you want to order a transcript that includes your degree or graduate certificate, please indicate on your request that you want to your transcript to be held until your final grades and degree are posted.
More About Your Diploma
Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address approximately 6-8 weeks after graduation. To ensure delivery of your diploma, any address changes must be made on or before the last day of the semester. Corrections can be made on myZou . Address changes cannot be made over the phone.
For additional diploma questions and information, please send an email to: diploma@missouri.edu
Commencement
“Commencement” is the ceremony that recognizes graduate students for the completion of their master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees.
Learn More about CommencementQuestions Regarding Graduation
If you have questions about any of the information provided, please contact the Graduate School, either via email to graduaterecords@missouri.edu or by phone at 573-882-6311, toll free at 800-877-6312.