Diplomas are dated the last day of the semester in which the requirements for the degree are completed. Degrees are conferred once a year at May commencement.

Eligibility to participate in commencement

Montana State University allows only those graduate students who have completed all requirements for the degree (including all coursework, examinations, and final papers (including approval of the thesis or dissertation by the Graduate Vice Provost) and who have applied to graduate by the deadline to participate in commencement exercises.   Graduate students who will finish the degree the following August may walk through the May ceremonies only if they are utilizing the one credit extension and have documentation from their major advisor of the student’s assured completion of degree requirements by the one credit extension deadline.

Students who are unable to attend commencement must make special arrangements with the Registrar to have their diplomas mailed to them. Students who participate in commencement must purchase academic robes and hoods. These may be purchased from the MSU Bookstore, usually in February.

Students listed in Montana State University’s commencement book are those candidates who have identified themselves as eligible to graduate. The degree will not be awarded until all requirements for the advanced degree are met and the candidate has been certified to graduate by the Division of Graduate Education. Being listed in the commencement book does not imply completion of the degree.

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