Graduation Deadlines

Forms MUST be downloaded and opened outside of the browser with Adobe Reader DC - opening a file within the browser will not allow it to be fillable. Check your browser's download settings to ensure the proper procedure.

• If you are unable to get the electronic signature to work, complete the form, print the typewritten form - sign and scan the form to your advisor, via UMSL email.
• Do not use Adobe "Collect Signatures/Send for Signatures" feature.
• Your academic unit may have internal deadlines you need to meet and other forms that need to be completed before your paperwork is forwarded to the Graduate School.
• These are firm deadlines, forms will not be accepted after the deadline date.
• Diplomas are processed by Registration after all requirements are confirmed completed. Graduate Certificates are generated [PDF] and emailed to UMSL email addresses, by Graduate School, after conferral. These processes typically occur approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the end of the semester.

If you are a doctoral or EdS student earning your Master’s along the way to those degrees, please complete a new application to the masters program you are pursuing, so that you are able to complete tasks to apply to graduate. You do not need to pay an app fee or send transcripts. 

• If you are unsure if this applies to you, contact your Graduate Program Director.

Please choose the appropriate program name below for the degree or certificate you are applying.

Graduate Certificate  |  Master's Degree  |  Educational Specialist Degree  |  Doctoral Degree

  Frequently Asked Graduation Questions

Graduate Certificate Deadlines

There is a distinct difference between a graduate certificate and teacher certification. A graduate certificate is a credential awarded by UMSL. They are managed by the Graduate School in much the same way as a master’s degree. If you wish to receive a Graduate Certificate, you should use the G10 link to apply for the certificate. 

Teacher Certification is a process of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The state sets the requirements and evaluates applicants. The Graduate School is not directly involved in this process, and you should not use the G10 application to apply for teacher certification. The College of Education runs UMSL’s programs that lead to teacher certification. If you have any questions about how to obtain teacher certification, you should contact the Advising Office at 314-516-5937.

Graduate Certificates are emailed after all requirements are confirmed completed, including a zero balance.

Student Instructions for graduation application process. | Graduation FAQ

Master's Degree Deadlines

Commencement ceremonies are in May and December, August grads can participate in the ceremony of their choosing. Diplomas are processed by Registration after all requirements are confirmed completed, including a zero balance. These processes typically occur approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the end of the semester.

Student Instructions for graduation application process. |  Graduation FAQ

Educational Specialist Degree Deadlines

Commencement ceremonies are in May and December, August grads can participate in the ceremony of their choosing.  Diplomas are processed by Registration after all requirements are confirmed completed, including a zero balance. These processes typically occur approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the end of the semester.

Student Instructions for graduation application process. |  Graduation FAQ

Doctoral Degree - Ph.D. & Professional DBA, DNP and EdD Deadlines

Info regarding commencement regalia here!
Graduation FAQ

Commencement ceremonies are in May & December, August grads can participate in the ceremony of their choosing. Diplomas are processed by Registration after all requirements are confirmed completed, including a zero balance. These processes typically occur approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the end of the semester.