Graduation Application Process

Note: Spring and Fall term degree candidates must walk in the term in which they are completing their degree. Summer undergraduate level candidates are invited to walk in the Spring ceremonies. Summer graduate level candidates are invited to walk in the Fall ceremonies.

Information for Students

Congratulations! It is time to begin the process of applying for graduation. Earning your Degree from Montana State University is an exciting time and we have created documentation to help ensure this process goes smoothly for you.

The Undergraduate and Gallatin College graduation application process is a multi-step process. You should apply for graduation the semester before you intend to complete your degree requirements.

Application Deadlines

MSU-Undergraduate

• October 1 st priority deadline for Spring graduation, submitted preceding Fall semester
• March 1 st priority deadline for Summer and Fall graduation, submitted the preceding Spring semester

MSU-Graduate School

• June 10th for Summer graduation, submitted the semester of intended graduation
• September 20th for Fall graduation, submitted the semester of intended graduation
• February 5th for Spring graduation, submitted the semester of intended graduation

For application details, please see the Graduate School's website.

Gallatin College

• October 1 st for Spring graduation, AA/AS/AAS applications submitted the preceding Fall semester
• December 1 st for Spring graduation, Certificate of Applied Science and Professional certificates submitted preceding Fall semester
• March 1 st for Summer and Fall graduation, all credentials due the preceding Fall semester

Application Instructions

Gathering Notes from Your Advisor and Certifying Officer

Your Advisor and Certifying Officer must authorize your application for graduation before you submit your graduation application. Each will record their authorization by placing specific notes in Degreeworks.

You will need separate Advisor and Certifying Officer notes for each credential that you are applying for. In other words, in addition to your primary degree, if you are seeking a minor, second major, second degree, certificate, etc., then you need to also have the advisor and certifying officer for that program of study enter the appropriate notes in Degreeworks.

1. Meet with your advisor to review your DegreeWorks and ensure that your file is accurate and that you are on track to graduate.
   • If changes must be made to your curriculum (adding or dropping a minor for example), please utilize the Curriculum Change request form to change your information.
   • If your advisor approves your plan for graduation, he/she will add a note in DegreeWorks that he/she has approved your application for graduation: “Final Semester Primary Degree Advisor Approves of DegreeWorks worksheet”
2. Next, work with your department to have the Certifying Officer review your curriculum and your graduation Plan in DegreeWorks. Once they have confirmed your DegreeWorks worksheet is in order, they will put a note in your Degree Works: “Final Semester UG Approved for Graduation Application by Certifying Officer". It is the note from your Certifying Officer which will allow you access to the online graduation application in MyInfo.
   • Ask your Advisor how best to get Certifying Officer approval to apply for graduation. Some advisors are certifying officers, some departments advance your graduation application request to the certifying officer on your behalf, some departments will have you set up a second meeting with your certifying officer.

1. Once you have advisor and certifying officer notes for each credential (major, minor, second major, second degree, certificate, etc.) in DegreeWorks, log into MyInfo to Apply for Graduation!

Completing the Online Graduation Application

1. Log into the secure area of your MyInfo using your NetID and Password.
2. Select the Student Services tab.
3. Select the link that says "Apply to Graduate" to begin the application process.

• Curriculum Term Selection
  • Select the current term and Submit.
  • Please verify your current major and minors/certificates (if any) and Continue.
    • If you are a Dual Degree Candidate, you will need to complete this process two times to apply for Graduation for both Degrees.
    • Select your date of graduation from the drop down menu and Continue.
    • Diploma Name Selection
      • Here you have the ability to indicate EXACTLY how you'd like for your name to appear on your diploma.
      • Make a selection from the drop down menu and Continue.
      • At the time of your application, you will still have plenty of time to change your mind regarding attendance to commencement. Please use this screen to indicate your attendance intentions currently and Continue.
      • Here you have the ability to indicate what address you want your diploma to be sent to in the following timeframe:
        • Spring Graduates – July
        • Summer Graduates – October
        • Fall Graduates – February
        • At the time of your application, you will still have plenty of time to change your mind regarding attendance to commencement. Please use this screen to indicate your attendance intentions currently and Continue.
        • Please review and confirm details from previous screens. If you made a mistake, use the back arrow on your browser to correct erroneous screen. If all of your information looks correct, Submit Request.
          • In order to make changes after your application has been submitted, you must come in the Registrar’s Office at 111 Montana Hall with a photo ID.
          • A message will appear to confirm the submission of our online application. You can also confirm that your application was submitted by going the Students Services tab in MyInfo and clicking the “View Graduation Application” link.

          After Submitting Your Application - Next Steps

          Continue to monitor your DegreeWorks. If your advisor or auditor from the Registrar’s Office find any discrepancies, they will make a note in your DegreeWorks.

          Continue to monitor your university email for communication regarding Graduation Fair and Commencement Preparation. You can also check our Commencement website: https://www.montana.edu/commencement/

          A Graduation Fee of $40 will be charged to your account for each Degree application. This includes new applications that are submitted to change your term of graduation. Failure to pay will result in a financial hold being placed on your account.

          An additional fee of $30 will be charged to your account for any In Absentia Registration.

          General Definitions

          Dual Degree Candidate

          A student who is pursing two degrees. This student will have completed each program degree requirements as well as an additional 30 credits. Generally completing 150+ credits. Student will receive two diplomas.

          Dual Major Candidate

          A student who is pursing two majors. This student will have completed each program degree requirements. Generally completing 120 credits. Student will receive one diploma.

          Primary Advisor

          The advisor for your primary degree or major.

          Certifying Officer

          Departmental-specific individual who certifies degrees. Your department administrator or Primary Advisor will give you this information.

          Degree Application Indicators

          Follow the link below for an explanation of degree application indicators (e.g. "SO" or "AW") in DegreeWorks as they relate to auditing and awarding degrees.

          Information for Baccalaureate Certificate Candidates

          If you are seeking a Baccalaureate level certificate (Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Gerontology, Life-Scholars, Arabic, or Pre-Med) and no other credential in the same semester, please complete this stand alone application after speaking with your advisor:

          Office of the Registrar
          Montana State University
          111 Montana Hall (campus map)
          P.O. Box 172660
          Bozeman, MT 59717-2660

          Office Hours
          8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
          Monday through Friday
          Excludes University Holidays

          Contact
          Telephone: (406) 994-6650
          Fax: (406) 994-1972
          Email: [email protected]

          Registrar
          Antoni Campeau