College of Graduate Studies

Graduation & Commencement

Ready to graduate? Here’s what you need to do!

First of all, congratulations! If you're ready to graduate and have your degree or certificate officially awarded, you'll need to submit a graduation application. This application lets our office review your Degree Works program to make sure you have or are on track for meeting all the requirements for degree/certificate conferral.

Key Deadlines

Summer Graduation: Apply by February 1st
Fall Graduation: Apply by June 1st
Spring Graduation: Apply by September 1st

Important Terms: Graduation vs. Commencement

• Graduation: This refers to the completion of your program requirements. Degrees are conferred upon review of the completed requirements at the conclusion of the final term.
• Commencement: The university ceremony to recognize your achievement.
• Diploma: This refers to the document that is issued upon completion of a degree program (i.e. Master of Business Administration).
• Certificate: The document that is issued for completion of a certificate program (i.e. Healthcare Informatics Certificate). Students who are earning only a certificate are not eligible to participate in commencement.

Be ready for the day!

Important Note: If you're enrolled in multiple programs (like a degree and a certificate), you'll need to apply separately for each one. If you don't see the right program listed, contact Graduate Studies at gradstudies@tntech.edu.

 

What if plans change?

If you apply to graduate but don’t meet the requirements or decide to graduate in a different term, you’ll need to submit a "Change of Graduation Term Form" (for Graduate Studies students only). Make sure to submit it by the deadline for your new intended graduation term.

 

Graduation Checklist

Make sure you're on track! Use our Graduation Checklist to keep up with what you need to do before graduation. There are many important topics listed so be sure to review this list thoroughly.

Graduation Checklist 

 

Enrollment Requirements and Deadlines

To graduate, you must be enrolled in a course approved by your graduate advisor during the term your degree is awarded. 

All required forms, including thesis/dissertation submissions, must be received by Graduate Studies by the deadlines posted in the Graduate Student Calendar.

 

Commencement Details for Graduate Students

Certificate Earners
If you are earning a certificate only (not graduating with a degree), you do not participate in the University commencement ceremony. However, you can attend any end-of-term activities hosted by your College.

Summer Graduates
There is no commencement ceremony in the summer. Summer graduates are automatically eligible to walk in the following fall's commencement ceremonies.

Want to Walk in a Different Ceremony?
If you want to walk in a ceremony other than the one for your graduation term, you may submit an Exception Request to Walk in Commencement Form (for Graduate Studies students only). Note: Doctoral students are required to complete all degree requirements before participating in commencement.

Tickets & Guests
There are no tickets or limits on the number of guests for attendance at commencement.

Clear Debts
All outstanding debts (including parking tickets) must be cleared with the Business Office in order for diplomas, certificates, and transcripts to be issued. These will be held if debts are not cleared at the end of the final semester. Contact the Registrar’s office, registrar@tntech.edu, if you need to clear a debt after the end of the graduation semester in order to request your diploma or certificate to be released.

Caps, Gowns, and Hoods
Caps, gowns, and hoods may be picked up during Senior Salute or at the University Bookstore at no cost. You may also order regalia from Oak Hall Cap & Gown after Senior Salute. A shipping charge will be incurred. Please contact the bookstore for any questions regarding regalia or placing orders (bkstenntech@bncollege.com or 931-372-3435). 

Instructional videos by our vendor, Oak Hall, on how to prepare and wear your hood may be found at the following links:

Master and Specialist cap, gown, and hood instructional video

Doctoral cap, gown, and hood instructional video

Note: Doctoral graduates receive their hoods at commencement as part of the hooding ceremony. Traditional mortarboard caps are provided in the regalia packet. Doctoral graduates may choose to order from the bookstore and at their own expense, a 'tam' graduation cap - this is optional.

                                         

 

Graduate Hood Trim Colors

Commencement Rehearsal
There is no rehearsal for the ceremony.

Commencement Day
Refer to the following PDFs for commencement and regalia information specific to graduate students:
» Commencement details for master's and specialist students
» Commencement details for doctoral students
Additional information, including the commencement schedule, will be emailed to graduation candidates.

Academic honors
Academic honors (e.g. summa cum laude) are not recognized for graduate-level students at commencement or on the diploma. The graduate hood represents academic achievement at this level.

Additional Information

The Office of Communications and Marketing organizes our commencement ceremonies and posts additional information about commencement:
» Commencement Overview – Commencement schedule and livestream, digital program, arrival information, directions, parking, disability guest assistance
» Details for Day of Ceremony – Program of events, dress code, accommodations, photographs

 

• Defense Forms & Certificate of Approval Form

  College of Arts & Sciences Defense Form (PDF)

  College of Education & Human Sciences, Engineering & Interdisciplinary Studies Defense Form
  DocuSign or PDF available

  Thesis/Dissertation Certificate of Approval Form (DocuSign)

• Comprehensive Exit Exam

  College of Arts & Sciences Exit Comprehensive Exam Form

  College of Education & Human Sciences & College of Engineering Exit Comprehensive Exam Form

• Survey of Earned Doctorate

  Survey of Earned Doctorate (Ph.D. Only) - This is a graduation requirement for doctoral students.

 

Your Degree Progression/Graduation (ProGrad) Team