Graduate School Graduation FAQ

ETSU Graduate School

Graduation Checklist for Graduate Students

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I Apply to Graduate?

All graduate students who will earn a certificate, master’s degree, Education Specialist degree, or doctoral degree must Apply to Graduate no later than one semester prior to the intended graduation semester. For example, if you plan to graduate in Spring 2027, your graduation application will be due in the early part of Fall 2026. Find the exact due date on the Academic Calendar (graduate student deadlines can be found under gold headings).

Students can only graduate from programs to which they have been formally admitted. For example, if you have been admitted to a master’s program and have also been taking courses that apply to a graduate certificate, you must also apply and be admitted to the certificate program one semester before graduation.
I don’t want to walk in the graduation ceremony. Do I need to Apply to Graduate?

Yes. To have your degree conferred (completed), all students, including those who
do not want to participate in graduation ceremonies, must Apply to Graduate by the deadline so that their certificate and/or degree can be conferred.
What if I am enrolled in two or more programs (for example, a master’s degree and a certificate)? Do I have to Apply to Graduate from both?

Yes. Students will need to submit an Application to Graduate for each program.
I am admitted into a certificate program and a graduate degree program? Should I graduate from both at the same time?

In most cases the answer is yes. If you are using courses from the degree program to also count for the certificate program (or vice versa) you should graduate from both in the same semester. If you don’t, you may end up needing to take additional credits.

If you are an international student, it is important that you graduate from both programs in the same semester; otherwise, you will need to apply for new I-20. Contact International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu) for more information about implications to your I-20 status.
I applied to graduate, but now I need to graduate a semester later. What do I do?

Although disappointing, delays happen, but changing your graduation term is easy. To change your graduation term, you need to complete a Change in Graduation Term form.

International students will also need to contact Contact International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu) to update their I-20 term of graduation as well.
I missed the deadline to apply for graduation. What are my options?

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate Apply to Graduate forms that arrive after the final due date. Your degree will be conferred in the next semester.

International students will need also to contact International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu); IES can advise you on any impact on your visa status.
I missed the deadline for graduation. Can I still participate in the ceremony? I thought my thesis would be finished this semester, but I will miss the deadline. Can I participate in the ceremony?

Maybe. You will need to email the Dean of the Graduate School and explain the circumstances. With permission, you can participate. However, your name (and thesis or dissertation title) may not appear in the printed program.

International students will also need to contact Contact International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu); IES can advise you on any impact on your visa status.
I missed the graduation deadline; I know that my degree will be conferred a semester later. But I have a job, doctoral program or postdoctoral position to start and need to verify that I have completed my degree. What can I do?

gradschoolforms@etsu.edu, and we can issue a Statement of Degree Completion to the appropriate agency. For most employers and graduate schools, this document will suffice for you getting started in your new position.

International students will also need to contact International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu); IES can advise you on any impact on your visa status.
Do I need a certain GPA to graduate?

Yes. Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher as well as a program GPA of 3.0 or higher to have their degree conferred. East Tennessee State University will not award graduate degrees for any GPA lower than a 3.0 (including a 2.99).
Do I need to be enrolled in the semester I plan to graduate?

Yes. Students must be registered for at least one credit in the semester of graduation. Students who have received final approval of their thesis or dissertation from the Graduate School may not be required to register in the conferral semester if they meet the requirements. Contact the Publications and Special Projects Coordinator for details.
How do I know if I have completed all my degree requirements so that I can graduate?

Students have access to DegreeWorks in their GoldLink account. DegreeWorks provides information on degree requirements completed and remaining. You cannot have any outstanding Incomplete “I” grades. We also strongly encourage you to double check with your graduate advisor to be sure that all requirements are on track.
What are the deadlines for Theses and Dissertations?

All Graduate School deadlines can be found under gold headings on the Academic Calendar. All information about the Thesis and Dissertation submission and review process, templates, and more can be found here.
I missed the deadline to submit my thesis/dissertation to the Graduate School, what are my options?

Thesis/dissertations submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for that semester and will be moved to the next semester for processing. Your degree will also be conferred in the next semester. When this happens, the Graduate School has some options and some additional changes you will need to make to complete your degree. Contact your Enrollment/Graduation Specialist (gradschoolforms@etsu.edu) for more information about the change of term. Contact the Publications and Special Projects Coordinator for more information about the submission process.

International students will also need to apply for OPT for the next semester. Contact International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu) for more information.
I received the approval email from the Dean for my thesis/dissertation, but DegreeWorks hasn’t updated yet, what do I need to do?

After you receive your approval email, your title will be sent to the Enrollment/Graduation Specialists, and it will be added to their queue for processing. This will take time to update the title under the Graduation Milestones in DegreeWorks. No action is needed by you to complete this part.
How do I get my cap and gown?

You’ll find Graduation Ceremony FAQs here.
What time is the Commencement ceremony?

You’ll find Graduation Ceremony FAQs here.