Once undergraduate students have earned 90 academic credits, they will have access to a Graduation Card on their myUMBC Profile page. The Graduation Card is a personalized, step-by-step guide that will ensure a smooth process forward until students cross the finish line with a UMBC degree.
Students should check their Graduation Card periodically to ensure they are staying on track with their degree requirements as this will be the only way to access the application for graduation when the time comes.
Before you apply, please read our preparing and applying for graduation guide.
Below is the undergraduate graduation process. For quick access, please click the listed links:
Application
Undergraduate students may only apply for graduation, via their Graduation Card, in their final semester once all general education, major/minor/certificate requirements, as applicable, have been accounted for (i.e., currently enrolled in all remaining courses and/or pending transfer credit to be sent to UMBC).
When the time comes, students may apply for undergraduate graduation online via the Graduation Card on their myUMBC Profile page. Students will receive a confirmation email from the Registrar’s Office once their application is received.
Students may apply online for graduation during the following dates:
| Intended Graduation Term | Graduation Application Available | Commencement Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Graduation | December 1 – February 15 | May Ceremony |
| Summer Graduation | May 1 – June 15 | December Ceremony |
| Fall Graduation | August 1 – September 15 | December Ceremony |
Graduate Students should contact the Graduate School for information about their graduation application and process.
Initial Review Process
All undergraduate graduation candidates are reviewed by both the academic departments and the Registrar’s Office after the application deadlines as listed above. Graduation reviews will be conducted based upon the major(s)/minor(s)/certificate(s) listed in the Graduation Card. It is imperative that students ensure the accuracy of their intended degree information.
Students are notified via their UMBC email address of their initial graduation status mid-semester. Students may receive one of the following statuses:
- Pending – Student is currently enrolled in or has met all requirements, and will be eligible to graduate at the end of the semester pending successful completion of all coursework. Student is also eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony
- Not Eligible – Student is missing one or more requirements, and will not graduate at the end of the semester. Student is not eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony
Students who have questions about their initial graduation status can contact their academic advisor or submit a Help Ticket to Graduation.
Final Review Process
All undergraduate graduation candidates are reviewed for a final time after transcripts are updated at the conclusion their final semester. Students will be notified by email of their final graduation status by the Registrar’s Office. Students can expect to receive their diploma at their mailing address four to six weeks after their degree has been conferred.
Students may receive one of the following statuses:
- Graduated – Student’s degree has been posted to their record
- Denied – Student did not graduate. The email will specify which requirements are missing, and what the student’s next steps should be
Students who are taking coursework off-campus must submit official copies of their transcripts to the Registrar’s Office for processing once their coursework is completed and graded.
Students who have questions about their final graduation status can contact their academic advisor or submit a Help Ticket to Graduation.
Commencement
Students who are reviewed as pending during the initial review process will be eligible to participate in the undergraduate commencement ceremony. Students may only participate in one commencement ceremony based upon the semester in which all their degree requirements will complete.
There are two commencement ceremonies each year for candidates:
| Intended Graduation Term | Graduation Application Available | Commencement Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Graduation | December 1 – February 15 | May Ceremony |
| Summer Graduation | May 1 – June 15 | December Ceremony |
| Fall Graduation | August 1 – September 15 | December Ceremony |
Students who apply online for graduation between the posted dates will have their legal name listed in the commencement ceremony program. Students who wish to have their chosen name listed in the commencement program instead should contact the Graduation Team after applying for graduation.
Additional information can be found on the Registrar’s Office website and the Commencement website. Questions regarding the commencement ceremonies, caps and gowns, and other commencement-related activities can be directed to commencement.
Diploma
All undergraduate students who have graduated, per the final review process conducted by the Registrar’s Office, will receive their undergraduate diploma in the mail. Undergraduate diplomas are not distributed at the commencement ceremony. Students can expect to receive their diploma at their mailing address four to six weeks after their degree has been conferred.
Students who have outstanding financial holds will not have their diploma ordered until their financial holds are resolved. Students with financial holds are encouraged to contact Student Business Services with questions.
Additional information regarding diplomas can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.
Graduate Students should contact the Graduate School for information about their diploma.