Graduation Requirements

Earning a graduate degree is a significant accomplishment, and we're here to help you prepare for this exciting milestone. As you approach graduation, please review the Graduation Checklist below to ensure you complete all required steps and meet important deadlines.

You'll also find information about the commencement ceremony, degree conferral, diploma delivery, and additional requirements for doctoral students.

Whether you're preparing to cross the stage in June or completing your final degree requirements, this checklist will help guide you through the final steps toward graduation.

Graduation Checklist

Apply to Graduate
Graduate students:
- Must apply to graduate at least two quarters prior to their intended quarter of graduation.
Law Students:
- Students graduating in the spring or summer semester may apply beginning November 1 of that academic year.
- Students planning to graduate in the fall semester may apply beginning on the first day of the fall semester.
Complete the graduation application by the required deadline for your intended graduation term.
Step by step instructions for applying to graduate
Review Your Graduation Evaluation and Complete Remaining Degree Requirements

Graduate students in the College of Professional Studies, and master's students in the Daniels College of Business and Graduate School of Social Work, will receive a graduation evaluation from their academic unit.
Students in all other graduate programs, as well as doctoral students, will receive a graduation evaluation from the Office of Graduate Education.
Complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates (PhD Students Only)

Doctoral students must complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) prior to degree conferral.
The SED is an annual survey of approximately 60,000 new research doctorate graduates across the United States. The survey gathers information about graduates' educational experiences, sources of financial support, and post-graduation plans.
The University of Denver is committed to maintaining high-quality graduate programs and providing an exceptional student experience. Your responses help the University assess and improve graduate education programs and services while also contributing to national studies of doctoral education and workforce trends.
Additional information about the survey, including annual data tables and related publications, is available through the Survey of Earned Doctorates website.
Degree Certification, Degree Conferral, and Diploma Delivery
Following the completion of the quarter, the Office of Graduate Education (or the appropriate academic unit) will begin certifying degrees.
The degree certification process may take up to four weeks after the end of the quarter.
Students can verify that their degree has been awarded by viewing their unofficial transcript in My4D.
Diplomas are mailed by the Office of the Registrar approximately 6-8 weeks after the last day of the quarter.
To avoid delays, be sure that:
- All university holds have been resolved.
- Your preferred mailing address is current in My4D.

Graduation Application Deadlines

Summer 2026 Quarter: April 6, 2026
Fall 2026 Quarter: June 22, 2026
Winter 2027 Quarter: September 15, 2026
Spring 2027 Quarter: January 11, 2027

My4D

My4D is the home for all your student essentials, including your graduation application. Under the Student Records folder, select Apply to Graduate. Make sure to follow the Graduation Checklist to ensure you've applied successfully.

My4D
Graduate Bulletin

The Graduate Bulletin is home to all official graduate student policies, including academic requirements and procedures. Ensure you've met all the academic requirements for your program before you apply to graduate. If you have questions about remaining on track, reach out to your academic unit for advising.

Graduate Bulletin