Graduation Guide

Apply to Graduate

Note that actual graduation (to have your degree officially granted) is not automatic. You do need to officially apply to graduate to get the process started. The linked Registrar's page includes how to apply (and step-by-step guide) and what you can expect afterwards, when you will receive a review, how diplomas are conferred, etc.).

If planning to graduate in Spring or Summer 2025, you can apply to graduate through your my.SDSU account (select the "Academic Records" tile) between Nov. 4th, 2024 and Feb. 3rd, 2025. There is a fee to apply which is currently $112 (as of 2/12/24).

Applying to Graduate versus "Walking" in May Commencement

SDSU holds one commencement ceremony per year, in May. Students who apply to graduate any term during the academic year are automatically invited to participate in May commencement. Even if students apply to graduate for Summer and will finish their coursework during Summer term, they will be eligible to participate in the May ceremony, despite having some coursework left to complete.

Missed the deadline to apply to graduate?

The Registrar's Office will sometimes accept applications to graduate late. To request a late application, students must complete the Registrar's Contact Us form and choose "Grades & Academic Records" for what their question is about. There is an additional fee for applying late, which is currently $20 (in addition to the one-time graduation application fee). The final deadline for Fall 2024 late graduation applications is Friday, November 8, 2024. Keep in mind that it is not guaranteed that students who request a late application to graduate will be able to or will qualify for Distinction in the major(s).

Need to move your graduation application to a future semester?

If you applied to graduate already but need to move your graduation application to a future semester, use this form from the Registrar's Office.

Note: You must have an advising session with your major advisor before completing the form to transfer your application to another term.

Commencement Ceremony May 2025:

College of Sciences ceremony will be held sometime Friday, May 16th, 8 a.m.

Students are eligible to participate in the May 2025 commencement ceremony if they complete their degree requirements by December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025. For more information on the commencement ceremony, please see the SDSU Commencement website (currently May 2024 commencement information is on linked page because new information has not yet been released for May 2025).

SDSU Commencement ceremonies are organized by college. Psychology majors participate in the College of Sciences ceremony in Viejas Arena. The commencement website linked above will include information on when and where to line up before the ceremony, what to bring, buying regalia, obtaining tickets, common FAQs, etc.

Formal Registration for Commencement

Students who applied to graduate between Fall 2024 and Summer 2025 will receive an email to their @sdsu email account typically in early March. Additional registration details will be provided in advance via email and on the commencement website. All graduates planning to participate in the in-person ceremonies at Viejas Arena must register in advance in order to attend. Registering for attendance at your ceremony ensures that tickets will be issued for your guests.

GradFest & Graduation Apparel

GradFest is a one-stop shop for caps and gowns and graduation memorabilia. GradFest typically occurs in about the third week of March but check the Gradfest link for details to be released.

If you are unable to attend GradFest, regalia will be available at the SDSU Bookstore and online after GradFest is over.

For more information on graduation apparel, please see the following webpage.

Tickets

Candidates whose applications are approved for graduation will have the opportunity to claim complimentary guest tickets for their commencement ceremony at Viejas Arena. All guests who are 1 year of age and older are required to have a ticket to attend commencement. The only exception to this rule are babies under the age of 1 who must be seated on an adult’s lap. Commencement guest tickets are all reserved seating. Guests must sit in the seat locations listed on their tickets.

The number of guest tickets for each graduate depend on which College they are in and how many students from that College apply to graduate. For psychology, the number of guest tickets typically ranges between 4 and 6 but you will be able to find the exact number on the commencement website once it is determined. For more information on tickets, please see the following website.

Graduation With Honors and Distinction

Honors Designations

Graduation with honors is granted to undergraduate students who achieve high grade point averages. Excellence is recognized at three levels:

Cum laude (3.50-3.64)
Magna cum laude (3.65-3.79)
Summa cum laude (3.80-4.00)

Only summa cum laude students will be awarded an honors cord to be worn during the commencement ceremony. Students will be notified via letter by the Office of the Provost on when and where they are to pick up the summa cum laude honors cord.

Distinction in the Major

To conditionally qualify for Distinction in the Major, a student must have a minimum 3.50 GPA average in the major (upper division courses) by the beginning of the fall semester for December graduates and by the end of the fall semester for May and August graduates. Departments may set a higher GPA or additional criteria. Note that actual distinction to be printed on your diploma will not be determined until after all of your degree coursework has been completed.

See the following webpage for more information on how eligibility is determined for graduating with honors and distinction.

Obtaining Your Diploma

Diplomas will not be distributed at commencement. The university will issue your diploma after verifying that you have completed all degree requirements. After your degree conferral, your diploma will be ordered and you will receive it by mail approximately 4–6 weeks after graduation if the address is domestic or up to 3–4 months if the diploma address is international.

For more information on diplomas, please see the following webpage.