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).   

Be ready for the day!

 

How to Apply to Graduate

1. Login to Eagle Online
2. Select "student"
3. Select "student records"
4. Select "apply to graduate"
5. Select "term" — PLEASE NOTE: you are to select the CURRENT term, not the term you plan to graduate.  
6. Click "Current program" — Select the radio button here. If your degree program, concentration, or certificate is incorrect, contact your advisor.
7. Select "Graduation date" — PLEASE NOTE: ONLY terms that are "open" are visible.  So if your application is late, you may have missed the deadline OR that term isn't open for graduation yet.  
8. Select "name" — If your name is not correct, contact the Records department for assistance on changing your name.
9. Select "address" — Select the address you want your diploma mailed to (diplomas are mailed out 3-4 weeks after graduation).
10. Review - Submit — Take a screenshot of your submission!
11. All Done!

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 and Deadlines Requirements

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 isn’t a 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 can 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 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.  You would need to contact the Registrar’s office, registrar@tntech.edu, if you 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. The deadline for online ordering is November 15 for Fall 2024 graduation. 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). 

Note: Doctoral graduates receive their hoods at commencement during the hooding ceremony. Traditional mortarboard caps are provided in the regalia packet. Doctoral graduates may choose to order a tam at their expense if preferred.

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, 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 & 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.

• Graduate Hooding

  Hoods

  Graduate students do not wear ropes, cords, or other items over their robe. Tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left once degrees are conferred during the ceremony. 

  What do the hood colors represent?

  MSN - Apricot
  MBA - Drab
  MAcc - Drab
  MS - Golden Yellow
  PSM - Golden Yellow
  EdS - Light Blue
  MPS - Light Blue
  PhD - Velvet Dark Blue (Metallic Gold tassel)
  DNP - Velvet Apricot (Metallic Gold tassel)
  MA - White

  Step-by-step instructions on how to wear your hood: How to Properly Wear Your Graduate Hood (PDF)

  For more information regarding hoods and how to wear them, contact the College of Graduate Studies.

  VIDEO #1: Master's and EdS Hood Preparation

  VIDEO #2:  Doctoral Hood Preparation

  Note to graduating doctoral students: You will be hooded on the platform, and your advisor will have your hood. The doctoral gown provided by the university comes with a mortarboard cap. Tams can be purchased separately.

 

Your Degree Progression/Graduation (ProGrad) Team