Graduation FAQs

1. Do I have to apply for graduation?

Yes. All students must apply for graduation for their degree to be conferred and to participate in the commencement ceremony.

2. When do I need to apply for graduation?

You should apply for graduation when you have three semesters remaining (Summer, Fall, Spring) and no later than the deadline listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. We recommend applying early, before your final registration, to ensure you receive graduation emails in a timely manner.

3. Where do I apply to graduate?

BearWeb > Student Academic Services > Student Records > Apply to Graduate.

4. Who can apply online using BearWeb?

Currently, only College of Arts & Sciences, Nursing, and Graduate Students are able to apply via BearWeb.

5. Where can I find instructions on how to apply?

See these instructions for how to apply for graduation.

6. What am I supposed to choose on the Curriculum Term Selection page?

Select the current term, which should be the only option available. You will select your graduation term on the next page.

7. What should I do if my program (major/minor/2nd major/concentration) is incorrect?

Email Lauren Muhl (lauren_muhl@baylor.edu), the Director of Degree Certification, who can assist with correcting this issue.

8. I have more than two majors and/or minors. Why are only two showing on the graduation application?

The graduation application has a limitation and only shows the first two majors/minors. Please apply for graduation and email lauren_muhl@baylor.edu to confirm that you're majors/minors are correctly declared.

9. What should I put for my Diploma Name?

It is traditional to list your full name (First Middle Last Suffix). We can accommodate multiple middle names, hyphenated names, and special characters. If you have further questions, contact Lauren Muhl (lauren_muhl@baylor.edu), the Director of Degree Certification.

10. I am an Honors Student, and it says "No Thesis or Dissertation" on my confirmation page. What do I do?

The Thesis and Dissertation designation is for Graduate Students ONLY. If you are an honors student, communicate with the Honors College regarding your Honors Thesis.

11. How can I change my graduation term after I have already submitted a graduation application?

Email Lauren Muhl (lauren_muhl@baylor.edu), the Director of Degree Certification, who can assist with changing your graduation term.

12. Why can't I view changes that I made to my curriculum and/or graduation term after I applied for graduation?

The graduation application is static and therefore subsequent changes are not reflected on it. Lauren Muhl, the Director of Degree Certification, will send you a screenshot of the changes once they have been made.

13. How many times a year are degrees conferred?

Baylor confers degrees for Undergraduate Students three times a year - May, August, and December.

14. What is non-certified graduation, and can I participate in commencement if my requirements are not complete?

See the Registrar's policy regarding non-certified graduation and contact Lauren Muhl (lauren_muhl@baylor.edu), the Director of Degree Certification, if you have any additional questions.

15. Which ceremony am I participating in?

Specific dates and times for May ceremonies are announced in February, August ceremonies in June, and December ceremonies in September, on the Commencement website.

16. Who do I sit with if I have more than one major?

You will sit with your primary major, which is listed first on your graduation application and will be listed first on your unofficial transcript.

17. How can I find more information regarding the commencement ceremony?

See the Commencement website for all ceremony information.

18. When will I receive my diploma?

Details for when and how you will receive your diploma can be found on the Registrar's website.

19. What is printed on my diploma?

Diplomas include the student name, the college/school, degree (ex: Bachelor of Arts), graduation date, and the signatures of the chair of the Board of Regents, the president, the provost, and the appropriate dean, along with a gold embossed seal.  Majors are not included on the diploma, but official transcripts will reflect all completed major(s) and minor(s).

20. If I double major, how many diplomas will I receive?

Baylor only sends one diploma for your primary degree. For example, if you are a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and Biology, you will receive one diploma that says 'Bachelor of Arts'. If you complete an Accelerated Graduate Program (4+1), you will receive one diploma for your undergraduate degree and one diploma for your graduate degree.