Graduation FAQ

Students apply online and pay the graduation fee by logging into PAWS. From the Updates/Requests Student Record block on the Enrollment tab, select Apply to Graduate.

Students should apply two semesters prior to their anticipated term of completion. For Associate's degree candidates, this is typically when you have earned 45 credit hours. For Bachelor's degree candidates, this is normally when you have earned 90 credit hours. For graduate and law students this is normally when you reach 24 credit hours.

While typically students complete degree requirements within a specified time period, this may differ depending on the degree program(s) a student is pursuing and their individual schedules in which they complete coursework. Therefore, students must notify us of their intent to graduate normally two semesters prior to their anticipated completion. That way we can work with students to help them stay on track toward final degree completion.

The non-refundable application fee is $25.00 for Associate degrees and $50.00 for Bachelor's and Graduate degrees.

Students must pay a separate fee for each degree/major earned. The fee covers the cost of preparing, printing and delivering your diploma.

Students apply for graduation online and pay by credit card.

Yes.

No. Once your application fee is paid you do not pay another fee to the Graduation Office.

Make sure you meet all criteria to apply by reading the messages at the top of the screen. Students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply for graduation. Associate's degree candidates must have a minimum GPA of 1.85 and at least 45 credit hours earned. Bachelor's degree candidates must have a minimum GPA of 1.9 and at least 90 credit hours earned. Graduate degree candidates must have a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5 and at least 24 credit hours earned. Law (Juris Doctor) students must have a minimum GPA of 2.2 and at least 24 credits earned.

Students who applied for a previous term and anticipate they will not graduate that term must complete a Graduation Change Form.

It is very important to stay in contact with your academic advisor (for undergraduates in your College's Office of Academic Assistance) to ensure you meet requirements. The Graduation and Commencement Offices only send information out to candidates during the term in which they applied and are eligible. That is why it is important to stay in contact with your advisor prior to and during your final term. Information from the Graduation and Commencement Offices will be communicated to you during your final term through the Georgia State University student e-mail system and on our websites.

The list of candidates for the current semester is posted one week after midpoint of the semester online on the Graduation site.

No. You buy it from the Georgia State University Bookstore.

Yes. The fee is $20.00. Fill out the Replacement/Duplicate Diploma Request [PDF] with payment by check or money order, and either mail it to or drop it off at the Office of Graduation and Diploma Services, Citizens Trust Building, 75 Piedmont Avenue, Suite 1150, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Degree candidates attending the University-wide ceremonies should contact the Commencement Staff/University Events Office at commencement@gsu.edu or 404-413-2743 for ticket inquiries and guest limits. Doctoral candidates attending the Ph.D ceremony at the Rialto will be notified after midterm of the semester of graduation the number of tickets available to them and how they will be distributed.

You should make a reduced-size copy of your diploma and bring it to the Office of Graduation and Diploma Services. We will also certify the original diploma but most third parties will accept a copy. There is no fee.

Diplomas are mailed to the graduate’s mailing address within 6-8 weeks of degree conferral.

Graduates who require that their diploma be shipped to an international address now have the option to request expedited shipping through UEMS. There is an extra cost for this shipping based on how quickly it needs to be shipped and the country in which it is being mailed.

At this time, the expedited shipping is only available for international shipments.

No, the name printed on the diploma must be your legal name on record here at the University. The only time we will change a name is due to a legal name change — a marriage, for example. Go to the Enrollment Services Center with documents in hand to change your name.

Your legal name on record with the university is the name that will appear on your diploma.

As of Fall 2010, your primary major will be reflected on the diploma. If you have more than one major, you must submit an Application for Graduation and pay the $50 graduation fee for the second major. If you have additional questions regarding this process, please contact the Graduation Office at 404-413-2248 or graduation@gsu.edu.

Contact your Office of Academic Assistance, or, if you are a graduate student, your faculty advisor.

No, only Georgia State coursework counts as honors.

You may visit the Office of Graduation and Diploma Services at 75 Piedmont Avenue in Suite 1150, you may email us at graduation@gsu.edu,  or you may call 404-413-2248.  The Commencement Staff can be reached at 404-413-2743 or by email at or commencement@gsu.edu.