At DePaul University there are two parts to graduation: degree conferral and commencement. Degree conferral is the awarding of the degrees at the end of each term (required) and the commencement ceremony is held once a year in June (optional). Each requires an application.
DEGREE CONFERRAL
The awarding of a degree is not automatic. You must submit an application to be considered for the degree. DePaul awards and posts degrees at the end of each regular academic term (autumn, winter, spring, summer I and summer II).
It is your responsibility to initiate the degree conferral application process by submitting an online application. Submitting an application means you intend to finish your degree requirements by the end of the term for which you have applied. After you submit the application, you cannot register for any term after the one selected in the application.
Application deadlines are as follows:
Fall Quarter - October 1st
Winter Quarter - January 15th
Spring Quarter - February 1st
Summer I Quarter - June 1st
Summer II Quarter - July 15th
To apply for degree conferral, log on to Campus Connection
Select FOR STUDENTS, then GRADUATION, then APPLY FOR DEGREE CONFERRAL
On screen instructions will take you through the application process.
Provided that all requirements and financial obligations are met, degrees are posted 30 days after the official end of the term. Official dates are listed on the Academic Calendar.
Undergraduate students must be approved for student teaching and complete student teaching and capstone (or internship) to be cleared for the degree. Graduate students are eligible for degree conferral when all degree requirements are completed (degree requirements vary by program - check with your advisor). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that all degree requirements are complete. You should maintain regular communication with your assigned academic advisors about degree requirements.
All degree requirements must be complete by the degree conferral date, including the resolution of all incomplete (IN), missing (M), and continuing research (R) grades. Papers are due to faculty advisors far in advance of the degree posting date. Individuals transferring courses must submit official transcripts by the last date of the quarter. Make sure you submit documents on time or you will not be eligible for degree conferral until the next posting date.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
DePaul holds one commencement ceremony each year in June. If you intend to participate, you must first apply for degree conferral for the current academic year and then submit a cap and gown order. The deadlines below are firm.
The deadline for submitting the cap and gown order for the 2012 ceremony is April 15, 2012. An application indicating your intention to participate in the ceremony is also required (available soon).
To order your cap and gown, visit the herff-jones website.
For eligibility requirements to participate in the commencement ceremony, please refer to the course catalog. Undergraduate requirements can be found here. Graduate and doctoral requirements can be found here.
Honors are not announced at the ceremony for undergraduates and graduates completing their final courses in spring quarter because a final GPA is not available at the time of the ceremony.
TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts are a legal verification of the awarding of your degree.
To order transcripts, log on to Campus Connection.
Select FOR STUDENTS, then RECORDS AND REGISTRATION, then TRANSCRIPT - OFFICIAL.
If you have applied for degree conferral, please check you unofficial transcript to verify the awarding of your degree before ordering official transcripts.
For additional information about transcripts, please visit the Student Records website.
DIPLOMAS
Diplomas are automatically ordered at the time your degree is posted and mailed to you. However, addresses are generated several weeks in advance of the mailing. If you change your address, you must indicate your new address on campus connection several weeks in advance of the end of the quarter.
HONORS CONVOCATION
During the week of the commencement ceremony, the College of Education holds an honors convocation to recognize those graduates who have excelled in their programs. Invitations are extended to undergraduate and graduate students who qualify.
HONORS AND DISTINCTION
Undergraduate students: The determination for honors is based solely on the cumulative grade point average.
- Cum Laude ― cumulative GPA between 3.500 and 3.699
- Magna Cum Laude ― cumulative GPA between 3.700 and 3.849
- Suma Cum Laude ― cumulative GPA above 3.850
Graduate Students: Each Graduate program establishes its own criteria for graduating with distinction:
Bilingual Bicultural Program
- M.Ed. 4.0 GPA, with “Exceeds” expectations in 5 BBE courses
- M.A. 4.0 GPA, with “Exceeds” expectations in 5 BBE courses and distinction on thesis as determined by the thesis committee member
Counseling Programs
- M.Ed. 4.0 GPA
- M.A. 4.0 GPA
Curriculum Studies Program
- M.Ed. 3.75 GPA, with no course grades below a B- and completion of the M.Ed. papers
- M.A. 3.75 GPA, with no course grades below a B- and completion of the M.A. thesis with distinction
Dual Certification Program
- M.Ed. 4.0 GPA or possible revision based on T&L policy
- M.A. 4.0 GPA or possible revision based on T&L policy
Educational Leadership Program
- M.Ed. “Exceeds” score on Capstone Projects- School Improvement Plan and Professional Portfolio
- M.A. “Exceeds” on thesis as determined by the thesis committee
Literacy and Specialized Instruction Program
- M.Ed. 3.75 GPA, A in LSI 457 with Exceeds score in Capstone Portfolio; at least 6 exceeds in LSI courses; and to receive distinction students must receive A grades in both practica
- M.A. 3.75 GPA, A in LSI 457 with Exceeds score in Capstone Portfolio; at least 6 exceeds in LSI courses; and to receive distinction students must receive A grades in both practica; and distinction on thesis paper based on oral defense (Thesis Committee)
Reading Specialist Program
- M.Ed. 3.75 GPA and evaluation of Capstone Portfolio based on rubric
- M.A. 3.75 GPA and score of 91% or higher on M.A. paper rubric
Social and Cultural Foundations in Education Program
- M.A. Distinction based on recommendation for distinction from the student’s thesis committee and approval from the Thesis Review Committee
Teaching and Learning Program
- M.Ed. 4.0 GPA
- M.A. 4.0 GPA, with distinction on thesis paper (Distinction Committee)
Doctoral Degree Program (Ed.D.)
The Successful completion of a dissertation distinguishes those students at this highest level of their educational careers. The doctoral program does not offer a formal distinction beyond this accomplishment.