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Professional Graduate Programs

Graduation & Commencement

Program completion requirements are listed in the plan of study. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to maintain good academic progress for graduation. Students are responsible for keeping track of their progress and should review their academic record to ensure accuracy. The diploma is mailed to the address posted on the student record. To update the student's information, visit Testudo.

Submission Deadlines

Graduation-related submission deadlines are posted on the Graduate School Academic Deadlines Calendar.

Complete All Steps for Graduation and Receipt of the Diploma

Step 1: Register for at least one credit in the planned semester/term of graduation.

Step 2: Apply for Graduation via Testudo.

Step 3: Submit Approved Program Form to the Academic Program Director. See The Graduate School Forms. Scroll down to Graduation Forms and select Approved Program Form.

Step 4: Submit a Degree Audit from u.achieve to the Academic Program Director. For instructions, see u.achieve-help.

Timeline

  1. Academic Director:  Audits each student file for program requirements and notifies students of any issues. Forwards approval to the Office of Candidate Clearance.
  2. Office of Candidate Clearance: Reviews, confirms, and grants final approval. Forwards to Diploma Office.
  3. Diploma Office: The clearance, printing, and mailing process may take up to 12 weeks to complete. See Diploma Status.

Important Notes

  • Students who successfully completed requirements for the Graduate Certificate may apply these credits towards the Master’s.  The student must apply to the Master’s program and complete the Request for Transfer or Inclusion of Credit for the Master’s Degrees Form in order to have the earned Certificate credits count towards the Master’s.  The Graduate School will not limit the number of credits transferred from the Certificate to the Master’s. See The Graduate School Forms.
  • Students may request a letter of program completion for employment purposes by contacting OES at oes@umd.edu. Include name, UID, and provide the name, email address, and phone number of the employer. The letter will be emailed directly to the employer.
  • Students will be contacted if there are any questions relating to program requirements, continuous registration questions, time limitations, or other substantive issues.
  • If not approved, students will be contacted to resolve the issues, and the application for graduation will “roll over” to the next semester. Students must register for at least one graduate credit for graduation eligibility.

Program completion requirements are listed in the plan of study. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to maintain good academic progress for graduation. Students are responsible for keeping track of their progress and should review their academic record to ensure accuracy. The diploma is mailed to the address posted on the student record. To update your information, visit Testudo.

Submission Deadlines

Graduation-related submission deadlines are posted on the Graduate School Academic Deadlines Calendar.

Complete All Steps for Graduation and Receipt of the Certificate

Step 1: Register for at least one credit in the planned semester/term of graduation.

Step 2: Submit Application for Graduation to the Academic Program Director. See The Graduate School Forms. Scroll down to Graduation Forms and select Application for Graduation.

Step 3: Submit Graduate Certificate Completion Form to the Academic Program Director. See The Graduate School Forms. Scroll down to Graduation Forms and select the Graduate Certificate Completion Form.

Step 4: Submit Degree Audit to your Academic Program Director. Print out a Degree Audit from u.achieve. For instructions, see u.achieve-help.

Timeline

  1. Academic Director: Audits each student file for program requirements and notifies students of any issues. Forwards final approval to the Diploma Office.
  2. Diploma Office: The clearance, printing, and mailing process may take up to 12 weeks to complete. See Diploma Status.

Important Notes

  • Students who successfully complete requirements for the Graduate Certificate may apply these credits towards the Master’s. The student must apply to the Master’s program and complete the Request for Transfer or Inclusion of Credit for the Master’s Degrees Form in order to have the earned Certificate credits count towards the Master’s. The Graduate School will not limit the number of credits transferred from the Certificate to the Master’s. See The Graduate School Forms.
  • Students may request a letter of program completion for employment purposes by emailing oes@umd.edu. Include name, UID, and provide the name, mailing address, and phone number of the employer. The letter will be sent via US Postal Services.
  • Students will be contacted if there are any questions relating to program requirements, continuous registration questions, time limitations, or other substantive issues.
  • If not approved, students will be contacted to resolve the issues, and the application for graduation will “roll over” to the next semester. Students must register for at least one graduate credit for graduation eligibility.

The University of Maryland welcomes students graduating from an online program to participate in either the December or May Commencement Ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to explore the Commencement website to find information about the ceremonies. These events are not only a celebration of the graduating students’ accomplishments, but also an occasion to acknowledge our joint enthusiasm for their future endeavors.

Domestic Students

U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and other students in the U.S. who have completed program requirements should inform their program director of their intention to participate in the commencement ceremony. After applying for graduation, visit the Commencement website to order the regalia (May/December only).

International Students

Generally, students who are not citizens of the United States must obtain a visitor visa (B1, B2, or combination) to enter the United States to participate in Commencement. There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how they are completed vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website. Graduates should indicate that they are traveling to participate in the graduation ceremony for an online program they completed abroad. The University of Maryland does not provide sponsorship letters. In addition, students should inform their program director of their intention to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students must also visit the Commencement website to order the regalia (May/December only).

After applying for graduation, visit the Commencement website for ceremony information and to order the regalia (May/December only).

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