The End of the Road : Graduation

What is commencement?

Commencement is a ceremony. It is an opportunity for you, your family, friends, and the PSU community to celebrate your accomplishment. Portland State holds 2 commencement ceremonies each year, at the end of the Spring and Summer terms. Commencement should not be confused with graduation, a term that refers to the actual fulfillment of degree requirements and credits resulting in a diploma being processed.

How do you determine if you are eligible for commencement? 

If you are graduating in the Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer of that academic year you may participate in the Spring graduation ceremony.  If you are graduating in the summer of that academic year, you are also eligible to participate in the summer commencement ceremony. Doctoral candidates must be certified by the Office of Graduate Studies before participating in the Spring or Summer Commencement ceremony.   

For more information, please contact the Commencement Office at commencement@pdx.edu or (503) 725-4422

Applying for a degree

Master's, doctoral and graduate certificate program students must apply for a degree one quarter prior to their expected date of graduation. Advanced degree and graduate certificate candidates should see their adviser and the Graduate Studies Office concerning graduation requirements and clearance.

Application for Awarding of Master's or Doctoral Degree

Application for Awarding of Graduate Certificate

The degree application fee for each degree and/or certificate is $20 and is nonrefundable. Submit completed forms to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Degree Application Deadlines

Summer 2008 graduation - June 27, 2008
Fall 2008 graduation - October 3, 2008
Winter 2009 graduation - January 9, 2009
Spring 2009 graduation - April 3, 2009

For more information about Degree Applications, visit the Degree Requirements office in Neuberger Hall 104 or call 503.725.3438.