Applying for Award of a Graduate Degree

To apply for Award of a Master’s or Doctoral Degree, graduate students must:

1. Have an approved Advancement to Candidacy form (ATC)/Graduate Approved Program (GAP) on file with the Division of Graduate Studies;


2. Complete and submit the following:

1. An APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE DEGREE form (click the link below).


2. PRINT THE APPLICATION FORM, SIGN IT, and take it with a copy of your ATC/GAP and an unofficial transcript to your department, and


3. Obtain the SIGNATURE of your advisor (or the department graduate coordinator or the department chair) on the application, confirming that you are ready for graduation.


4. MAKE 2 COPIES of the original application signed by you and your department, keep one copy for your records and,


5. Submit the original and one copy with your APPLICATION FEE of $40 to:
   San Francisco State University
   Division of Graduate Studies
   1600 Holloway Avenue, ADM 250
   San Francisco, CA 94132

COMMENCEMENT: Students who graduate in fall 2009 term or who plan to graduate in May or August may attend and walk in the Commencement Ceremony in May of the current academic year. Your approved Advancement To Candidacy form (ATC)/Graduate Approved Program (GAP) must be on file in the Division of Graduate Studies before you can apply for graduation or attend the May Commencement. Your graduation application will be evaluated for only one graduation term. Be sure to select the correct term, either “Spring” for May or "Summer" for August graduation. If you wish to attend Commencement but do not anticipate completing your degree requirements until summer, select the “SUMMER” term. Attending commencement does not provide proof of degree.

NOTICE OF AWARD OR DENIAL OF DEGREE: Notice of award or denial of degree will be mailed within 90 days after grades have posted, once official verification of completion of degree requirements has been concluded. Official transcripts showing award of degree may be requested from the Registrar’s Office any time after receipt of the official notification of award of degree. Diplomas will be mailed approximately five months after graduation.

Students who are denied their graduate degree MUST file a new Application for Graduate Degree and pay another $40 fee to be considered for a different semester. To apply for a new graduation term, follow steps 1-5 above.

TOP FIVE REASONS FOR DENIAL OF GRADUATION

1)  No Report of Completion on file: Your department must submit a Report of Completion to the Division of Graduate Studies for 890, 892, 894, or 895 Culminating Experiences; for oral or written comprehensive exams; and, for oral defense of thesis. Check your ATC/GAP to see if there are any other requirements for which a Report of Completion must be submitted.

2)  Need Grade Change for Culminating Experience course: Before you can graduate, your department must submit a change of grade for your Culminating Experience from RP (Report in Progress) to CR (Credit) when you have completed the Culminating Experience.

3)  No Thesis/Written Creative Work receipt on file: for 898, 893, or Music 894 (Composition only). You must bring your completed thesis, written creative work or music composition to the Division of Graduate Studies for format approval. You will be given a receipt, which you must bring to Campus Copy Center (located in the Student Center, M110) when you submit your document for binding. They will forward the validated receipt to the Division office. For instructions on what to bring to the Graduate Studies division office, see Thesis Guidelines.

4)  7-Year Limit has expired: Your degree must be completed within 7 years from the start of the term of the earliest course listed on your ATC/GAP.

5)  Enrolled in incorrect Culminating Experience course: Be sure that you have enrolled in the Culminating Experience course listed on your ATC/GAP and on your Culminating Experience Proposal.

Questions on your application or graduation? CALL (415) 338-2234