Apply for Graduation

Apply for award of graduate degree 

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of your graduate program at SFSU. Apply with Graduate Studies to receive your diploma.  

 Apply via Gateway

  1. Login to SF State Gateway and choose the "Student Center" app from the Launchpad. 
  2. In the Student Center, select “Apply for Graduation” from the drop down menu under the Academics section. 
  3. Read and follow instructions to ‘Apply for Graduation” thoroughly and press “Submit Application” when complete. 
  4. The application for award of degree fee will appear on your record as an outstanding financial obligation. It is your responsibility to pay the application fee by the semester deadline. 
  5. Note: If you are unable to meet degree requirements by the term deadline, you application will be denied and you will need to submit an application for graduation for a future term. 

Please note that the address you list as your diploma address is where your diploma will be mailed approximately two  months after graduation. If you move, it is your responsibility to update your diploma address in your “Student Center.” This can be done under the “Personal Information” tab by selecting, the drop-down menu, choosing “Addresses.” pressing “Add a New Address,” and selecting the “Diploma” option. If you do not update your diploma address your diploma will be mailed to the mailing address the university has on file. Addresses changed more than 10 days after graduation are not guaranteed for diploma delivery. You may have to formally request and pay for a new diploma to be sent to the desired address. 

Request Reissue of Diploma 

Plan for Commencement  

Graduation Status

Final review and degree awarding takes place after the “Official Transcripts Available with Semester Grades” date on the Registrar’s Office term calendar. Graduate students will be notified of award or denial of degree via SFSU email. 

Mailed diplomas will arrive at the diploma address on file (with an effective date of after graduate admission) or mailing address (if you have not entered a diploma address), about two months after the confirmation of degree email is received. 

Students can also retrieve their secure digital diploma. An email is sent to each student by Parchment (our Diploma vendor), providing confirmation and instructions.

Official transcripts showing award of degree may be requested from the Registrar's Office upon official notification of award of degree. 

If you move or change your name, it is your responsibility to edit your information in the Student Center. Addresses changed 10 days after graduation are not guaranteed for diploma delivery. You may have to formally request and pay for a new diploma to be sent to the desired address. 

Request Official Transcripts 

Reasons for Degree Denial

  1. No Report of Completion for Culminating Experience course on file 
    The Report of Completion for your 896EXM, 890, 892, 894, or 895 Culminating Experience was not submitted or signed. If your Culminating Experience work was completed, please follow the steps under your To-Do List to send the form to your committee for signatures. If you have already sent the form, reach out to your committee to make sure they signed the form.
  2. In progress grades
    Before you can graduate, make sure all in progress grades are resolved. This incudes RP, RD, Incomplete grades (I and IC). All in progress grades (RP, RD), will need to be changed CR/NC or A/B+- letter grades. Incomplete (I) grade for required courses or courses that were completed also need to be changed before the award of degree. Please consult with the course instructor to request a change of grade. Once a degree is awarded no further changes can be made to the student record. 
  3. Enrolled in incorrect Culminating Experience course 
    Be sure that you have enrolled in the Culminating Experience course listed on your ATC and on your Culminating Experience Proposal. 
  4. Degree progress Report shows you have not met all degree requirements 
    Please review your DPR, consult with your Graduate Coordinator and, if needed, submit a Substitution form (for required course) or Approved Electives form. 

Contact Graduate Program Specialists if you have any questions, concerns, updates or changes to your application.