Each Kent State University college awards one or more undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates at commencement exercises in December, May and August. The graduation requirements for these degrees are outlined in the various college sections of the University Catalog.

Undergraduate and graduate students applying for graduation should complete the online graduation application available in their Graduation Planning Tools channel (Student Tools and Courses tab) in FlashLine by the published deadlines. The online graduate application is used for all degrees and certificate programs. If students fail to carry out the proper application procedures by the published deadlines, the degree will not be granted until the next graduation date. Associate degrees are conferred at each Regional Campus at the end of the academic term in which all requirements are successfully completed. Application deadlines may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar as well as from the various college and campus offices.

For commencement dates for each campus, refer to Kent State University's Academic Calendar.

Application for Graduation

Prospective graduates for degrees and certificates must complete the online application for graduation (available in FlashLine) by the following deadlines:

• December Graduation: The application for a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate certificate must be submitted by the 15th day of the preceding March. The application for an associate degree, graduate degree (master’s, post-master’s or doctoral) or graduate certificate must be submitted by the Friday of the first week of the fall term in which graduation will occur.
• May Graduation: The application for a bachelor’s degree and/or undergraduate certificate must be submitted by the 15th day of the preceding September. The application for an associate degree, graduate degree (master’s, post-master’s or doctoral) or graduate certificate must be submitted by the Friday of the first week of the spring term in which graduation will occur.¹
• August Graduation: The application for a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate certificate must be submitted by the 15th day of the preceding December. The application for an associate degree, graduate degree (master’s, post-master’s or doctoral) or graduate certificate must be submitted by the Friday of the first week of the summer term in which graduation will occur.

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Candidates for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree must meet all graduation requirements before June 30 immediately following the May graduation. Completion of program requirements after June 30 but before the conclusion of the calendar year will result in a December graduation. After December, candidates will not be eligible for graduation until the following May. Attendance at the graduation ceremony is required. 

Failure to adhere to the posted deadlines may result in a late fee. The Late Graduation Application form is accessible in the Student Tools and Courses tab in FlashLine. Exceptions to the policies above shall be made only by the respective collegial deans or their appointed representative, based upon unusual circumstances.

Posting of Degrees

The integrity of academic transcripts is fundamental to the validity of coursework and degrees certified by the university. Therefore, all student transcript entries (grades and other notations) are finalized when the degree is officially posted to the permanent academic record. Degrees are posted to students’ permanent academic records approximately 30 days following the effective date of graduation.