University at Buffalo (UB)
Learn about graduation requirements and how to apply for graduation for students earning a master’s degree or PhD.
Students applying for conferral in a graduate or professional program, as well as PhD students, have varying requirements based on degree type and school. See the Graduate School website for more information, including requirements and deadlines.
Additional requirements may apply. Please see the following information.
Contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs for information about degree conferral.
Office of Academic Affairs
315 Squire Hall
Phone: 716-829-2839
Contact the Office of Student Affairs for information about degree conferral. JD and LLML candidates must also complete an application for degree to be able to graduate; please contact the Law School Records Office for deadlines, forms and more information.
Office of Student Affairs
317 O’Brian Hall
Phone: 716-645-2060
Records and Registration
Contact the Office of Student and Academic Affairs for information about degree conferral.
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Office of Student and Academic Affairs
955 Main Street, Room 1200
Phone: (716) 829-2802
Students must apply for graduation and are encouraged to do so well in advance of the deadlines.
| Graduation Term | Deadline to Apply in HUB | Conferral Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Oct. 15 | Feb. 1 |
| Spring | Feb. 22 | June 1 |
| Summer | July 15 | Aug. 31 |
* As of spring 2024, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students with a spring graduation have a May 16 conferral date.
Students who apply for fall conferral may enroll in winter session; courses completed in winter session will be applicable toward the fall degree conferral.
To apply for a term after the application deadline, update the conferral term or request full-time certification, please submit the Graduation Update / Certification form.
Log on to MyUB and click on the tab for the HUB Student Center. Students must apply for graduation in the HUB Student Center to be reviewed for degree conferral.
Under Academics, click on Apply for Graduation in the drop-down menu and follow the directions. Students will only be able to select the graduation terms that are available to apply for, and will not be able to apply for a degree more than one year in advance.
The status of degree application is available in the HUB Student Center (via MyUB) and the Academic Advisement Report.
All grades must be finalized before the conferral date. This includes Independent Study, Study Abroad, Incomplete and blank grades.
Degree conferral will be denied if incomplete grades exist on record. Action must be taken to accept the default grade if the graduation term is before the grade default deadline. If the grade is not changed by the conferral date, the student must submit a request to update the expected graduation term. The student is responsible for informing the Office of the Registrar of the expected date of grade completion.
Grades will not be changed after degree conferral except in cases of administrative error.
All tuition, fees, late charges and fines must be paid in order to receive a diploma.
Ensure transfer work has been added to the student’s record and all official transcripts arrive on campus before the conferral date. If the official transcript will not arrive before the conferral date, it is important to notify the Office of the Registrar ahead of time to ensure the degree is not denied.
The student’s primary, legal name is printed on diplomas. However, a preferred/chosen name may be considered.
The paper diploma will be mailed to the student’s permanent address on file at the time of conferral approximately three (3) to six (6) weeks after the conferral of the degree. Students are responsible for updating their permanent address in HUB; these updates should be made by the end of the conferral term to ensure students receive their diploma. Notification the diploma has been shipped and the creation of a Certified Electronic Diploma will be sent to the student’s UB email from info@cecredentialtrust.com.
UB holds its Commencement ceremonies in May once a year. For online registration, cap & gown order, and other information, visit UB’s Commencement website.
The Career Design Center is available to help students with a variety of services, including preparing resumes, job searches, graduate school applications and interview techniques.
The Office of the Registrar does not provide award letters to students awaiting degree conferral. Official transcripts display a student’s award status; students whose award status is "Approved" in their HUB Student Center may request an official transcript in lieu of an award letter.
Students should speak with their graduate advisor during their final two semesters specifically about completing the program.