SPS Graduation & University Commencement
Graduation Eligibility
Columbia University provides eligibility parameters for participation in graduation-related events. This ensures that students are completing degree requirements and participating in accordance with University policy.
May 2025 Ceremony Eligibility
The May 2025 SPS Graduation is intended to celebrate the accomplishments of those students with a degree conferral date of October 2024, February 2025, and May 2025.
The Master's degree is conferred upon a student who has satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements of the School of Professional Studies and the program. Each program sets forth the specific requirements for the degree, in addition to the School’s standards of satisfactory performance and progress. These standards are described in materials published by the School. To receive a diploma, students must fill out an Application for Degree and email it to diplomas@columbia.edu.
Additionally, this year, we are happy to announce that students with a planned degree conferral date of October 2025 (those finishing classes in summer 2025) will also be permitted to participate in the May 2025 ceremonies under the following circumstances:
- Students must register for their final courses, fulfilling all degree requirements, to be completed during Summer 2025.
- Once registered for final coursework, students must receive approval from their academic advisor to participate in the May 2025 ceremony. All approval requests must be submitted prior to Monday, March 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
- Once approved, students will receive an email with instructions to register for graduation. October 2025 conferrals must still register before the school-wide deadline in order to participate in their ceremony.
- Students approved to walk in their graduation ceremony are also eligible to participate in University Commencement.
Please note: Students who fail to register for summer courses or who are not an anticipated October 2025 degree conferral will not be permitted to participate in the May 2025 ceremonies.