Graduation

YOU DID IT!

Congratulations! You have (almost) made it to the finish line of your undergraduate career! Before you leave us behind, there are a few remaining tasks to complete as well as many fun and exciting celebratory events!

Details, dates, and deadlines are all listed in the MSE Senior Checklist linked below:

2025 MSE Senior Checklist

General Graduation Information

The MSE Department Graduation typically takes place on the Friday before the NC State Commencement in the spring term. The department does not have a fall graduation ceremony. However, our fall graduates are welcome to participate in the department graduation in the spring!

The University Commencement Ceremony is usually in the PNC Arena. There is a fall and spring commencement.

You do need to let the university know if you will be attending. There is no limit on the number of guests you may invite; tickets are not required. Line-up will be at 8:30 am by colleges on the north side, lower-level, delivery entrance of the Arena.

Caps & Gowns *must be worn at both* the University and the Departmental ceremonies, and may be purchased at the NC State Bookstore. If you now have or *expect to have* by the end of semester:

3.25 to 3.499 GPA, you may also purchase a white Cum Laude sash;
3.5 to 3.749 GPA, you may also purchase a silver Magna Cum Laude sash;
3.75 to 4.0 GPA, you may also purchase a gold Summa Cum Laude sash.

Academic honors are designated at Commencement based on the GPA that you enter into your final term with, as final grades are not calculated until after Commencement. If your GPA is a 3.48 when entering your final term, you will be recognized as graduating Cum Laude until final grades are calculated.

All honors sashes (*optional*) may also be purchased.

More information regarding Graduation can be found at https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/your-degree/graduation/.

NC State Graduation Checklist

Did you know you have to apply to graduate? Find the application deadline, how to apply, personal information and privacy information, and diploma information all on the NC State Graduation webpage. See the graduation deadlines at https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/your-degree/graduation/#graddeadlines.

APPLY TO GRADUATE

Privacy Settings and Diploma Name

If you have a "Full Privacy Block," your name will not appear in graduation documents. To make an exception, follow the instructions at the link below.

NC State University recognizes that members of its community often use names that are different from those appearing on legal documentation. For some students, a chosen or preferred name is vital to the confirmation of their individual identity. Because of this, NC State University allows all students the option to select a “Diploma Name” in MyPack Portal to be printed on their official diploma or certificate received after graduation. This name will also be used in official university commencement materials, including the digital program.

LEARN MORE

MSE Graduation Speaker

Did you know that MSE always has a student speaker at the MSE Graduation Ceremony? This part of the program is usually about 5 minutes long and it is meant to tell the parents/guests about the experiences of the class over the last four years. It combines humor, nostalgia, and maybe even some vision of the future activities as friends go down different career paths.

You can apply for yourself or nominate someone else! The deadline to apply is March 1. Nominees will be asked to submit a rough draft of their speech by April 1 to be reviewed and voted on by a selection committee.

Apply Now!

MSE Department Awards

Nomination Deadline is February 15.

MSE Valedictorian (GPA)

This award for Academic Achievement is given to the highest-ranking MSE graduate based on their cumulative AND major GPA.

No application is required.

Senior Award for Scholarly Achievement

The MSE Senior Award for Scholarly Achievement recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional technical competence, academic excellence, and meaningful scholarly contributions. This award goes beyond GPA alone. While strong academic performance is important, evaluators will also consider broader indicators of scholarly engagement such as undergraduate research contributions, participation in conferences or published research, educational breadth through double majors or minors, and involvement in internships or co-op experiences.

Nomination by research advisor. 1-3 letters of support required. One letter must be from your research advisor(s).

2026 NOMINATION FORM

Senior Award for Leadership

This award is designed to recognize a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through involvement and impact in a student organization, MSE department, and/or NC State University, a commitment to developing their leadership ability, and has exceeded the expectations as a departmental citizen. The nomination should reflect accomplishments during their stay at NC State.

Nomination by mentor (academic, personal, supervisor, etc.). 1-3 letters of support required.

2026 NOMINATION FORM

A certificate and monetary award will be given to the winners of the Senior Awards for Scholarly Achievement and Leadership at the MSE Graduation Ceremony.

College of Engineering Senior Awards

Each year the College of Engineering recognizes the accomplishments of our senior students with the Engineering Senior Awards. One award is offered in each of four categories: Scholarly Achievement, Citizenship and Service, Humanities, and Leadership. Receiving these awards is one of the highest forms of recognition for a senior in the College of Engineering. The awards will be presented during the College of Engineering Awards Ceremony in mid-April.

Each department is encouraged to nominate one senior (graduating Dec. '25 - Aug. '26) for each of the four categories:

Scholarly Achievement*

The Engineering Senior Award for Scholarly Achievement is given in recognition of technical competence, academic achievement, and demonstrated scholarly performance. Recognition for scholarly achievement goes beyond a 4.0 GPA. For example, scholarly contributions and participation in undergraduate research, diversity in education through double majors or minors, participation in academic achievement through internships, and/or co-op participation should also be taken into consideration.

Leadership*

The Engineering Senior Award for Leadership is given in recognition for contributions of outstanding leadership on behalf of fellow students, the College of Engineering and the University. Leadership contributions beyond a student’s role in his/her department are noteworthy, for example, student government, national and/or local organizations.

Citizenship and Service

The Engineering Senior Award for Citizenship and Service is given in recognition of significant humanitarian contributions that improve the welfare of fellow citizens and the community. Students will be recognized for contributions made during their time at the University.

Humanities

The Engineering Senior Award for the Humanities is given in recognition of a student, who in addition to high achievement and academic standing in engineering, has shown equal commitment to a broad, liberal education in the social sciences, arts, and/or the humanities.

2026 NOMINATION FORM

* For the Scholarly Achievement and Leadership awards, we will nominate the students who win the MSE Department's Senior Awards for Scholarly Achievement and Leadership. They will be notified before the March 1st deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Eligible?

All students who are enrolled in their last degree requirements should apply for graduation for that semester.

Before You Apply to Graduate:

Before you apply to graduate, you will want to:

Review your Degree Audit
- All items should have a green checkmark or a yellow diamond (be in progress).
- Overall and Major GPA must be above a 2.0.
- If you believe you have completed degree requirements but still see a red "x" on your degree audit, please email your academic advisor, Ms. Hillary Stone.
Think about applying any grade exclusions. Grade exclusions cannot be applied after submitting your application for Graduation. You should only use a grade exclusion if that class is not being counted toward your degree.
Declare any minors and/or review with that Minor Coordinator what is needed to certify the minor.

How to Apply to Graduate:

You may complete the Graduation Application by logging into MyPack Portal and then clicking here.

Once successful, you should see the following note display:

“You have successfully applied for graduation.”

When Can I Participate in Commencement?

The MSE Department only holds one departmental graduation per year. Students who have successfully graduated the previous summer term II or fall term are eligible to participate in the spring departmental graduation. Prospective Summer Term I graduates are eligible to participate in graduation before completing their final course(s) with departmental approval.

Students who are eligible to apply for graduation in Summer I, Summer II, or Fall are able to attend the December University Graduation ceremony.

Grades are not typically submitted until after the commencement ceremonies, so all students are “candidates for graduation” until their grades are certified.

Spring 2026 Graduation Information

MSE Graduation information: https://www.mse.ncsu.edu/graduation/

Note: Seating is limited. Students are guaranteed 6 seats for guests. Additional seats can be requested in the RSVP form. More information will be emailed at a later date.

Any questions should be directed to Hillary Stone at hmstone2@ncsu.edu.

Can't attend? We will be post the recording of the MSE Graduation Ceremony at https://go.ncsu.edu/mse-graduation.

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