Graduation Preparation

UPDATED FOR: Fall 2025

Important Links

Enroll in Your Final Semester

Graduate students must enroll in at least three credit hours in last semester to receive a degree and participate in commencement

Graduate School Approved Plan of Study

All degree-seeking graduate students must have a Graduate School approved Plan of Study
You may view your Plan of Study in Hokie Spa in:
- Degree Menu
  - - Graduate Students
      - Plan of Study
Your Plan of Study must be 100% correct before graduation
If you have altered your course of study you must submit a Plan of Study Change Request form as soon as possible

Apply for Degree (Deadline: November 1st, 2025)

Submit Application for Degree in Hokie Spa in "Graduate Degree Menu" then "Application for Degree"
Deadline to Apply for Degree: November 1st, 2025
You must have an approved Plan of Study to Apply for your masters degree

Check the Name on Your Diploma

The name printed on your diploma will be the full legal name on your official university record
To change your name, submit a Personal Information Update Request to the University Registrar by as soon as possible
Make sure to have the address listed where you intend to be 6-8 weeks after graduation
You can edit your address in HokieSpa-Personal Information

Diploma, Transcripts, and More

You will receive your diploma 6-8 weeks after graduation
Letter of Degree Completion is available once awarded in Hokie Spa under the 'Graduate Student Menu'
For immediate degree certification following graduation, email acacerts@vt.edu
For transcript, submit request at Office of the University Registrar – Transcript Requests

Graduate Requirement Checklist

The Graduate School reviews each student manually. Therefore the Graduate Requirement Checklist will not be fully completed until 6-8 weeks after graduation.

Schedule Final Exam/Evaluation (To Be Announced)

The MEng CSA program does NOT HAVE A FINAL EXAM

Final Exam/Evaluation is for degree verification only
DO NOT REPORT IN PERSON on either campus at the scheduled exam time
You will receive an email closer to the final exam scheduling period later in the semester with more information on how to proceed with this step. Do not schedule until you are given explicit directions.
Instructions are the same for Blacksburg & NVC students

International Invitation for Commencement Request

International students may generate an invitation letter for commencement for their family members to seek visitor visas, after submitting Application for Degree and completing the Commencement Attendance Form. Access the request form through HokieSpa, Graduate Student Degree Menu.

Visit: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/forms.html

Purchase Regalia (Last Day to Order: To Be Announced)

To purchase Regalia for Commencement, visit: HERE
Selections:
- Keeper Cap and Gown
- Graduate School
- Select Campus
- Ceremony Date
- Degree Type – Master
- Select Cap & Gown
- Graduation Regalia
Choose Hood for College of Engineering. Make sure you select the correct hood: Selecting the Correct Hood Color

Commencement – Fall 2025

You may choose to attend Commencement in Blacksburg or NVC or both!
- Blacksburg Information: https://commencement.vt.edu/
- Northern Virginia Information: https://dcarea.vt.edu/students/commencement.html
Fall semesters do not have CS Graduation Ceremonies for Master Students, only Spring.
DC Metro Area Graduate Reception information will be available later in the semester
Sign up for Commencement in HokieSPA degree menu and click on 'Graduation'
If you have any questions, reach out to
- Blacksburg University Ceremony: SpecialEventsOffice@vt.edu
- Northern Virginia Ceremony: DC Graduate School Office at dcgradschool@vt.edu
You may attend Commencement the term before or after you complete your degree program
Academic regalia is required for graduates
International students should review Inviting Your Relatives to the U.S. for important details: HERE

More General Information

What you need to graduate

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