Graduation Information

Congratulations future graduates! You have worked hard to reach this point and we look forward to celebrating with you during your college commencement at CFSB Center. As with anything, planning is the key to a successful result. The following has been put together to help you navigate the final stages of your Murray State University education.

Important Graduation Dates

Directions for Applying to Graduate

All students must apply for graduation through their myGate account.

1. Log-in to your myGate account.
2. Select the Apply to Graduate link from your Student Links Channel on the Academics tab.
3. Follow the directions to confirm all program and personal information.

Important: Late applicants are not guaranteed to be listed in the Commencement Program.

For additional information about degree requirements, go to the academic bulletin and click on the Academic Degrees and Programs sidebar heading.

Diplomas

At the commencement ceremony, candidates will receive a certificate of congratulations. Diplomas will be mailed to degree candidates approximately six to eight weeks following the commencement ceremony to the Diploma Address listed on myGate. Your diploma will list your name as it appears on your application for graduation. Your major, area, minor, track and certification will be listed ONLY on your transcript.

The diploma dimensions are:

• All undergraduate degrees - 11x14 inches
• Masters and Specialist degrees - 11x14 inches
• Doctoral degrees - 14x17 inches

If you would like to order an additional diploma or your diploma is damaged or lost, you can pay the appropriate fees and re-order a diploma. Murray State is not responsible for damaged, lost, late, or misdirected mail. Duplicate diploma orders to international addresses must include prepaid shipping labels. For more information or to email the prepaid label, please contact msu.graduation@murraystate.edu. Please note: Diploma mailers are larger than the average size mailbox which could cause the mailer to be held at your local post office or apartment leasing office, if applicable.

Commencement Information

Visit the Commencement website for complete information on Commencement activities.

The May Commencement Program includes the names of all May and August degree candidates with an active application for graduation at the time of printing.

The December Commencement Program includes the names of all December degree candidates with an active application for graduation at the time of printing.

Choosing a Commencement Ceremony

Degrees are conferred at the end of the spring, summer and fall semesters; however, the university does not hold a summer commencement ceremony. Formal commencement ceremonies are held at the end of the spring and fall semesters. Summer degree candidates are included in the spring commencement ceremony of the same year. 

Students wishing to participate in a commencement ceremony that is different from the one they are scheduled to participate in must complete and submit the Request to Participate in Commencement Ceremony form.  

Honors Recognition

Undergraduate students who obtain a high level of performance during their University career are awarded the following honors:

• Cum Laude - 3.40 to 3.59
• Magna Cum Laude - 3.60 to 3.79
• Summa Cum Laude - 3.80 to 4.00

Those graduating with honors are able to purchase gold honors cords which may be worn during their commencement ceremony.

Academic honors are not awarded at the graduate level.

Important: If the overall GPA falls in one category and the Murray State GPA falls in another category, the GPA in the lowest category will be the honor given (assuming all other criteria have been met).

Graduation Forms

Undergraduate Course Substitution Form

Graduate Forms

Second Baccalaureate or Associate Degree

Second Associate Degree

A student who has earned or is seeking an associate degree from Murray State may earn a second associate degree in a different planned specialty program upon meeting course requirements for that degree and upon completing at least 24 additional hours in residence at Murray State, over and above requirements for the first degree. The student may be required to complete additional University Studies courses if they are specifically required for the intended second degree. Nine hours must be completed toward a new planned specialty program and GPA requirements are the same as required for the first associate degree.

All students seeking a second degree must apply for admission/ readmission to Murray State University and must have the specific program plan pre-approved by the department chair and dean of their new area or major and by the Office of the Registrar. Failure to seek approval in advance from these three parties will likely result in a second degree not being awarded as not all areas and majors will be possible for those seeking the second degree.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students who have earned or are seeking a baccalaureate degree may earn a second baccalaureate degree in a different major or area. The student must complete a minimum of 30 new semester hours in residence at Murray State University, exclusive of hours taken toward requirements of the first degree, including any specific departmental requirements, prerequisites and co-requirements. A student completing a new major toward a second degree is not required to complete a new minor. Fifteen semester hours of upper-level courses must be earned in completion of the new area or major. The student may be required to complete additional University Studies courses if they are specifically required for the intended second major or area. Post-baccalaureate transfer work will not be posted to the student’s academic record until their degree is conferred. Only the transfer coursework required for the second degree will be posted. The second baccalaureate degree candidate must have a GPA of at least 2.00:

1. in all credits present for graduation whether earned at Murray State or elsewhere (cumulative GPA);
2. in all credits presented for graduation that were completed at Murray State; and
3. in the courses for each major, minor, or area.

All students seeking a second degree must be appropriately admitted/readmitted to Murray State University and must have the specific program plan pre-approved by the department chair and dean of their new area or major and by the Office of the Registrar. Failure to seek approval in advance from these three parties will likely result in a second degree not being awarded as not all areas and majors will be possible for those seeking a second degree. The Bachelor of General Studies and the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree are only available as a first baccalaureate degree.

Posthumous Degree

Posthumous Degree Policy

Contact us

Have questions about graduation? Send us an email at msu.graduation@murraystate.edu.