Current Students

Graduation Information

Checklist for Degree Candidates

Procedure for Preparation to Receive the Master's Degree

Ithaca College awards graduate degrees in May, June, August, October, and December. One semester before receiving the degree, the degree candidate must follow certain procedures.

  1. An application for degree form is online and must be filed with the Office of the Registrar (refer to the academic calendar for deadlines).  It should be completed at least two months prior to graduation.
  2. If transfer credit from another institution is to be applied towards the degree, the degree candidate should confirm with the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies that the credits have been posted on his/her academic record. All requests for transfer credits must be received by the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies six weeks in advance of graduation. (Degree candidates should use HomerConnect to review their academic transcript for courses transferred.)
  3. All changes in a student’s program requirements must be approved in writing by the student’s graduate chair and graduate dean. These include waivers, courses accepted as substitution courses, and verification that a student has met departmental degree requirements. All requests must be received by the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies at least six weeks in advance of graduation. (Students can review their degree evaluation in HomerConnect for any changes to degree requirements.)
  4. Most advanced degrees require a comprehensive examination upon completion of the specified coursework or during the final term of residence if a thesis is not required.  It is the responsibility of the student to consult with his/her graduate chair to complete all examination requirements.
  5. Students who are required to complete a thesis or research project as partial fulfillment of the degree requirements should request an adviser through the department and register for the appropriate course and credits. The thesis must be submitted to the graduate dean one month prior to the anticipated graduation date. The graduate dean will review and approve all theses. Further, it is the responsibility of the degree candidate to schedule an examination in defense of thesis, if required, when submitting his/her thesis to the department.
  6. If the student has not completed departmental requirements as stated in the online graduate catalog, the assistant registrar will notify the appropriate office that degree requirements have not been met.
  7. Students are strongly encouraged to check progress in their program and to see if all requirements show as met using the Degree Evaluation function on HomerConnect.  Instructions are available on the registrar’s office website. If a student believes all requirements have been met, but they do not show that way on the degree evaluation, the student should contact his/her adviser immediately.
  8. Changes to Expected Graduation Date: The student is responsible for changing his/her expected graduation date if he/she does not intend to graduate when originally intended by filing a new application for degree, or students should immediately contact the registrar's office by emailing CAPP@ithaca.edu.