Graduation Requirements

Requirements for Being Awarded a Degree or Certificate

Your goal is within reach. To be awarded your degree or certificate, first meet with your advisor to verify that you will complete all required courses in your final semester. Once this is confirmed, submit the Intent to Graduate application.

 

This information explains the process for having your degree or certificate officially awarded. It is separate from the Commencement ceremony.

Steps to Apply for Being Awarded Your Degree or Certificate

Apply for graduation one semester before you complete your degree or certificate. Before submitting the Intent to Graduate form, meet with your advisor and review your Degree Works audit to ensure you are on track.

 

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Step 1: Know Important Dates and Deadlines

 

Awarding Process Calendar

*These dates may be subject to change and can be found in the College Catalog and the Academic Calendar.

 

Note about Missing the Deadline

If you miss the application deadline, still submit the Intent to Graduate form.
Missing the deadline may mean you cannot be evaluated for the term you planned, but submitting the form ensures you are entered into the awarding process. If necessary, you may move your term to finish to the next term by submitting a new Intent to Graduate.

Questions? Email graduation@nscc.edu.

 

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Step 2: File an Intent to Graduate

 

Intent to Graduate Form

Students who submit their Intent to Graduate application by the posted deadline will receive a preliminary graduation evaluation by email. This evaluation is based on completed coursework and remaining program requirements.

Note: Program requirements follow the academic year in which you officially declare your degree or certificate.

Disclaimer: We are interested in your success. While advisors and the Graduation Specialist can guide and identify any outstanding requirements, students are ultimately responsible for ensuring all degree or certificate requirements are met.

 

 

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Step 3: Review All Details in Your Evaluation Email

 

Your evaluation email will include:

• Courses you are taking in the current term
• Courses you still need to complete in your final term
• Any other issues like - Holds, GPA, Residency requirements, Etc.
• Any remaining testing or program disposition requirements

 

After reviewing the email:

1. Compare the information with your Degree Works audit.
2. Contact your advisor if anything needs to be adjusted.
3. Contact the Graduation Specialist with any questions about your evaluation.

Remember: Students are responsible for completing all graduation requirements.

 

 

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Step 4: Verify Important Information

• Name: Your name will appear exactly as it is listed in myNSCC (first and last name only).
• Name Changes: If your name has changed, submit legal documentation along with the Change of Status request form (link to ChangeStatuswithPreferredName) to Records@nscc.edu.
• Mailing Address: Your diploma will be mailed to the local address listed in myNSCC. Make sure it is up to date.

 

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Step 5: What to Expect After Your Final Semester

• The degree‑awarding process begins only after all instructors submit all final grades.
• Due to the number of graduating students, awarding may take up to two months. If you need priority processing for employment or transfer purposes, notify the Graduation Specialist.
• You will receive an email once your degree has been awarded. That is when you can print an official transcript showing your degree and final grades.
• Diplomas are printed in bulk after the awarding is complete
• All diplomas are mailed. No in‑person pickup is available

 

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Other Information Related to Awarding

 

 

Diplomas

• Diplomas are printed in bulk and mailed 6–8 weeks after final grades are submitted.
• Diplomas are 8.5” x 11” and include a complementary embossed cover. Frames are sold in the Nashville State Bookstore.
• If your diploma is lost or damaged, complete the Replacement Diploma Request form. The replacement fee is $15, payable through the Student Accounts Office. Requests are processed within 48 hours once payment is received.

 

Exit Exams

• Program Exit Exams may be required for Associate of Applied Science degrees. Verify this in Degree Works. If completed, ensure the program office has recorded it.
• Departmental Exit Exams are required for Technical Certificates. Check Degree Works and confirm completion with your program office.

 

Honors

Graduation honors are based on NSCC undergraduate coursework only:

• Summa Cum Laude: 3.90–4.00
• Magna Cum Laude: 3.75–3.89
• Cum Laude: 3.50–3.74

Your honors designation appears on both your transcript and diploma.

 

 

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an international honor society for two‑year colleges.

• PTK membership is not printed on the diploma, but it is listed on the transcript.
• A PTK seal is available for the diploma. Contact the PTK advisor for more information.

Nashville State Commencement Ceremony

Learn More

Commencement is a ceremony and does not signify that your degree has been awarded.

Contact Information

Location

White Bridge Campus
S Building, Welcome Center (2nd Floor)

Hours

Monday-Friday
8 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact

graduation@nscc.edu
Phone: 615-353-3218