Apply for Graduation
At the start of your last semester, candidates wishing to apply for graduation clearance must Apply for Graduation via SOLAR. This is mandatory, regardless of whether you plan to participate in graduation ceremonies. In order to receive your diploma, you must complete Apply for Graduation via SOLAR by the deadline published in the University's academic calendar. Once submitted you must schedule a meeting with your advisor to review your transcript.
Graduation Eligibility
You are eligible for graduation when you have met the published requirements for your program. To qualify for graduation in any semester, you must have all academic requirements completed by the last day of that semester. In addition, all degree candidates must:
- Maintain at least a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all graduate courses taken towards the completion of your degree program at Stony Brook University. Grades earned in transferred courses are not included in any calculation of the cumulative GPA to determine eligibility for graduation.
- Complete all course requirements within 3-5 years of matriculation (varies with program).
Commencement Ceremonies
There are two University-wide commencement ceremonies each year, one in May for candidates graduating at the end of the spring semester, and one in December for students completing requirements in the summer or fall semester. Once you Apply for Graduation you will be able to indicate via SOLAR whether you plan on attending the University Commencement Ceremony through the Ceremony Attendance Form.
In addition, Program in Public Health will recognize all graduates from their degree programs at their Convocation Ceremony each May.
