Graduation Information | University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences

Steps to Apply for Your Degree

Degree applications are required for both bachelor's degrees and undergraduate certificates.

Steps to Apply for your Degree:

Review your MyUK GPS audit to confirm all requirements will be met by your semester of graduation.
If your programs listed in myUK GPS do not match the programs you intend to complete, submit a change request using the Online Major Change system. Do this before applying for your degree.
Sign into your MyUK account (myuk.uky.edu) and apply for your degree using one of the following methods:
- Go to the MyRecords tab and click on the ‘Apply for Degree’ tab on the left-hand menu.
- In your GPS degree audit – navigate to the GRADUATION section of your audit and click on the green ‘Apply for graduation’ icon.
If participating in the Commencement Ceremony, you must register separately. Please visit www.uky.edu/commencement for more information.

Degree Application Deadlines

The deadline to apply for a May degree is April 1.
The deadline to apply for an August degree is April 1.
The deadline to apply for a December degree is November 1.

Commencement Ceremony

University commencement ceremonies are held each year in May and December following final exam week. You may visit the Commencement website for information about the ceremony, registration, cap and gown, and other FAQs.

Commencement Honors

Students who attain a grade-point average of 3.8 or higher for at least three years (90 hours) of work at the University (excepting correspondence study) shall be graduated “Summa Cum Laude.”

Students who attain a grade-point average of 3.6 or higher for at least three years (90 hours) of work at the University (excepting correspondence study) shall be graduated “Magna Cum Laude.”

Students who attain a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher for at least three years (90 hours) of work at the University (excepting correspondence study) shall be graduated “Cum Laude.”

Students with a minimum of two (60 hours) but less than three years (90 hours) of work at the University will receive the appropriate commencement honors if they attain a grade-point average of 0.2 greater than those specified for three years of residence work.

Departmental Honors

Departments in the College of Arts & Sciences award departmental honors to their outstanding graduates. The standards for departmental honors are not collectively established by the College, but determined by each department. For details on departmental honors, see “Guide to A&S Departmental Honors Requirements” in the College of Arts & Sciences section of the Undergraduate Bulletin. Address questions to the department awarding honors. Departmental honors are indicated on the student’s final transcript.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be issued following the degree certification process. You should receive your diploma by mail approximately 8-10 weeks after the graduation ceremony.

For questions or concerns, please contact the A&S Graduation Office at asgrad@uky.edu