Graduation Process
Applying for Graduation
You must apply for graduation prior to the beginning of your final semester at Shippensburg University. Complete the graduation application online at myShip.
- Select the Student tab.
- Select My Academics.
- Under Graduation Tools, select Apply to Graduate.
An application fee of $35 per Bachelor's degree or $60 per Master's degree is required online at the time you apply for graduation. Payment may be made by electronic check (e-check) or credit card.
If paying by credit card, please note that there is a 2.5% convenience fee.
The application fee is a one-time fee that is paid by all students that apply for graduation regardless of whether or not they will be attending the ceremony. It is a fee that is assessed to cover the cost of the diploma, diploma cover, and the expenses related to the mailing of the diploma. Cap and gown expenses are separate.
PLEASE NOTE: during this time of transition to our new system, if you are not charged the application fee at the time of submitting your application, the fee will be added to your student bill.
The application deadline for May and August graduations is Thursday, January 2, 2025.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you fail to meet the requirements for graduation, it will be your responsibility to reapply for graduation in the term in which the requirements will be met.
The application fee is paid only once.
What Happens After You Apply?
Undergraduate: When your application for graduation with a Bachelor's degree is submitted to the Registrar's Office, it will be forwarded to your academic dean. Your dean's office will notify you by email if there are any problems with your bachelor's degree application.
Graduate: When your application for graduation with a Master's degree or Doctorate degree is submitted to the Registrar's Office, it will be forwarded to your major department. Your department office will notify you by email if there are any problems with your application.
DOCTORAL DISSERTATION and MASTER'S THESIS: Your dissertation or thesis must be submitted in its final approved format to ProQuest. Doctoral dissertation or Master's thesis is due by the last day of classes in the semester you plan to graduate.
Timeline and Dates
Below are the dates when the Graduation Application is available on myShip, by term. Additionally, we have indicated which Commencement Ceremony students should attend.
| Graduation Term | Opens | Deadline | Commencement |
| Fall (December) | mid-May* | Beginning of August** | December |
| Winter (January) | mid-May* | Beginning of August** | December |
| Spring (May) | mid-November* | Beginning of January** | May |
| Summer (August) | mid-November* | Beginning of January** |
May |
*An email will be sent out when the application is open
**Please refer to the email you receive for the specific deadline date.