Master’s Degree Graduation

Applications

Degree posting is not automatic and all students who wish to have their degree posted must complete an Application for Graduation. This is necessary regardless of intent to participate in the Commencement ceremony. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the application to the Registrar’s Office before the posted deadlines. Meeting the application deadline is very important to ensure there is not a delay in getting your degree posted.

Late applications will jeopardize your eligibility to participate in Commencement. The application deadlines and fees are listed on this website and academic calendar. Students may only participate in the ceremony at the end of their last semester.

Your advisor will email you with instructions on how to apply for graduation; please follow these instructions closely.

Students who have their graduation application canceled will be required to submit a Reapply Graduation Application during the semester in which they complete all degree requirements. Reapply students are not eligible for Commencement.

Application Deadlines and Fee Schedule

A late fee will be assessed for late applications. A late application will jeopardize your eligibility to participate in Commencement. Summer and Fall graduates are eligible to participate in Fall Commencement only, and Winter and Spring graduates are eligible to participate in Spring Commencement only. 

The application deadlines are as follows:

2026 – 2027 Application Deadlines

Summer 2026		Fall 2026		Winter 2026		Spring 2027
June 4, 2026 (deadline to be eligible to walk in Commencement)	$185	September 25, 2026 (deadline to walk in Commencement)	$185	December 4, 2026 (deadline to walk in Commencement)	$185	February 26, 2027 (deadline to walk in Commencement	$185
Late Applications (after June 4, 2026)	$100	Late Applications (after September 25, 2026)	$100	Late Applications (after December 4, 2026)	$100	Late Applications (after February 26, 2027)	$100

Graduation Application Fee

All students enrolled in their capstone course will be billed the $185 Graduation Application Fee. This is a one-time fee so if you do not complete the course and need to re-register, you do not need to pay it again. The Graduation Application Fee is non-refundable and assessed regardless of the student’s intent to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

This fee covers the administrative time needed to process the application, run a degree audit, track the student’s progress and post the degree to the student’s transcript. It also covers the cost of ordering and mailing the diploma. A late fee will be assessed for late applications.

Degree Requirements

See the Academic Catalog for specific requirements.

Degree Posting and Transcripts

Degrees will not be evaluated for verification or conferral and diplomas will not be released until all financial obligations are met. Otherwise, degrees will be posted after all requirements have been satisfied.

Please allow 4-6 weeks after the end of the term for the final posting of your degree and make future plans accordingly. Transcripts can be ordered through the Registrar’s Office online. Click the button below for more information.

Order Transcripts

Diplomas

Official diplomas are issued 6-8 weeks after the degree is posted provided that you have no outstanding financial obligations to the University. They are mailed to the address provided on your Graduation Application. Replacement diplomas are available by completing the Diploma Reorder Form. The cost for a replacement diploma is $25 and takes 6-8 weeks to obtain.

Federal Loan Exit Counseling

If you have borrowed money under the Stafford Loan program, federal regulations require you to complete Loan Exit Counseling before graduating. The Financial Aid Office has arranged for you to complete the session online. If you have questions, contact Financial Aid at 949-214-3066.

Commencement Information

Commencement is a celebration of degree completion and is reserved for students who have completed all of their degree requirements. No student will be allowed to participate who has not completed all of their degree requirements. Graduates may only participate in one Commencement ceremony. Ceremony options are listed on the Graduation Application for each semester. Fall Commencement celebrates Summer and Fall graduates and Spring Commencement celebrates Winter and Spring graduates only.

Communication Regarding Commencement

Check your Eagles email frequently, note, and adhere to any deadlines communicated. Late responses will jeopardize your ability to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Regalia

Gowns are sized according to height and weight and are ordered according to information provided by the student on the Graduation Application. Academic regalia is free of charge and includes a cap, gown, tassel, and hood. Regalia will be mailed to the address that the student provides on their graduation application. For the Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony, students should expect to receive their regalia in November.

Hood Information

The green lining of the hood is the same for all hoods. The velvet hood coloring is based on your discipline as follows:

• MAEd & MEd – Light Blue
• MA: Church Leadership – Red
• MA: Coaching – Green
• MA: Counseling – White
• MA: Educational Leadership – Light Blue
• MA: Executive Coaching & Consulting – White
• MA: International Studies – White
• MA: Organizational Leadership – White
• MA: Theology – Red
• MBA – Brown
• MHA – Salmon
• MPH – Salmon
• MS: Coaching – Gold
• MS: Nursing – Apricot

Honors

Graduate students are not eligible for honors. In academe, being admitted and completing a graduate degree is considered an honor.

Decorum Policies

• Gown length and style may not be altered. Hoods may not be customized in any way. Modest personal embellishments are allowed on the cap, but MUST lay flat, cannot extend over the edge, and must be appropriate.
• Only Concordia University Irvine-approved regalia (including pins, stoles, cords, and medallions) bestowed at the Undergraduate Academic Achievement ceremony and provided by university-sponsored clubs or Concordia University Irvine Veterans Resource Center may be worn at graduation. Decorative items such as costume leis, beads, or sashes may only be worn after the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to apply for graduation and pay the Graduation Application Fee?

All students who wish to have their degree posted must complete an Application for Graduation. This is necessary regardless of your intent to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

The Graduation Application Fee is non-refundable. It covers the administrative time needed to process your application, run a degree audit, track your progress, post the degree to your transcript, and mail your diploma.

Visit the page for your degree level for more specific information:

• Bachelor’s Graduation Application
• Master’s Graduation Application
• Doctoral Graduation Application

How do I order replacement regalia?

If your regalia has been lost or damaged, contact [email protected] to order a replacement. Regalia takes 4–6 weeks to arrive. There is no additional charge if you pick up your regalia; shipping costs an additional $10.

Bachelor’s Degree Regalia

• Gown: $25
• Stole: $20
• Cap: $5
• Tassel: $5
• Everything: $55

Master’s Degree Regalia

• Gown: $30
• Hood: $30
• Cap: $5
• Tassel: $5
• Everything: $70

Submit the replacement regalia order form. A member of the Office of the Registrar will contact you shortly afterward with more information.

When will my degree be posted?

Degrees are posted after all requirements have been satisfied. Concordia posts degrees at the completion of the regular terms; degrees are not posted mid-term, even if a program ends mid-term. Please allow 4–6 weeks after the end of the term for your degree to post, and plan accordingly.

Note: Degrees will not be evaluated for verification or conferral, and diplomas will not be released, until all financial obligations are met.

When and how do I get my diploma?

Official diplomas are issued 6–8 weeks after your degree is posted at the end of the term, provided you have no outstanding financial obligations to the University. They are mailed to the current address on file unless special arrangements are made.

Note: Diplomas are not issued at Commencement ceremonies.

How do I order another diploma?

Whether you changed your name or lost your diploma, replacement diplomas are available by completing the Diploma Reorder Form. A replacement diploma costs $25 and takes 6–8 weeks to obtain.

How do I order transcripts?

You can order your transcripts online.

How do I update my address?

Use this form to update your contact information.

Does Concordia have resources to help me find a job?

Yes. The Center for Career & Vocation helps you determine and fulfill your career goals.

As a graduate, the Alumni Association’s CUI Connect lets you network with other alumni and gives you access to job opportunities, an alumni-to-student mentorship program, a searchable directory, and more.