Doctoral Degree Graduation Requirements

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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. The application deadlines are as follows:

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.

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Degree Requirements

See the Academic Catalog for specific requirements.

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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

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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.

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Commencement Information

Doctoral students are eligible to walk when they have applied for graduation and received approval from the EdD Department. Graduates may only participate in one commencement ceremony. Please contact  [email protected] or [email protected] for specific questions. 

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.

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Regalia

Academic regalia for doctoral students includes a fine quality tam, tassel, and hood, and Sussex robe. All regalia is custom and made according to the measurements students provide during the ordering process. Students will receive the ordering link from the Office of the Registrar when it becomes available. 

Honors

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

Decorum Policies

• Doctoral regalia, including the length and style, may not be altered. Hoods and tams may not be customized in any way.
• Only CUI-approved regalia (including pins, stoles, cords, and medallions) bestowed at the Undergraduate Academic Achievement ceremony and provided by university-sponsored clubs or CUI Veterans Resource Center may be worn at graduation. Decorative items such as costume leis, beads, or sashes may only be worn after the ceremony.