Graduation

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for awarding Emerson College bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All students must declare their Intent to Graduate by the following deadlines:

Bachelor's Degree Candidates

Master's Degree Candidates

Emerson College holds graduation ceremonies once a year in May. Students completing their degree in December 2025 and May 2026 and August 2026 are eligible to participate in May 2026 graduation ceremonies.

Students completing their degree in August 2026 who wish to participate in a May 2026 ceremony must submit their Intent to Graduate by March 22, 2026. 

Undergraduate students may only participate in one Commencement Ceremony. Graduate students may only participate in one Graduate Hooding Ceremony. Graduate students are invited to process at the Commencement Ceremony that coincides with their graduation year, but the Graduate Hooding Ceremony is their main event.

Degree Conferral

The degree conferral date is the actual date your degree is awarded. It is listed on our diplomas and transcripts.

Note: Late arrival of final grades or late submission of the Intent to Graduate Form may delay the degree conferral until the next available date, or delay the mailing of the diploma.

Official Conferral Dates

Emerson degrees are conferred three times a year. Please see below for official conferral dates and estimated diploma distribution dates.

Estimated Diploma Schedule

All graduates will receive their diploma by mail according to the following estimated schedule: