Program Requirements
Students are responsible for the completion of all program-specific requirements in order to receive a degree. Requirements are published in the School of Education Graduate Bulletin.
Research Committee Chair Approval
All students must have an approved Research Committee in order to walk in the Commencement ceremony. The chair of the committee must approve the student's intention to participate in the ceremony. The student is responsible for arranging for a professor to be at the ceremony for hooding.
Dissertation
Note that the School of Education will recommend a candidate to the Board of Trustees for the degree only after a copy of the final approved version of the dissertation has been turned in to the Office of Graduate Studies. Candidates who are about to defend should consult the Theses And Dissertations for Ed.D. and M.S.Ed. Degrees Guide for formatting and submission information.
Application for Graduation
An Application for Graduation form must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies several months prior to the degree conferral date.
To apply, click below to log into GEMS. Click on the Graduation tab, then click Apply to Graduate. By following the link below, you are indicating that you have read and understand the information on this page.
Submit your Application for Graduation online »
Federal law requires that the university collect information on all degree-seeking students which specify when a student expects to graduate. In addition, most financial aid providers require the same information as part of the enrollment verification process.
Commencement
There are two Commencement ceremonies per year in Bloomington. They are held in May and December. All students are encouraged to participate in the Commencement ceremonies. Students graduating in January—August will be listed in the May Commencement program and students graduating in September—December will be listed in the December Commencement program.
Get more information about IU Bloomington Commencement.
Graduation Apparel & Announcements
The Commencement website has complete information on caps and gowns, hoods, and announcements. The bookstore begins taking orders for graduation apparel and announcements in February for May Commencement and in October for December Commencement. If you have any further questions, please call the bookstore at (812) 855-6018 or (812) 855-3016.
Wheelchair or Seating Concerns for the Graduation Ceremony
Contact the Alumni Association at 812-855-4822 or toll free 800-824-3044; email: iualumni@indiana.edu or go to the IU Bloomington Commencement website.
Incompletes
All applicants should review their transcripts and ensure that all incompletes have been changed to a grade. If there are incompletes remaining on your transcript, your graduation may be delayed. Please see your advisor if you have any incompletes.
Verify Name and Address
Your name will appear on your diploma as it appears in the Office of the Registrar records. It is your responsibility to ensure that your name is spelled correctly and appears in the form you desire. Diplomas are mailed eight to ten weeks after the graduation date to your permanent address as listed in the Office of the Registrar's records. It is your responsibility to ensure that your address is current and correct.
Diplomas
All graduates in attendance receive red IU diploma covers during the ceremony. Your diploma will be mailed to your STUDENT HOME ADDRESS (as specified in One.IU.edu) after final grades and completion of degree requirements have been verified—two to three months after graduation. Final transcripts are the official record of the degree. They, and duplicate diplomas, can be ordered from the Office of the Registrar.