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Northwest Missouri State University

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Steps to Graduation

For Undergraduate Degree


Check box  Senior Deficiency Statement

Undergraduates are urged to request a listing of deficiencies (Senior Deficiency Statement) at least two trimesters prior to their graduation. Any exceptions must have approval from the department where the major or minor is involved or from the Curriculum and Degree Requirements Committee when general education requirements are affected.

Senior Deficiency Statement requests are sent to the advisor(s) and, when returned, are finalized in the Registrar's Office. Copies are sent to the advisor and the student.

Check box  Application for Degree

Every student is required to submit an Application for Degree at least one trimester preceding the trimester in which graduation is planned.

Check box  Changing Catalog/Program/Advisor

Undergraduates should notify the Registrar's Office if changes are needed in catalog year, degree program, or advisor(s). Catalog year and degree program changes can be changed in the Registrar's Office or submitted online. Changing to a new advisor requires the advisor's signature on the change form or a campus email from the advisor.

Check box  Address Change

To ensure receipt of information about the ceremony and ordering of cap and gown, students are expected to report local addresses and telephone numbers to the Registrar's Office. This can be done through the student's campus email to the Registrar's Office or on the address change form in the office. Permanent addresses are taken from the application for admission but can be updated through the Registrar's Office.

Check box  Prepare for Commencement (Cap, Gown and Hood)

Prior to commencement, a schedule of commencement activities will be mailed from the Registrar's Office. Included will be the form and instructions for ordering cap, gown, and hood, if attending commencement exercises. Students interested in graduation announcements should contact the Bookstore. Contact the Office of Career Services at (660) 562-1250, if you wish to establish a credential file.

For Graduate Degree


Check box  Apply for Comprehensive Assessment
     (Comp Exam, Portfolio, or Alternative, depending on program)

Beginning of final trimester or beginning of trimester prior to final trimester (if within 6 hours of completion of degree), you must file an application to meet the comprehensive assessment with the Graduate Office.

  • Students must have been admitted to candidacy to be eligible and must have at least a 3.0 GPA in all course work and in the major.
  • If you are in the GIST program or earning certification, it is recommended that you take and pass the PRAXIS the trimester prior to taking the comprehensive exam and/or the trimester prior to graduation.  

Check box  Application for Degree

During the final trimester, or in the trimester prior to completion of your degree, file your Final Application for Graduate degree with the Graduate Office during first three weeks of the trimester (fall and spring). For summer, file applications during the first week of the trimester. IF NEW CERTIFICATION IS INVOLVED, see the Director of Certification.

Check box  Comprehensive Examination

Take the comprehensive examination or alternative requirement, on date set by the department. Students will be notified by their program director of comprehensive final dates and locations, etc. 

Check box  Complete Research Requirement (if applicable)

Depending on your graduate program, you may be required to complete a:

  • Thesis or Scholarly Paper -- This paper (original) due in Graduate Office by prearranged date. Information and guidelines available in the Graduate Office.
  • or Research Component -- This component is required for research other than a thesis or Scholarly paper. The Research Component form View Word Document must be filed with the Graduate Office no later than the term of degree completion.

Check box  Checks Records and Pay Graduation Fee 

During last trimester of graduate study, check with Graduate Office to make sure records are complete. Pay one-time graduation fee to the Cashiering Office. This fee must be paid even if the student is not participating in commencement exercises. The current fee is stated on the Final Application for Graduate Degree.

Check box  Prepare for Commencement (Cap, Gown and Hood)

Prior to commencement, students who have applied to graduate will receive a schedule of commencement activities from the Registrar's Office. Included will be the form and instructions for ordering cap, gown, and hood, if attending commencement exercises. There is a stated deadline to order cap, gown and hoods for commencement. After that deadline we cannot guarantee regalia availability.  Order early! Students interested in graduation announcements should contact the Bookstore. Contact the Office of Career Services at (660) 562-1250, if you wish to establish a credential file.