Graduation Requirements
Degree Works
Degree Works is a software tool utilized by ATU designed to detail academic progression. It allows both students and advisors to monitor course progress towards degree completion and clearly indicates which course requirements have been met as well as how courses transfer into a program. Transfer courses must be approved through the use of a substitution/waiver form submitted by the program director via OneTech.
Degree Works will display course progression based on the current program of study, but a "what-if" scenario can be generated for any program to see how progression looks with the courses currently completed and in progress.
Degree Completion Requirements
- Develop a planned program of studies (including determined prerequisites) under supervision of designated faculty advisor, with any subsequent modifications approved by the advisor and program director.
- Complete course work for the degree.
- Submit an Application for Graduation This must be done by Reading day of the semester prior to the semester of graduation.
- Successfully complete a thesis, portfolio, comprehensive exam, internship, or research project as set forth in this catalog.
- Complete the degree within six (6) years from the time unconditional or conditional admission to the program was granted.
- See specific degree programs for special requirements.
Application for Graduation
In addition to satisfying all degree requirements, a candidate for a degree must file an Application for Graduation via their Degree Works audit. Students must apply for graduation by Reading day of the semester prior to the semester of graduation.
Commencement Ceremony Participation Policy
- Students completing graduation requirements for the fall term will participate in the December commencement ceremony.
- Students completing graduation requirements for the spring term will participate in the May commencement ceremony.
- Students completing requirements during the summer term who apply to graduate by March 1 will participate in the May commencement ceremony.
- Students completing requirements during the summer term who apply to graduate after March 1 will participate in the December commencement ceremony.
- EDD candidates must complete all degree requirements prior to participating.
The March 1 deadline for summer graduates is the deadline for the production of the spring commencement program. Should you choose to participate in the May commencement ceremony after March 1 your name will not appear in the spring commencement program.
Note: Diploma and transcript showing degree awarded will not be produced until all graduation requirements are satisfied.
Graduate candidates are expected to be present at commencement for the conferral of the degree unless written authorization in absentia is granted by the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost (see Absentia Graduation below for instructions).
Academic regalia shall be worn by the student during the graduation ceremony. Students may wear honor cords, pins, or stoles representative of university groups over their gown during the ceremony. Decoration on caps is permitted.
Following commencement, graduates will receive information on claiming their digital diploma and asked to confirm their mailing address for the paper diploma. Graduate Certificates will be available in digital download format only.
Absentia Graduation
Participation in commencement is required of all degree candidates, except in cases involving hardship. Students may officially petition in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs that the degree be awarded in absentia. Petitions should include your T-Number, the reason you will be unable to attend the ceremony, and the address to which your diploma should be mailed. Petitions for not attending commencement ceremony should be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled graduation date. Graduate students who have been approved to graduate in absentia will receive their diplomas by mail after the actual conferral of the degrees.