hku phd graduation requirement

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The University offers 3-year and 4-year PhD programmes. Applicants who have a good Bachelor’s degree with honours and/or a taught Master’s degree will be considered for admission to a 4-year PhD programme, whereas those who already hold a research Master’s degree (e.g. MPhil) will only be considered for admission to a 3-year PhD programme. PhD programmes are offered in full-time and part-time modes and the periods of study are as follows:

Candidates for 4-year PhD programme will be required to follow an approved course of study and research, including coursework on discipline-specific knowledge, language and research skills. The coursework component is well designed to equip students for their research work and thesis writing. Candidates for 3-year PhD programme may also be required to take courses and satisfy coursework requirements. Please click  here   for details of the coursework requirements. 

A successful PhD thesis should represent the result of the candidate's research which should be an original contribution to knowledge and worthy of publication.  Please refer to the Handbook for MPhil & PhD Programmes  for details of the regulations for PhD degree.

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How to Apply?

General admissions requirements

The basic qualification necessary for admission to research postgraduate studies:

5 Easy steps for application

Please refer to the following website for the application procedures.

Online Application for MPhil/PhD Admission - Important Notes

You should mark the important dates for application on your diary.

Important Dates for Application

You may contact the Postgraduate Admissions Advisors if you have questions on admission.

Postgraduate Admissions Advisors

You can search for the potential supervisor(s) by the following channels:

You can also visit HKU Graduate School for more details.  

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About the Programme

We admit applicants to the full-time PhD programme only .

Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. We will also admit students from non-business majors such as arts, science, social science and engineering as long as we consider you a good fit for our programme.

Application and Admission Requirement s

We consider a wide range of factors, including academic qualifications, research experience and potential, standardised test scores, strength of recommendations, communication skills and English proficiency. The Admissions Panel will consider the overall capability of the candidates.

In your application, you should include the following:

• Completed online application form;
• Certificates and academic transcripts;
• A research proposal (6 to 8 pages in length);
• GMAT/GRE test score;
• IELTS/TOEFL score (if required); and
• Two academic referee's reports (submitted directly from the referees)

Applications should be submitted via the online application system of the Graduate School of HKU. Please visit here for details.

Applicants for the four-year PhD degree should hold:

• a Bachelor's degree with first class honours (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university; or
• a Bachelor's degree with honours and a taught Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.

Applicants for the three-year PhD degree should hold:

• a Bachelor's degree with honours and a research Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognised university.

You are required to take either IELTS or TOEFL if you come from a university outside Hong Kong where the language of instruction and examination is not English. The University only accepts IELTS/TOEFL score that is taken within a two-year period. Please visit here for the detailed test score requirements.

We require all applicants to submit the official score report of GRE or GMAT, taken within five years. It is advised that you take the exam no later than mid-November in order to provide a full application file for consideration by the Admissions Panel. We do not grant waivers for applicants with an MBA degree and/ or work experience.

Institution code:

• GRE – 2482
• GMAT - FS2-WL-48

We do not impose minimum GMAT/GRE score requirement, but standardised test score plays a helpful role in the evaluation process as it gives the Admissions Panel a uniform way of assessing applicants.

• Upload a supporting document to the online application system explaining the delay and state your scheduled test date.
• Upload the test score and arrange to send the official report to us once the result is available.

A research proposal should include the background, the objectives and the methodology/approach you propose to take in studying the subject matter. A suggested framework of research proposal of our Faculty can be found here . You may use other format or add more section(s) to the form at your discretion.

For better alignment of research interests between students and supervisors, each student will only be assigned, at the time of admission, a nominal supervisor to provide academic guidance on course-taking and research planning at the initial stage. Students are encouraged to interact and discuss their research ideas with faculty members to confirm their supervisory arrangement at a more advanced stage of study. It is thus not a must for interested applicants to contact potential supervisors at the application stage.

However, you are also welcome to approach individual faculty members to explore research interests before applying to our programme. You may visit our webpage for details of our faculty members.

Apart from the Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) which will normally be granted to full-time PhD students, we also offer the FBE PhD Entrance Scholarship to new students on the basis of academic merit at the time of admission.

(For academic year 2022-23)

• FBE PhD Entrance Scholarship (general track): HK$42,100
• FBE PhD Entrance Scholarship (TPg track): Equivalent to the actual amount of tuition fee paid by the awardee for the eligible TPg programme preceding admission to the full-time PhD programme.

All eligible candidates will automatically be considered and no application for the Scholarship is required.

If you still have questions, please contact us: Tel: (852) 3917 8369 Email: [email protected]

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HKU - Degree Regulations and Course Descriptions

Undergraduate

Degree regulations and course descriptions, postgraduate.

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• Admissions Requirements

English Language Requirements

In addition to satisfying the requirements for admission to the curriculum concerned, an applicant who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English is required to obtain one of the following examination result.

A. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 1. a score of 550 or above in the paper-based TOEFL; or 2. a score of 213 or above in the computer-based TOEFL; or 3. a score of 80 or above in the internet-based TOEFL; or

B. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) A minimum overall band of 6 with no subtest lower than 5.5; or

C. GCE (General Certificate of Education) Grade C or above; or

D. IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Grade C or above; or

E. Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language Grade C or above

1. Unless in exceptional circumstances he is exempted from this requirement by the relevant Board of the Faculty or Board of Studies, in the case of higher degrees by coursework.

2. Applicants for admission to read for a higher degree by coursework in the Faculty of Arts (except those seeking admission to the School of Chinese and the Centre of Buddhist Studies) are also required to obtain a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4 or above or a Writing score of 25 or above in the internet-based TOEFL.

3. Applicants for admission to read for  a higher degree by coursework in the Faculty of Arts (except those seeking admission to the Centre of Buddhist Studies) are required to obtain a score of overall band of 7 with no subtest lower than 5.5 in the IELTS.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The MPhil degree is a postgraduate programme that focuses on research work. The programme is available in all faculties and schools/departments. The programme offers an introductory experience to research studies and is suitable for those who wish to later pursue a PhD degree or become professionals in their specialised area. MPhil candidates may commence their studies on September 1 or January 1 for a period of 24 months (full-time) or 36 months (part-time). The minimum study period is half of the study period.

MPhil students will receive ongoing advice and guidance from a dedicated academic or a team of academics in conducting research and thesis writing. In addition, students will be required to follow an approved course of study and research, including coursework on discipline-specific knowledge, language and research skills. The coursework component is well designed to equip students for their research work and thesis writing. Click here for the details of the coursework requirements.

The award of the MPhil degree is based on satisfactorily completing courses, submitting a thesis that displays some originality and demonstrates a sound understanding of the field of study and the appropriate research methods, and satisfying the examiners in an oral examination, unless waived, (and any other examination if required) in matters relevant to the subject of the thesis.

Click here for the Regulations for the Degree of Master of Philosophy.

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News Release

Province Introduces New High School Graduation Requirements for a Stronger Ontario Diploma

Suite of reforms will modernize requirements for a secondary school diploma for the first time in 25 years

May 30, 2024

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Quick facts, additional resources, related topics.

TORONTO — The Ontario government is modernizing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements for the first time in 25 years, and launching consultations with parents, job creators, educators and stakeholders on what skills students need to be better prepared for life beyond the classroom through the reintroduction of modernized home economics education.

The province is introducing a suite of reforms to ensure Ontario’s diploma embraces the back-to-basics agenda, including:

• A new financial literacy graduation requirement to ensure students exit Ontario’s school system with both literacy and practical financial literacy skills.
• Consulting on important life skills and the return of home economics education.
• Ensuring new teachers hold basic competency in math . Teacher applicants to the Ontario College of Teachers must pass the Math Proficiency Test beginning in February 2025.
• For the first time in 13 years, a wholesale revitalization of guidance and career education to support students’ understanding of local labour market needs and pathways to good careers.
• Up to $14 million in 2024-25 to launch career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students and to explore new opportunities into STEM and skilled trades.
• Return of the student exit survey to benchmark success and garner feedback on the impact of reforms with an emphasis on guidance.

“Too many parents, employers and students themselves tell me that students are graduating without sufficient financial literacy and basic life skills,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “As we go back-to-basics in the classroom, we will introduce Ontario’s first financial literacy graduation requirement, along with the return of modernized home economics education. By elevating life skills in the classroom, along with better career education and higher math standards on educators, we are setting up every student for life-long success. Our bottom line: ensuring students graduate with practical learning that leads them to better jobs and bigger paycheques.”

Ontario will be introducing a new financial literacy assessment as a graduation requirement to ensure students have the skills and knowledge to create and manage a household budget, save for a home, learn to invest wisely, and protect themselves from financial fraud. Starting in 2025, students will be required to score 70 per cent or higher to meet the financial literacy graduation requirement in their Grade 10 math course. Furthermore, the province will standardize making EQAO Grade 9 Math scores 10 per cent or more of a student’s final mark, a practice already used by the majority of teachers.

Students will also benefit from modernized career education programming in their schools with more exposure to the skilled trades and priority economic sectors. The government is investing up to $14 million in 2024-25 for career coaching for Grade 9 and 10 students in the publicly funded education system. In partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, this funding will also provide resources and tools to help at-risk youth, individuals in youth justice facilities, and students in other publicly funded educational settings outside of regular classrooms. Through shared agreements with school boards and other existing structures, this career coaching will help young people succeed and become positive members of their communities.

“All children and youth in Ontario deserve to have the resources and supports they need to succeed and thrive,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Today’s announcement is an important step as we work to empower youth-at-risk and those involved in the justice system with the tools they need to get their life on the right track. Together, we can help them build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

The government is also working with the Ontario College of Teachers to support aspiring guidance counsellors by revising Additional Qualification guidelines. New changes will update guidance counsellor qualifications and impose annual training to deliver meaningful value to students. School boards will be required to provide opportunities for guidance counsellors to keep current on labour market trends and work with local employers to support skilled young people to find career opportunities in the communities where they were raised.

Ontario will begin consultations this fall with parents and experts on what practical life skills students should learn in school to build a strong foundation that sets them up for success. This can include the mandatory inclusion of life skills like nutritious cooking, changing a tire, sewing a button, using first aid, personal responsibility and basic economics, all of which can prove valuable throughout a student’s lifespan. This places an emphasis on personal development, decision-making and intrapersonal skills, all of which are in demand by employers across the economy.

• The last major overhaul of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma was in 1999 with the removal of OAC (Grade 13) and introduction of community involvement hours.
• According to a 2022 Royal Bank of Canada poll, nearly 83 per cent of young Canadians reported needing more information and support on money management, and 68 per cent reported feeling overwhelmed and needed help.
• Ontario is Making It Easier to Enter Skilled Trades by introducing new policy and legislative measures to attract more young people to the skilled trades, including adding a new apprenticeship pathway and an online job matching platform.
• The Ontario government has opened grant applications for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for the 2024-25 academic year . Postsecondary students who want to pursue a career in nursing, paramedicine or medical lab technology can now apply for the grant.

"Our government recognizes the need to prepare the next generations of Ontarians with the right tools necessary to help build the best possible financial future for themselves and our whole province. We will not take the wellbeing of young Ontarians for granted. This is a step in the right direction to ensure our children and grandchildren learn the basics of financial literacy and responsibility that will help them prepare for the future." - Peter Bethlenfalvy Minister of Finance

"Ontario’s new financial literacy graduation requirement is a major step forward for our high school students. By prioritizing financial education, we are equipping our next generation with the foundation they need to make informed financial decisions, build a secure future and contribute to a robust and resilient economy. " - MPP Billy Pang Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education

"Modernizing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements will provide secondary school students with a more relevant and comprehensive education that better prepares them for the challenges of the future. This approach will benefit students by contributing to the development of a more skilled and adaptable workforce, incorporating life skills such as financial literacy into graduation requirements that will prepare students to become well-rounded adults. These skills are crucial for personal and professional success." - MPP Natalie Pierre Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education

"Financial literacy is an essential life skill that gives young people the tools they need to plan for the future. Part of that planning also involves preparing for their careers, so it’s equally important that school counsellors work collaboratively with local employers to provide students with the most informed guidance possible." - Goldy Hyder President and CEO, Business Council of Canada

"The Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) would like to commend the Minister, and the Ministry of Education in Ontario, for taking a leadership position on such important areas of learning for our children’s future – their financial literacy and capability, their essential life skills that will be addressed in a long-needed new approach to home economics, and their ability to navigate a pathway to a career for which they have interest and passion and that can lead to meaningful employment or self-employment. We have long needed such leadership, not only in this province but throughout the country. We wish the Minister and his team much success and will do all we can to support their efforts." - Gary Rabbior President, Canadian Foundation for Economic Education

"The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has long advocated for a stronger talent pipeline between our education system and key industries with market need — and for graduates with financial literacy and life skills. Today's announcement promised to give Ontario's young talent a greater understanding of diverse career pathways and the skills to succeed in the economy of the future." - Daniel Tisch President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"CPA Ontario applauds the Ministry of Education for taking important steps to prioritize financial literacy among Ontario’s high school students. Making financial literacy a graduation requirement will empower our youth with essential life skills and help them navigate an increasingly complex economy. With our mandate to protect the public, we understand the vital role financial literacy plays in securing Ontario’s future." - Carol Wilding President and CEO, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

"We applaud the government and Minister Lecce for these positive steps that will help students succeed in school, in their careers and in life. These are valuable and much needed skills that will greatly benefit those in secondary school and help them deal with the changing times and economy." - Ian Howcroft CEO, Skills Ontario

"By introducing a financial literacy graduation requirement, the Ontario government is taking a bold step to equip students with an essential life skill. It will ensure high school students have the knowledge they need to successfully manage their finances, from budgeting to investing. We will need a future workforce that is financially savvy and resilient, capable of making informed decisions and contributing to a stronger economy." - Giles Gherson President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

"The new OSSD requirements in financial literacy, the consultation on a new life skills course and a refreshed approach to career exploration and work readiness support youth to gain the skill set and mindset they need to realize their boundless potential. JA’s approach to immersive, experiential learning brings curriculum off the page and into real world application. We look forward to collaborating with the ministry and our educator partners to fuel student success in these subjects." - Jennifer Holmes Weier President & CEO, JA Central Ontario

"By equipping our youth with financial knowledge, we are empowering them to navigate life's financial landscape with confidence and competence. This investment in their education not only secures their future but also lays the groundwork for a stronger, more prosperous Ontario. As a financial wellness educator, I echo the sentiments of Minister Lecce and commend the Ford government for championing this essential step towards equipping our students with the tools for lifelong success." - Saijal Patel Founder & CEO, Saij Wealth Consulting Inc.

"JUMP Math looks forward to supporting all efforts to further Ontario students’ financial literacy skills, foundational skills and broaden their pathways into STEM and skilled trades to support our provincial labour market needs. We also welcome the opportunity to expand new Ontario teachers’ math knowledge through our suite of evidence-based math education tools and resources." - Ken Aucoin CEO, JUMP Math

"FIRST Robotics Canada enthusiastically supports the Ontario government's initiative to modernize the Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements. Integrating financial literacy, life skills and enhanced STEM education will equip students with essential tools for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. These reforms will not only foster critical thinking and innovation but also prepare students for meaningful careers, driving economic growth and prosperity. They also align well with the goals we have at FIRST Robotics Canada with respect to STEM skills and the Skilled Trades, effectively preparing our students for the future!" - Arti Javeri Vice President, Partnerships, First Robotics Canada

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Learn about Ontario’s early years, education and training systems. Includes information on child care, elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, skills training and financial aid. Learn more

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Statistics and Actuarial Science

Information for new graduate students in actuarial science, data science and statistics at the university of iowa..

Welcome New Graduate Students!

Information for NEW graduate students in Actuarial Science, Data Science and Statistics at the University of Iowa. 

Last Updated, May 30, 2024.                                   Additional  updates will be sent this summer!

Important Information for International Students

The Office of International Students and Scholars does an incredible job helping you settle into Iowa City and the University of Iowa.  They have webinars to help with:  

1. Getting Started and Making Travel Arrangements

2. Achieving Success: On-campus Involvement and Cultural Adjustment (undergraduate students)

3. Graduate Student Professionalization and Support

4. Understanding Orientation Expectations, Responsibilities, and Placement Tests (graduate students)

5. On-campus Housing Assignments and Move-in Tips (undergraduate students)

6. Student Employment

7. Money Matters - University Billing

Do you need to take the SPEC (Spoken Proficiency of English for the Classroom)?

All students for whom English is not a first language (as self-reported on their admissions application) and who have first-time appointments as graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are required to go through a testing process to assess their effectiveness in speaking English before they are assigned assistantship responsibilities. Beginning in Fall 2024, there will be a new test to assess communication in English in a classroom context called SPEC (Spoken Proficiency of English in the Classroom).  This is replacing ESPA and ELPT.  Details will be coming soon.

Any graduate student who is included in the following categories needs to have their oral English proficiency tested by the TAPE Program:

• Students whose first language is not English (i.e., learned another language first) as self-reported on their admissions application, and
• Have been appointed as a Teaching Assistant

Exemptions (may change):

• Students with an official valid (within the last two years) iBT Listening score of 25 and an iBT Speaking score of 26.
• Undergraduate degrees and/or     
• Continuous attendance of English-language schools since the age of 12 (or younger)
• Students who served as teaching assistants at other institutions of higher learning in which the language of instruction is English, if they were listed as the instructor of record for a course or led a discussion section in English for at least one year, with a year defined as either two academic semesters or three academic quarters.
• Requests for exceptions regarding the SPEC  can be submitted for evaluation to a committee consisting of the Director of ESL Programs, the Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs in the Graduate College, and a representative from University Human Resources.

Requests for exemption and exceptions must come from the department by the deadline, not the student.   Deadlines to register students for the SPEC are:

• March 1  

NOT Exemptions:

• Students who come from a country where English is one of the official languages.
• Students who are U.S. permanent residents or U.S. citizens whose first language is not English.

Testing Procedures & Results

 To be announced soon!

Graduate/Professional International Students Important Dates

July 12, 2024:  Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status. August 11, 2024:  Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City August 12 - 16, 2024: International Student Orientation August 26, 2024:  Classes begin.

Housing Information for All Students

The department has a housing webpage, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. If you are looking for a roommate, please let us know and we can update this web page!

Looking for housing options ?

All US citizens that are financially supported (TA, RA) need to be here on August 21.

All students will register for classes the week before classes start.  International students must complete the required Orientation Program before  they can register for classes.    

____________________

Fall Classes Advising will be August 19-23

All NEW UI students must meet with their advisor prior to registration.  There is no worry about getting into any of the classes we teach.  

• IF you are an Actuarial Science MS or PhD student you will need to meet with Professor Shyamalkumar.  Email him after August 12 at [email protected] to set a time to meet to discuss what classes to take, it may be on Zoom or in his office (233 Schaeffer Hall).
• IF you are a Data Science MS, Statistics MS, or PhD student you will need to meet with Professor Boxiang Wang.  Email him after August 12 at [email protected]  to set a time to meet to discuss what classes to take, it may be on Zoom or in his office (261 Schaeffer Hall).

New Graduate College Welcome and Orientation, August 21

The Graduate College Fall 2024 Graduate Student Orientation event will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.  A registration form will be sent to your UI email sometime this early summer from the Graduate College. All new doctoral and master’s students are invited to attend.  

Financially Supported Graduate Students must come in person and present required documents for employment verification.   

• Details coming soon!

New Student Department Orientation, August 23 at 9 a.m., Room to be determined.

• All New Student Orientation —Group Introductions and General Policy Procedures.

New Supported Graduate Assistants Orientation, August 23 at 1 p.m., Room to be determined.

• Our Director of Graduate Studies will have a department review of expectations and your specific roles in our department. Teaching and grading assignments will be explained, as well as preparation, teaching tips, problems and questions, quizzes and exams, weekly meetings, grading, appropriate office use and the Sexual Harassment Prevention Education

Mailbox in 241 Schaeffer Hall 

All graduate students will have a mailbox in our main office.  The faculty do as well.  Please check your mailbox at least once a week!

Office Desk Assignment

Nearly all supported students will have a desk in one of our offices.  The assignment priority (in this order) includes Ph.D. and Fellowship candidates, research assistants, half-time teaching assistants, quarter-time teaching assistants and lastly graders.  Having a desk is a privilege and should be used only for university business.  Office assignments will be given to students on, August 23.  Keys are checked out ONLY after that time.  Please remember to keep the rooms clean and take out all trash to the large bins in the main hallways.

Set-up your University of Iowa Email

All University of Iowa students are required to activate their assigned uiowa.edu email address, as all official communication from university offices are now sent via email, rather than hard copy. This address usually follows the pattern [email protected]   (However, often a number is also attached.) 

To activate the account:

• Log on to  MyUI
• Click on My UIowa / My Email / Request Email Account
• Complete the specified steps.

Students who prefer to maintain only their work or home email addresses can do so by routing the uiowa.edu email to a work or home account. To do so, follow these steps:

• Click on My UIowa / My Email / Update Email Routing Address

Important Notes:

• If your uiowa.edu email address is routed to a different account, you will  not  need to change your address in ICON, as your messages will already forward to your routed address.
• Log on to MYUI.
• Click on My UIowa / My Email / Email Account Filter bulk mail.
• Make sure that none of the categories are checked.

Required Graduate Assistants Teaching Courses:

• ONLINE CLASS Requirement: Sexual Harassment Prevention Edu.  Use your HawkID and password to log into Employee Self Service. Click the Personal tab, next (under Learning and Development) click on Sexual Harassment Prevention Edu., follow instructions.
• ONLINE CLASS Requirement:  Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Use your HawkID and password to log into Employee Self Service. Click the Personal tab, next (under Learning and Development) next click on Available Online Icon Courses, next FERPA Training, then click on View Details twice and the last click will be to Enroll in this ICON Course Session.
• A six-hour orientation program will be required of all students who are certified at level A or B and are teaching for the first time.  This orientation helps new teaching assistants understand the culture of the U.S. classroom and treats topics such as student expectations, teacher-student relationships, and understanding and answering student questions. Discussion focuses on suggestions for maximizing comprehensibility in spoken English. This course meets twice for 3 hours early in the semester. Both meetings are held in the evening.

Administrative Department Staff:

Professor aixin tan (until july 1, 2024).

Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor: [email protected]   (319) 335-0821.

Professor Boxiang Wang (beginning July 1, 2024)

Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor: [email protected] (319) 335-2294.

Professor N.D. Shyamalkumar

Actuarial Science Graduate Advisor:  [email protected]    (319) 335-1980

Margie Ebert

Academic Services Coordinator ,  [email protected]  (319) 335-2082

Heather Roth

Administrative Services Coordinator  [email protected]   (319) 335-0712

Tammy Siegel

Department Administrator ,  [email protected] , (319) 335-0706

Graduation Candidates

General graduation information.

University requirements for undergraduates and graduate students are published in the University Catalog . Students are responsible for monitoring their own progress toward degree completion, and for meeting all graduation requirements.

Prior to the beginning of their final semester, students are strongly encouraged to consult their major and minor advisors regarding their academic progress.

Correspondence regarding graduation applications, status, processing and clearance is being sent via e-mail to the ODU student e-mail address. Students are required by University policy to activate, maintain, and regularly check their ODU e-mail accounts so they will receive important administrative correspondence. Letters will be mailed to the permanent address for students whose e-mail is returned or who have no active University e-mail address. Land-based mail is slower than e-mail and may delay processes for students.

Graduation Hold

Students who are graduating at the end of the current term will have a hold that prevents further registration (only). If you need to take courses beyond your expected graduation date to complete your degree requirements, or wish to change your graduation date, you must e-mail [email protected] to notify the University Registrar that you are continuing in your present degree program (provide your NEW GRADUATION TERM), and to request that the hold be lifted.

Otherwise, this hold remains on the student's record until such time as the student is readmitted to a degree-seeking (2nd bachelor's or master's degree) or non-degree status.

If you have been admitted to a new degree program, this hold will be removed.

Transcripts

Final transcripts are not automatically provided to graduates, but must be requested in writing or using our new online transcript request. There is a fee for each official transcript requested. E-mail requests for transcripts are not accepted. See Transcripts (Requesting Transcripts) for more information.

It can take up to 4-6 weeks after the official degree conferral date for the Graduation staff to review and clear all pending graduation candidates .

Students who need the awarded degree to be reflected on the transcript should check the graduation status in LEO Online before requesting a transcript, and if necessary, indicate "hold for degree" on the transcript request to ensure that the transcript is not produced until the awarded degree has been posted to the academic record.

About Registering for Commencement Ceremony

Students must register to participate in the commencement ceremony. Please review the Commencement ceremony information here .

Students are reminded that participation in commencement ceremonies does not confirm that a degree has been conferred.

Eligibility for Graduation

Important: Students whose degree status is "intended" must meet with their advisor to be declared into a degree program (i.e., BA or BS) before applying for graduation. Students can view their degree status in LEO Online (under Student Records --> View General Student Information ).

ONLY STUDENTS ADMITTED AS DEGREE-SEEKING AND DECLARED INTO A MAJOR AND DEGREE PROGRAM MAY APPLY FOR GRADUATION. See Applying for Graduation for more information.

Graduate and undergraduate students must meet all academic and non-academic requirements before they can be certified as graduates of Old Dominion University.

Information on non-academic requirements and the University Writing Proficiency requirement are provided in the sidebar elements at right.

Applying for Graduation

ONLY STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY AS DEGREE-SEEKING MAY APPLY FOR GRADUATION. Non-degree students are not eligible to declare a major or apply for graduation.

Undergraduate students who have earned more than 102 academic credits should review the Degree Works evaluation and confirm with the academic advisor that they are on track for graduation.

Recommended Application Deadlines:

Students should apply at least 6 months prior to graduation (see Academic Calendar ) so there is sufficient time to plan for your last semester and make sure all degree requirements are met.

• November 30 for candidates completing degree requirements during the Spring semester (May graduation date)
• February 28 for candidates completing degree requirements during the Summer session (August graduation date)
• June 30 for candidates completing degree requirements during the Fall semester (December graduation date)

Prior to applying for graduation, please review your Degree Works degree evaluation in LEO Online or myODU . Make an appointment with your on-campus or distance learning academic advisor, and your minor advisor, if applicable. (See Academic Advisors for more information.) Have your degree evaluation available for that meeting .

Apply to Graduate, Online!

In order to apply for graduation, undergraduate students must have a minimum of 90 earned hours (senior standing), 15 of which must be institutional (ODU) hours, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The degree must be declared (not "intended").

Graduate students must have a minimum of 12 earned hours, all of which must be institutional (ODU) hours, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

If your advisor or graduate program director confirms that you are eligible to apply for graduation and you meet the above criteria , apply online using the application for graduation that is provided in LEO Online or myODU . The Apply to Graduate link is found under the Graduation menu in LEO Online.

Applications are left open past the recommended deadlines to accommodate students who apply late. To be sure your name is included in the Commencement Exercise Program distributed at the ceremony, however, you must apply at least 2 months prior to graduation.

You may apply for graduation and commencement at the same time. If you do not wish to attend commencement, you will still be able to complete the application for graduation only. Once your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email to your ODU e-mail address.

On the Graduation menu, you can view your graduation application and your graduation status.

Once the degree is certified, but not before the official degree conferral date , the degree status will be changed to "Awarded," usually within 4 weeks after the official degree conferral date.

About Registering for Commencement Ceremonies

Questions about the application for graduation should be addressed to [email protected] with your full name and University ID number.

Academic Advisors

Click for full Directory of Advisors .

Graduation Dates

There are three graduation dates each year: May, August, and December.

Specific graduation dates for a term can be found in the University Catalog and the Academic Calendar published for each semester at the Registrar's web site.

Students should plan to participate in ceremonies as follows:

• Students who plan to complete degree requirements by the end of the Spring semester participate in May commencement ceremonies.
• Students who plan to complete degree requirements by the end of the Summer session participate in May commencement ceremonies. There is no summer commencement ceremony.
• Students who plan to complete degree requirements in the Fall semester participate in December graduation ceremonies.

Submission of Theses and Dissertations

• Instructions for submission of theses and dissertations are provided at the Graduate School website .
• Graduate students who have applied for graduation must electronically submit their thesis or dissertation to ProQuest according to the schedule published in the academic calendar , for the term (or part of term) in which they are graduating. Missing the deadline may delay graduation. The schedule below provides a general guideline of due dates.  

About Commencement

Commencement ceremonies may take place the day before the end of semester degree conferral date; however the official degree conferral date is the same for all graduates and may be different from the date of your commencement ceremony.

Participation in the commencement ceremony does not certify that a student has graduated. The degree is awarded and posted to the student's transcript after all grades are reported to the Office of the University Registrar and posted to the student's record, and all degree requirements have been met. The official graduation date is the end of the semester in which all requirements are completed .

Graduation Checklist

Graduate students.

Before you apply for graduation, review your Degree Works degree evaluation and consult with the Graduate Program Director for your academic program to ensure that all program/degree requirements have been met.

Undergraduate Students

Before you apply for graduation, review your Degree Works degree evaluation in LEO Online and then make sure you have completed the following:

• Check General Education requirements : Check the University Catalog to be aware of the General Education requirements and any additional requirements that may apply to your major (some majors may differ or have specific General Education course requirements).
• Check Foreign Language requirements : Refer to the University Catalog to be sure you have met the foreign language requirement for the University and for your major/college.
• Evaluation of all transfer work : All transfer work must be evaluated by Admissions and posted to the academic record. Courses taken at another school during your last semester may delay your graduation .
• Departmental advising : Be sure you have been advised by your major (and minor) chief departmental advisor or distance learning advisor. Be sure your major is declared and your degree does not show as "intended."
• Senior Assessment : All graduating seniors must complete the required senior assessment survey during their final semester before graduation. A separate assessment is provided for distance learning students.
• Writing Proficiency : All undergraduate students, including those students who are seeking a second baccalaureate degree, must satisfy the University's Writing Proficiency requirement prior to the date of graduation. For information on meeting this requirement, please see the University Requirements section of this website.
• If you received an e-mail from the Registrar's Office with instructions about applying for graduation, please respond accordingly.

About Registering for Commencement

You may apply for graduation and commencement at the same time, all through LEO Online. If you do not wish to attend commencement, you will still be able to complete the application for graduation only. Once your application is complete, you will receive a confirmation email.

Students must register to participate in the commencement ceremony. Please review the graduate information here .

Graduation Requirements

• University Requirements
• Graduate Student Registration Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions

University Registrar

1009 Rollins Hall Norfolk, VA 23529

University Writing Proficiency Requirement

All undergraduate students must satisfy the University Writing Proficiency Requirement before the degree can be awarded.

Graduating Student Assessments

The Senior Assessment and Graduate Assessment can both be accessed via the Graduating Student Assessment page.

Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.

Picture yourself in the classroom, speak with professors in your major, and meet current students.

From sports games to concerts and lectures, join the ODU community at a variety of campus events. 

States Requiring FAFSA for High School Seniors

More states are requiring high school students to file the FAFSA in order to graduate.

Memorable moments of a student's high school graduation often include walking across a stage to accept a diploma and celebrating with family at a graduation party.

In a growing number of states, however, students must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA , before getting to that moment.

The FAFSA is required for a student to be eligible for federal student loans, grants or federal work-study, and often to qualify for state and institutional scholarships. To boost FAFSA completion rates and encourage college enrollment, the following states currently require all public high school seniors to submit the FAFSA in order to graduate, according to the National College Attainment Network:

• New Hampshire

This requirement will also be new for high school graduates in Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York and Oklahoma in the 2024-2025 academic year, according to NCAN, a nonprofit organization that advocates for educational equity. Kansas also announced a FAFSA requirement that will go into effect in the 2027-2028 school year.

Some states are making it a priority rather than a requirement. Colorado, for instance, established a grant program for school districts to opt into as a way to promote FAFSA completion. Meanwhile, Maryland strongly encourages completion by assisting students with the process rather than introducing a statewide requirement.

Despite being the first state to implement a FAFSA graduation requirement, Louisiana will drop its mandate starting with the high school class of 2025.

How Does the FAFSA Completion Requirement Work?

The requirement may look different in each state or district. Families typically receive information about the mandate at the start of the school year and may be contacted or reminded closer to graduation if the FAFSA isn't filed, experts say.

A student may opt out of the requirement for any reason, such as plans to serve in the military, a job lined up after graduation or parents who refuse to provide necessary financial information.

"They are not literally forcing every single student to complete a FAFSA in order to graduate," says Shannon Vasconcelos, senior director of college finance for Bright Horizons College Coach, an education consulting company. "You just have to file an extra piece of paperwork to say that you do not intend to file the FAFSA. .... It's a slight administrative burden for those who don't want to do it. But I always advocate for students and families to make informed decisions, and completing a FAFSA is a way to inform families about the affordability of college."

For undocumented students or students with undocumented parents who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA, some states offer an alternative financial form to fulfill the requirement. For instance, students in California can file either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.

Implications of the FAFSA Completion Requirement

Completing the FAFSA can help students make more informed decisions about whether and where they will attend college . According to NCAN, as of May 10, 2024, the FAFSA completion rate nationwide for the Class of 2024 was 40.2%, a 17.2% decline from the Class of 2023.

It's difficult to understand the effect of mandating FAFSA completion on college enrollment, as many states implemented the policies either right before or during the coronavirus pandemic, says Bill DeBaun, senior director of data and strategic initiatives at NCAN.

"We would love to see the empirical evidence about how and whether these policies actually lead to increases in postsecondary enrollment," he says. "Untangling the enrollment effects of the pandemic with the enrollment effects of universal FAFSA policies is pretty difficult from a research standpoint."

However, FAFSA completion mandates have caused more people to pay attention to the college financial aid process, experts say. As tuition costs have risen rapidly over the years, families may be unaware that the tuition sticker price they see on a college's website is rarely the amount an average student pays. Each year, billions of dollars in federal Pell Grants go unclaimed because students who would have qualified did not file the FAFSA, according to an analysis by NCAN based partly on data from the federal government.

"The cost of college is extremely untransparent," Vasconcelos says. "And the way to get the transparency is completing the FAFSA."

However, FAFSA completion policies matter, DeBaun says.

"When states go to implement, they should also make sure that they are providing resources, training and ideally funding to support activities at the district and school level," he says. "If we are going to say that this is now something that districts and schools need to focus more on, states should also support them in doing that."

Trying to fund your education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for College center.

Common Mistakes on the FAFSA

Related FAFSA Content

• Is the FAFSA Required?
• A Guide to College Financial Aid
• FAFSA Verification: What to Do
• 10 Common Mistakes Made on the FAFSA
• How to Complete the CSS Profile

FAFSA Deadlines You Should Know

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The Graduate Certificate in Teaching: Elementary Education is a 22 credit hour program designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, students are eligible for the North Carolina Standard Professional I teaching license.

The required courses for the Graduate Certificate are identical to Phase I of the M.A.T. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, qualified students have the option of continuing into Phase II to complete the M.A.T. Admission to the Graduate Certificate is separate and distinct from admission to a graduate degree program and not an indication of automatic admission to the M.A.T. degree program. For more information on this option, refer to the M.A.T. in Elementary Education   .

All courses for the Graduate Certificate must be completed within five years.

General Requirements for Admission to the Graduate School

Please refer to admission information in the Graduate School section.

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Certificates in Teaching Programs

• An undergraduate degree from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75  (For alternative ways to demonstrate academic competence, contact the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL))
• Two professional references in a supervisory capacity (i.e. principal or manager) and/or academic references (i.e. professor)
• Statement of purpose
• Clear criminal background check
• Apply online at graduateschool.uncc.edu

Certificate Requirements

Required courses (17 credit hours).

• ELED 5110 - Developing a Productive and Equitable Learning Environment (2)
• ELED 5210 - Essentials of Teaching Mathematics to Elementary School Learners (2-3)
• ELED 5310 - Teaching and Assessment of Mathematics for Elementary School Learners (2-3)
• READ 5111 - Essentials of Literacy Instruction (2-3)
• READ 5211 - Methods of Literacy (2-3)
• READ 5311 - Literacy Assessment and Tiered Interventions (2-3)

Internship/Student Teaching (5 credit hours)

The graduate-level student teaching/internship is the culminating experience of the Graduate Certificate program, offering students the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the initial Standard Professional I teaching license. A GPA of 3.0 or above in the graduate certificate coursework is required to be eligible for the student teaching/internship. Students are assigned to an appropriate classroom for a full-time, semester-long experience under the supervision of the classroom teacher and University faculty.  Residency teachers and teacher assistants must contact the Office of School and Community Partnerships to determine the appropriateness of their classroom for the student teaching/internship experience and licensure requirements. This contact should take place at least one semester before student teaching. The prerequisite for the student teaching/internship is completion of all program coursework, a GPA of 3.0 or above, an application for the course by the established deadline, and approval of the department.

• ELED 6470 - Graduate Student Teaching/Internship in Elementary Education (5-6) **

** Must be taken in the final semester for the initial licensure program.

Certificate Total = 22 Credit Hours

All students are assigned an advisor upon formal admission to the program. Students should consult with their advisors at least once each semester.

Clinical Field Experiences

All courses require students to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in public school/agency settings. During the Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education program, all students are expected to complete clinical experiences in at least three significantly different settings.

Clinical field experiences provide opportunities for helping all students learn, including children with exceptionalities and students from diverse ethnic/racial, linguistic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. During clinical experiences, students apply theories and understandings gained in coursework, analyze K-6 student learning, and develop the ability to positively impact all learners. The first semester requires a minimum of 30 hours of clinical experiences.  The second semester requires a minimum of 36 hours of clinical experiences.  The third semester requires a minimum of 40 hours of clinical experiences. These structured experiences can take place in multiple settings such as neighboring schools or districts, after-school programs, or in the schools and classrooms in which the candidates work or are placed by the Office of School and Community Partnerships.

Candidates who are lateral entry teachers and teacher assistants must move beyond their own classrooms and schools for at least two clinical experiences.  Alternative settings must be approved by the instructor.  A limited number of clinical experiences may be approved in significantly different classrooms within their school of employment.  Employed candidates are encouraged to seek assistance and support from their administrators.

Upon successful completion of the Phase I/Graduate Certificate, teacher candidates will be recommended for the North Carolina Standard Professional I teaching license. For this license, students are required to complete all NC State mandated testing/performance assessment requirements for licensure.