Graduation Requirements and Commencement

Degree Candidacy

Academic advisors provide counsel to students regarding curriculum and graduation requirements; however responsibility for completing appropriate requirements for graduation rests with the student. Students working toward a graduate degree must file an online Application for Degree with the registrar’s office at the beginning of their last full year in the Program. Applications require the approval of the Graduate Council and the Community of Educators before students are formally admitted to degree candidacy. This is the only means by which a diploma is awarded and the degree is recorded on the student’s transcript.

Requirements for all Masters’ Degrees:

  • Successful completion of credit hours as defined by each program and faculty, with a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level, (Pennsylvania Department of Education, 22 Pa. Code § 31.21(b)(5)).
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 for all coursework listed for the degree.
  • Completion of requirements as specified under the department of instruction in which that program falls.

Requirements for all Doctorate Degrees:

  • Successful completion of credit hours as defined by each program and faculty, and reflect the recommendations of professional associations or National learned societies, (Pennsylvania Department of Education, 22 Pa. Code § 31.21(b)(6)).
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 for all work listed as requirements for the degree.
  • Completion of requirements as specified under the department of instruction in which that program falls.

Awarding Diplomas/Certificates

Diplomas and Certificates are awarded to graduate students in May, August and December upon successful completion of all requirements.

Attendance at Commencement

Messiah College hosts a commencement ceremony in May for graduate students earning a degree in December, May or August of the academic year in which commencement is held. Graduate students indicate on their Application for Degree whether they will be attending the ceremony. Degree-seeking students who are within nine credits of completing academic requirements for their degree are permitted to participate in the May commencement ceremony, so long as the coursework can be completed by August 31 following commencement. These students are required to be registered for the outstanding requirements in order to be eligible to participate in the ceremony. Students who do not complete the outstanding requirements by August 31 may incur an additional fee.

Release of Diplomas/Certificates

In order for diplomas and certificates to be released, the following guidelines must be met:

  • All course work, including approved transfer credit, must be completed and recorded on the student’s Messiah College transcript.
  • Students must satisfy all outstanding financial balances with Messiah College.

    The registrar’s office mails the diploma or certificate and a copy of the final transcript approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the semester ends provided all other criteria have been met.