Graduating students

Graduation

Please note: Graduation and commencement require separate applications. Go to CougarTrack to access forms for each event.

Students nearing degree completion must submit the Declaration of Candidacy for Degree form for each degree completed.

This form indicates the student's formal request to graduate with the degree for which it was submitted only. Any associated fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
See below for the recommended timeframe for submission of your form for declaration of candidacy for degree (application to graduate), based on your location and anticipated graduation date.

Students must submit this form in order to be confirmed for degree completion.
Go to CougarTrack > Academics > Students > Forms > Declaration of Candidacy for Degree and follow the instructions on the form.

Day Campus Students

Graduating in: April
Apply by: August 15

Graduating in: June
Apply by: January 15

Graduating in: August
Apply by: February: 15

Graduating in: December
Apply by: June 15

Nationwide/Evening/Online Campus Students

Graduating in: October
Apply by: June 1

Graduating in: December
Apply by: August 1

Graduating in: March
Apply by: October 1

Graduating in: April
Apply by: January 1

Graduating in: June
Apply by: March 1

Graduating in: August
Apply by: April 1

Commencement

Degree candidates must submit the application for commencement ceremony to request permission to participate in a ceremony. There is no cost to participate in any of the commencement ceremonies. Guests may be required to show tickets to attend the Columbia campus commencement. Tickets will be provided to a student after his or her degree candidacy has been confirmed.

Go to CougarTrack> > Students > Forms > Application for Commencement Ceremony and follow the instructions on the form.

Traditional Campus

NOTE: Space is limited - apply early!

Graduating students can attend commencement ceremonies at their local Columbia College venue or at the traditional campus in Columbia, MO. See the traditional campus commencement site for more information.

Nationwide Venues/Online

Graduating students can attend commencement ceremonies at their local Columbia College venue or at the traditional campus in Columbia, MO. See the Nationwide Location commencement site for more information.

Diplomas

Your diploma will be processed and mailed once your degree completion has been confirmed. Please see the diplomas webpage for detailed information.