Graduation

A student officially graduates when all degree requirements have been successfully completed and a graduation application has been submitted. 

Before You Apply

After registering for your final semester, check your degree audit to confirm you are registered for all degree requirements.   When the only missing requirement/red circle under the heading of your degree
program (Degree in XX ) is the Graduation Application, then it is time to apply for graduation. 

If you need to take a winter course to finish your degree, you should apply for January graduation.  If you need to take a summer course to finish your degree, you should apply for August graduation. 

Requirements for the Associate Degree

To qualify for the Associate in Applied Science degree, candidates must be matriculated (officially admitted to degree status); satisfactorily complete the credit and course requirements prescribed for their majors, related areas, and general education; achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all work completed; and submit an application for graduation.  

Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree

  • An earned AAS or equivalent  
  • 120 - 126 earned credits
  • 30 General Education credits
  • Bachelor of Science degree New York State guidelines: 60 credits in liberal arts
  • Bachelor of Fine Art degrees NASAD guidelines: 12 credit art/design history and 30 credits in liberal arts/general studies 

How to Submit a Graduation Application

  • Log in to MyFIT.  
  • Under Online Resources, click Online Information System.
  • Click on Student.
  • Click on Graduation Application and enter your information.
  • Save the confirmation page for your records.

AAS Students Continuing for a Bachelor's Degree

If you plan to continue at FIT to earn a bachelor's degree, you first apply for AAS graduation, then submit the Bachelor's Application in MyFIT. 

Admissions priority is given to applicants who are successfully completing the AAS degree requirements.  Applicants within six (6) credits of completing the AAS degree requirements may also be considered.

Additional Information

  • At FIT, a bachelor's degree will not be awarded until an AAS or equivalent is earned. You must apply for graduation (degree completion) and you will receive a diploma for each degree awarded.
  • December 1 is the priority deadline for students who anticipate completing all degree requirements in May or August. May 1 is the priority deadline for students who anticipate completing all degree requirements by December or January.
  • Your graduation application must be submitted by March 31 if you want your name listed in the Commencement program. 
  • Your legal name is the only name that will be printed on your diploma. To change your legal name , a name change form with legal documentation must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. 
  • Diplomas will not be mailed to FIT residence halls or any campus address.
  • The address entered on your graduation application is the address where the diploma will be mailed. If after you apply for graduation, you move or decide to have the diploma go to a different address, you must notify the Registrar's Office in writing.  Updating your mailing address in MyFIT will not update your diploma address.
  • Submitting a graduation application does not obligate you to attend commencement exercises. Applications are required for graduation review, and issuing a diploma.
  • Final graduation review takes place after final grades have been submitted.  Diplomas are not issued at the Commencement ceremony in May.
  • Commencement exercises are ceremonial and symbolic; participation in this event is not to be confused with actual graduation from the college. 

Receipt of Diploma

Commencement exercises are ceremonial and symbolic; participation in this event is not to be confused with actual graduation from the college.  You do not officially graduate until you have submitted your graduation application, and successfully completed all degree requirements as outlined by your major. Once you have met these requirements your diploma will be mailed to you.

If you do not complete all degree requirements by the date indicated on your application, you will be ineligible for graduation and you will be notified in writing. No further action will be taken until you notify the Registrar's Office of your plans to complete the remaining requirements.

Students who submit the online graduation application and complete requirements by the end of the spring semester, will receive a diploma in the summer.

Students who submit the online graduation application and complete requirements by the end of the summer session, will receive a diploma in the fall.
Students who submit the online graduation application and complete requirements by the end of the fall semester, will receive a diploma in the spring.
Students who submit the online graduation application and complete requirements by the end of the winter session, will receive a diploma in the spring.

Degree Confirmation

If you need confirmation that a degree has been awarded before you receive your diploma, request either of the following:

  • An official college transcript with degree information posted. 
  • A degree verification letter with major, degree, and date of graduation signed by the Registrar's Office and sealed.  You can also request a degree verification letter in person in Feldman Center, Room C204.