Commencement

To officially graduate from Cal State LA, students must satisfy all University, college, and departmental requirements for a specific bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Graduation is managed and coordinated by the Graduation Office. The Graduation Office evaluates graduation applications and other educational records, including graduating with honors, for the purpose of awarding degrees.

Diplomas are mailed to the students by the Graduation Office once their final grades have been verified after their graduation term.

For more information on how to apply to graduate, please visit the Apply for your Degree website of the Graduation Office.

Commencement at Cal State LA takes place annually at the end of the spring semester. For the academic year 2023-2024, students can graduate at the end of fall 2023, winter 2024, spring 2024, or summer 2024, but Commencement only takes place at the end of May.

Commencement is produced and managed by the Commencement Office (University Events and Protocol). The office facilitates and coordinates the Commencement ceremonies and activities.

Participating in Commencement is optional and not mandatory. If a student chooses to not participate, it does not affect their eligibility to graduate from the University. In addition, participation in Commencement does not automatically mean that the student has graduated. Commencement is a separate process from graduating. When a student confirms participation in Commencement, Cal State LA will reserve a seat for the student at the ceremony and provide a select number of guest tickets.

For more information, please visit the Details for Graduating Students section.