Master’s degree students must complete and submit two required SJSU steps by the posted deadlines for the semester of planned graduation.

• Step 1 Candidacy Approval form
• Step 2 Application for Award of Graduate Degree process done through MySJSU 

Make sure you read and understand the instructions for the two separate steps since they will be submitted differently to different offices.

When to Start the Process

The Candidacy Approval form can be submitted at any time after you have completed nine units. While GAPE’s deadline to submit is approximately 4–5 months before the beginning of the semester you plan to graduate, School of Information sets an earlier due date prior to the GAPE due date. This is because we need time to review your submitted form, have it signed by the iSchool Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising, and send it to the Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations office (GAPE) by their posted deadline. GAPE will give the final and official approval or denial. Once the Candidacy form is approved by GAPE, the student will be prompted through their MySJSU account to complete the graduation application (Step 2) online.

The Application for Award of Master’s Degree form is usually due at the start of the semester you plan to graduate. It is your responsibility to keep track of these deadline dates and submit all forms before the deadline for that form. These deadlines are set by the University and are not flexible. There is no recourse for a missed deadline. Missing a deadline means that SJSU will delay your effective graduation date to a future semester.

See the left menu for directions on completing both steps. 

Tools to Help Complete the Graduation Application Process

iSchool Graduation Checklist

Video Overview of the Graduation Process 

Also make sure to go to the Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations office (GAPE) site at sjsu.edu/gape/ and read the Current Students/Steps for Completing Your Master’s Degree and the Frequently Asked Questions sections for more information about acceptable grades, required academic standing, transcripts, diplomas, etc.

Per the office of Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations (GAPE), it takes a while following graduation to have degrees posted to transcripts. You will receive an email from GAPE when your degree has been awarded and posted on your transcript. Calling the GAPE office staff before then slows down the process for everyone and does not result in your own degree getting posted more rapidly. Please DO NOT CONTACT the GAPE office or staff for the two months following the month you graduate. However, you can check your status on MySJSU under “Other Indicators” or check your unofficial transcript from time to time. The graduation processing timeline is:

Spring: late June – late July

Fall: late January – end of February

Summer: Mid September – late October