Doctoral Ceremony Details

Approximately six weeks after Commencement, you will receive your diploma and a translation through the mail. It is delivered to the address you selected when you applied to graduate. For purposes of framing, your diploma is 20 inches wide and 16 inches high.

Latin Honors 

Latin honors will be announced following graduate names at each Commencement ceremony based on seven semesters. Diplomas will reflect Latin honors after the full eight semesters.

Why is the text of my Saint Joseph’s University diploma printed in Latin? 

Higher Education is steeped in tradition. Some of these traditions date from the Middle Ages and are common to many colleges and universities. University diplomas printed in Latin are one of those traditions at North American institutions founded in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The first Jesuit college, founded in Messina, Italy, in 1548 embraced the literary and rhetorical program of the Italian humanists according to patterns laid down by Cicero and Quintilian. The Jesuits focused their plan of studies on the so-called studia humanitatis, works of poetry, drama, oratory, and history. These essentially literary works were presumed not only to produce eloquence in those studying them but also to inspire noble and uplifting ideals. They would render the student a better human being, imbued especially with an ideal of service to the common good, in imitation of the great heroes of antiquity. One line from Cicero’s De officiis, especially embraced by the Jesuits, sums up this aspect of their educational ideal: “We are not born for ourselves alone,” thus: the contemporary Jesuit mantra, “Men and Women for Others.”

Throughout the formative years of Saint Joseph’s University, the curriculum was grounded in the Jesuit plan of studies, the Ratio Studiorum, which included courses in both Latin and Greek — twenty credit hours of Latin to be taken during freshman and sophomore years. 

Given this training and cultural immersion, it’s understandable that Saint Joseph’s and other institutions committed to classical education would have expected proficiency in Latin from their alumni and to announce that accomplishment proudly by awarding Latin diplomas at commencement ceremonies. Saint Joseph’s is proud to uphold this tradition of providing its graduates their diploma in Latin. 

Why is the date on my diploma different than my commencement date? 

All students who graduate in a given term are awarded on the same date. The date on the graduation application, and ultimately, the date on your diploma and transcript, reflect the date in which your degree is awarded and not necessarily the date of your specific ceremony.

English Translation of Your Saint Joseph’s University Diploma 

As is tradition at Jesuit institutions in the United States, graduates are presented with a large and ornate degree certificate, the text of which is printed in Latin. Below is an English translation of the text.

The Administrators of Saint Joseph's University and the Society of Jesus in Philadelphia 
For the Greater Glory of God 
To all who view these present letters, greetings in the Lord

By these letters we, given charge of this function by the highest authority of the State testify 
that (Name) duly approved, 
has been advanced to the Baccalaureate/Master of (Arts) OR (Sciences) OR (Business Administration), and has been presented by us with all the rights and 
privileges attached to that degree. And that all might know, we have given these present letters, secured by our corporate seal and by the signature of the President of this University in our academic building in Philadelphia.  

NOTE : Each graduate receives an English translation of their diploma during the Commencement ceremony and with their diploma.