Graduate Information

If you plan on completing the requirements for your degree during the spring semester, you are required to apply to graduate by April 1, 2023. If you do not submit a graduation application by the deadline, your degree will not be awarded on time. At this time, the application is closed for Commencement 2023.

Please note, you must apply to graduate, even if you do not plan on participating in Commencement ceremonies. Your degree will not be conferred unless you submit a graduation application. Also note, all curriculum changes must be made prior to submitting your graduation application. Majors and minors cannot be changed after submitting a graduation application.

Instructions on how to apply to graduate can be found on the Registrar's knowledge base.

Saint Joseph's University has contracted with MarchingOrder to help deliver a seamless in-person graduation ceremony. MarchingOrder will generate a GradPass, which will be scanned as you cross the stage to allow your name to be announced during the ceremony. At this time, the application is closed for the 2023 Commencement.

Those without their GradPass will not be admitted to the processional area and those who lose their GradPass before crossing the stage will not have their name announced or displayed. As it gets closer to Commencement, each graduate will receive an automated email from MarchingOrder that includes a PDF of their GradPass that should be printed AND saved to their phone. 

MarchingOrder is now open until April 21, 2023.

MarchingOrder Login

Cap and gowns are available for purchase in the Saint Joseph’s University Bookstore for $$76.99. If you are unable to purchase your regalia in person, you may do so online here. Graduates should order their regalia by May 1 to ensure it arrives in time for Commencement on May 20.

Class Rings, Announcements and Diploma Frames

Class rings, graduation announcements and diploma frames are also available for purchase in the University Bookstore. Graduates can also purchase their ring, announcements or frame online. Shipping time for class rings is approximately six to eight weeks.

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

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.

Why is the date on my diploma different than my commencement date (doctoral degrees only)?

All students that 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.

Which University will be on my diploma when I graduate?

All students will receive a Saint Joseph’s diploma after December 31, 2022. USciences will no longer be accredited after that date and therefore cannot issue diplomas. As is the practice at both Universities, the college or school will also appear on the diploma. 

For students graduating from USciences legacy programs over the course of the 2022-2023 Academic Year, the schedule is as follows:

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

Ceremony photography will be provided by Melissa Kelly Photography. Please visit the gallery website or text SJU2023 to 90738 to receive graduation photo communications via text. You can also subscribe to email updates here. Photos will be available to view and purchase on or before May 30. For more information, please email admin@melissakelly.com. 

During Graduate Salute, you have the opportunity for a free photo session of you in your cap and gown with Melissa Kelly Photography.