Graduation FAQs
How soon can I graduate?
Students can graduate once they complete the requirements for a certificate of completion or one of the four associate degrees offered through MCC. Please see the college catalog for degree and certificate requirements.
What if I had dual credit classes? How soon can I graduate?
It depends on how many dual credit classes have been completed and how many semester credit hours are completed during each semester.
What are the differences in graduating with a certificate or an associate degree?
A certificate of completion is awarded to students who complete specified requirements as outlined in programs awarding certificate recognition. There are two levels of certificates: Level One requires completion of 15 to 42 semester hours of college credit courses; Level Two requires completion of 43 to 59 semester credit hours of college credit courses.
Associate degrees are awarded to students who complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit courses.
Are there certain jobs I can get with just the certificate?
Contact the program director of specific programs that offer certificates. They will have specific information about career opportunities.
How soon can I apply for graduation?
Students usually apply for graduation once they have completed about 40-50 semester credit hours toward an associate degree or one or two semesters before they have completed the requirements for a certificate of completion. Students should meet with their advisors on a regular basis to review their automated degree plans and to verify course selections.
To be considered a candidate for a certificate or a degree, students must submit an application for graduation to the Office of Student Records on or before the deadline for the semester in which they plan to graduate:
Fall Graduates ............ Last Friday in September
Spring Graduates ....... Second Friday in February
Summer Graduates .... Second Thursday in June
What are some important steps in graduating through MCC?
The most important step is to complete the application for a degree or certificate and submit the form to the Office of Student Records by the published deadlines. The forms can be obtained from the Office of Student Records or online and returned to the Office of Student Records. Students may also complete an online application through WebAdvisor.
Completing the application does not mean the student has to attend the commencement exercises, (though candidates for graduation are strongly encouraged to attend the exercises), but in order to receive a diploma, an application must be submitted. (A common misconception among students is that they don’t have to complete an application for graduation if they don’t plan to participate in commencement exercises.)
The Office of Student Records also sets up information tables in the Learning Technology Center in October and February to provide information to students about graduation.
After the student submits the application for a degree or certificate, the Office of Student Records staff will conduct a graduation evaluation and notify the student of his or her status.
Can I earn a bachelor's degree here at MCC, or do I have to earn one through the University Center?
Students have opportunities to complete bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through the University Center.
If I apply for a certificate and change my mind, can I reverse the process and finish with an associate degree?
Yes, as long as the requirements for the degree have been met. Students can apply for the certificate after the requirements are completed or once the requirements for the associate degree are completed.
What if I cannot earn enough credits to graduate after five years?
A student may graduate with an associate degree according to the degree requirements in effect at the time of first enrollment in college credit courses. From the date of that initial enrollment, the student has five years to complete an associate degree (A.A., A.A.T., A.S. or A.A.S.). After five years, the student will be subject to any new degree requirements that may be in effect when the student next enrolls. The appropriate dean must approve exceptions to these requirements.
A student seeking an associate degree in an Allied Health & Nursing program must complete degree requirements within five years of initial program acceptance and enrollment. A student seeking a certificate in an Allied Health & Nursing program must complete certificate requirements within three years of initial program acceptance and enrollment.
What if I changed my major a few times before graduation and don’t have enough credits for my current major? Can I still graduate?
It depends. Students must meet all of the requirements to be considered a candidate for graduation. It is important for students to be informed about their academic program (major) of choice and to choose an academic program based on their abilities, skills and interests. This will help the student to take courses that meet degree requirements and allow the student to complete degree requirements in an efficient manner.
Does MCC provide me with a cap and gown, or do I need buy a new on or reuse my old one?
The graduation application fee is incorporated into the general services fee that students pay each semester; therefore, there is no graduation application fee charge, and MCC provides candidates for graduation with caps and gowns at no additional cost.
What events prior to graduation does MCC have for graduates?
Formal commencement exercises are conducted at the end of each spring and fall semester and at the end of each second summer term. Candidates for graduation are notified about the commencement rehearsal and ceremony.