Graduation
Commencement vs. Graduation
Commencement is the ceremony to celebrate students who successfully completed all degree requirements. Cypress College’s annual commencement is scheduled at the end of each spring semester.
Visit our Commencement Central webpage.
Graduation is the act of receiving a diploma or degree from a school, college, or university. Cypress College confers degree and certificates to students who have officially and successfully completed all degree requirements, including an application to graduate.
Graduation
Students planning to earn degrees/certificates should file an application to graduate during the semester in which they will complete their requirements.
- Please carefully review the college catalog for complete information on degree and educational options.
- Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to help identify educational objectives and develop an educational plan.
- Visit the Transfer Center for detailed information on all degrees/certificates, CSU Checksheets, IGETC Checksheets and General Education Plans.
Deadlines for Degrees & Certificates
The applications for degrees and certificates for the spring 2027 graduation cycle will be available to students from November 2, 2026 to February 19, 2027.
Monday, November 2, 2026:
- First day to apply for spring 2027 Graduation
- First day to apply for spring 2027 Certificate of Achievement
Thursday, July 8, 2027:
- Other College Transcripts for in-progress classes due
Friday, February 19, 2027:
- Deadline to apply for Degree/Certificates
Submitting Your Completed Application
Applications for degrees and certificates must be submitted online via the following electronic forms:
| Degrees and Certificates | Application |
|---|---|
| AA/AS Degrees, Associates for Transfer (ADT), University for Transfer (UCT) | Apply for AA/AS, ADT, UCT |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Apply for Bachelor’s Degree |
| Certificate of Achievement | Apply for Certificate of Achievement |
| Cal-GETC, CSUGE Breadth, and IGETC Application (No deadline; this application is not required if you have already applied for an ADT or UCT.) | Apply for Cal-GETC, CSUGE Breadth, and IGETC |
| Petition for Exception – Degree/Certificate Deadlines (fall and spring semesters only). Available Monday, February 22, 2027 through Friday, March 12, 2027 at 5 p.m. | Petition for Exception (fall and spring semesters only) |
Please note that students must use their myGateway credentials to access the forms above.