Commencement and Convocation
Congratulations!
Your years of hard work and commitment are about to culminate in the completion of your degree from one of the best engineering schools in the world. You are leaving the Cockrell School prepared to lead and to make an impact on society.
The Cockrell School of Engineering holds a graduation ceremony each May to honor the undergraduate degree candidates of the entire academic year (past fall, current spring and future summer). Participation (“crossing the stage”) in the graduation ceremony is optional.
The University of Texas at Austin holds convocation ceremonies each May, honoring M.S. and Ph.D. degree candidates, as well as a University-wide Commencement event honoring all graduates from all degree programs.
Preparing for graduation requires the following:
- If you are completing an undergraduate degree (B.S.), you must complete the Intent to Graduate form.
- If you are completing a graduate degree (M.S. and/or Ph.D.), you must complete the Application to Graduate.
Join the Graduation Ceremony Livestreams
We invite friends and family to join the graduation celebration virtually via livestream.
Upcoming Graduation Events
Memorialize Your Longhorn Legacy
Interested in graduation invitations or mementos from your time on the Forty Acres, like class rings?
What’s the Difference Between Convocation and Commencement?
UT Austin’s degree-granting colleges and schools host their own graduation ceremonies (also called “convocations”) to honor the accomplishments of their specific degree candidates (or “graduates”). This ceremony is when degree candidates’ names are read aloud as they cross the stage and are recognized individually for their accomplishments. These convocations are organized by each individual college or school and take place on various days at various times and at different locations around the UT Austin campus.
The University-Wide Commencement Ceremony is hosted by the President and is the formal ceremony at which graduates of all colleges and schools at UT Austin are recognized as a group. The ceremony includes remarks from University leadership, the student body president, and the commencement speaker, as well as the official conferral of degrees by the University President. It concludes with a fireworks display.
Questions About Graduation?
- Undergraduate (B.S.) degree candidates can reach out to Engineering Student Services at studentservices@engr.utexas.edu
- Graduate (M.S./Ph.D.) degree candidates should reach out to their department’s graduate advisor or contact the UT Austin Graduate School.