Graduation Requirements

This is it. It’s your last semester at Nashville State. You’re ready to get your diploma and take your next step. Before you do, make sure you’ve completed the necessary steps to apply for graduation. Reference this page and contact your advisor so you’re ready.

In order to receive your degree, you must apply for graduation one semester prior to degree or certificate completion. We strongly recommend you meet with your advisor and review your Degree Works audit prior to submitting the Intent to Graduate application.

Intent to Graduate Form

Graduation Deadlines

Please be aware of the graduation application deadlines. See the college catalog and the Intent to Graduate application for posted deadlines.

Note: Students who miss the graduation deadline are not guaranteed an evaluation prior to the beginning of their final term or participation in the annual Commencement ceremony. If you have missed the graduation deadline and you are unsure if you should submit the graduation application late, please email us at Graduation@nscc.edu.

Graduation Evaluation

All students who submit an Intent to Graduate application by the posted deadline for their graduation term will receive a preliminary graduation evaluation. This evaluation is based on the completion of the course and other program or graduation requirements. The official evaluation will provide information regarding outstanding requirements, diploma distribution, and Commencement participation.

Note: Program course requirements are based on the academic year in which the student officially declared the degree or certificate.

Name Changes

Your name will appear on your diploma exactly as it is listed in myNSCC. If your name has changed, submit legal documentation of the change along with a Change of Status request to the Records Office: Records@nscc.edu.

Diploma Distribution

Diplomas are distributed 4-6 weeks after the end of the graduation term. Diploma availability information will be provided through the preliminary evaluation and via student email at the end of the graduation term.

Diploma Size

The diploma is 8.5” x 11” and comes with a complementary embossed cover. Diploma frames may be purchased in the Nashville State Bookstore.

Lost Diplomas

If your diploma is lost or destroyed complete the Replacement Diploma Request form available on the Student Records page. Contact the Bursar’s Office to make payment arrangements for the $15 replacement diploma fee. Replacement diploma requests will be processed within 48 hours of receipt of the request form and payment.

Graduation Exit Exam

All students earning an Associate degree (A.A., A.A.S., A.F.A., A.S., A.S.T.) are required to complete the Graduation Exit Exam during their final semester. Fall graduates should complete the exam by December 1. Spring graduates should complete the exam by May 1. Summer graduates should complete the exam by July 15. Technical Certificate students are exempt from this exam. Get more information on the Testing Center page.

Departmental Exit Exam

A.A.S. and Technical Certificate students may be required to complete a departmental or program exit exam. Most program exit exams are administered in the program Capstone course. Check with your advisor for details.

Nashville State Commencement Ceremony

Learn More

Honors

Graduation honors are determined by undergraduate NSCC coursework only.

3.90-4.0 Summa Cum Laude
3.75-3.89 Magna Cum Laude
3.5-3.74 Cum Laude

Your honors designation will become a permanent part of your Nashville State Community College record and will be denoted on both your transcript and diploma.

A.A.S.

Students may receive one or more A.A.S. career degrees. An Intent to Graduate application is required for each degree. Students must complete 15 hours unique to each A.A.S. degree. Students will receive a separate diploma for each A.A.S. degree completion.

Completion of Multiple Concentrations
Students may complete multiple concentrations with a single A.A.S. major. Completion of a second concentration will reflect on your transcript, but students will NOT receive a separate diploma for each concentration. To apply for completion of a second concentration, fill out and submit the Completion of a Second Concentration application found on the Student Records page.

A.A./A.S.

In accordance with the Tennessee Board of Regents and Nashville State Community College policy, NSCC students may earn only one A.A. degree and only one A.S. degree. Students desiring a second degree, in a different area of study, from NSCC must complete a minimum of 15 additional credit hours beyond the requirements for the second degree must be completed at NSCC. Separate Intent to Graduate applications must be completed for each degree program.

Technical Certificate

Students may receive an unlimited number of technical certificates through the completion of the Intent to Graduate application for each certificate. Students will receive a separate paper certificate for each program completed.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for 2-year colleges and academic programs. If you are a member, it will not be printed on your diploma but will be denoted on your transcript. There is a seal available for members to place on their diploma. Contact the advisor of Phi Theta Kappa for more information.

Call, email, or stop by the Student Records office with any questions. We're here to help!

Location

S-207
Student Services Building
White Bridge Campus

Hours

Monday-Friday
8 AM – 4:30 PM

Exceptions: Semester breaks and school holidays.

Contact

records@nscc.edu
Phone: 615-353-3218
Fax: 615-353-3302