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Graduation vs. Commencement
We often use these two words synonymously, but it is important to understand one key difference: commencement refers to the graduation ceremony, which is open to those students finishing a Master of Science or doctoral program. Participating in this event is a celebration of graduation, but commencement is not the same as graduating from your program.
Graduation – you must apply to graduate, regardless of your program and regardless of your plans to participate in Commencement. Graduation & Commencement.
When you graduate from your program, your program advisor checks and confirms that you have met all the program requirements. The Registrar Office conducts a last review and then confers your degree. This process takes at least a couple of months after the end of the semester and after the Commencement ceremony.
Commencement- You do not need to participate to graduate. For more information about the Commencement ceremony, including answers to your frequently asked questions.