Graduation & Commencement
Fall 2026 Starkville Campus Commencement Information
(Educational Specialists, Masters, Certificates, & Bachelors)
Download the Mississippi State University TV app (MSTV) in the Apple and Google Play App Stores, or watch the ceremonies on our official Mississippi State University Facebook page (@msstate).
Ceremony Schedule
Commencement ceremonies are only held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Summer graduates are invited to attend the December ceremonies.
FRIDAY, December 11, 2026
Humphrey Coliseum
9:30 a.m. (Doors open at 8 am)
Academic Affairs
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
College of Architecture, Art & Design
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Education
College of Integrative Studies
2:30 p.m. (Doors open at 1 pm)
Bagley College of Engineering
College of Business
College of Forest Resources
College of Professional & Continuing Studies
College of Veterinary Medicine
Important Ceremony Details
- Graduates must arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to their ceremony start time in business casual attire with their regalia unzipped and caps off for security screening.
- Graduates will need to bring their MSU ID card for check-in. A driver's license or government ID is acceptable if your MSU ID is not available.
- Security screening will take place upon entry and all bags are subject to search. Cowbells and other artificial noisemakers are not permitted inside of the coliseum.
- Please DO NOT bring personal items into the coliseum. There will not be any storage areas available and anything left in seats will be thrown away.
- Guest attendance is limited to 8 guests per graduate and all guests must have tickets to enter. Ticket information can be found in the section below. Please be sure you have transferred your digital tickets to your guests prior to arriving to the coliseum.
- Guest seating will be general admission. Please refrain from sitting behind the stage if seating is available elsewhere in the Coliseum.
- A graduate processional to the arena floor will start the ceremony and graduates will be seated with their respective academic college and degree level. Graduates will walk across the stage as they are announced and congratulated.
- Only graduates may access the arena floor and cross the stage during the ceremony. Children and other guests are not permitted in the graduate seating/check-in areas, nor on the stage.
- Once graduates are recognized by walking across the stage, they will not return to their seats. Instead, they will be guided to the photography area to take a professional photo before exiting the coliseum through the NE rear ground-level of the building close to the SE entrance to Dudy Noble Field.
- Guests are expected to begin leaving the coliseum once their graduate exits the stage. Please do this quietly with respect to other graduates and guests.
- Each ceremony is expected to last around 1.5 hours.
- Limited concessions will be available and guests are welcome to bring their own water bottles.
- Please plan to remove all vehicles from the parking areas following the morning ceremony to make space for guests attending the afternoon ceremony.
- Any guests who are unable to attend may view a livestream of the ceremonies online (links can be found above/below).
- All adornments (cords, stoles, pins, etc.) that are worn with graduation regalia come from the individual organizations that the graduates may be involved with.
Graduates can reach out to the MSU-affiliated groups that they are part of to see if they offer any graduation adornments. These items must be approved by the Office of the Registrar in order to distribute them to graduates. MSU-affiliated organizations may contact graduation@registrar.msstate.edu for information regarding graduation adornment approvals.
**GRADUATES MUST APPLY FOR THEIR DEGREE THROUGH BANNER IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT AND RECEIVE THEIR DIPLOMA. IF A STUDENT DOES NOT GRADUATE DURING THE SEMESTER THEY APPLIED, THEY MUST REAPPLY DURING THE SEMESTER THAT ALL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET. MSU ACCOUNT BALANCES MUST BE PAID IN FULL PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY. THE DEADLINES TO APPLY CAN BE FOUND ON OUR ACADEMIC CALENDAR HERE. (Diplomas are mailed 4-6 weeks after the ceremonies)**
(Please note that all plans are subject to change.)
Parking & Coliseum Entry
Please check back later in the semester for the Fall 2026 commencement parking map and coliseum diagram.
Guest Accommodations
Reserved parking will be available for any guests with an ADA tag or placard on their vehicle (parking map above). Carts will be running through these reserved lots to assist guests from their vehicles to the coliseum sidewalk.
Once inside the coliseum, there will be reserved sections on the concourse level for guests requiring accommodations for a disability. These areas are wheelchair accessible and can be found just inside the arena portal entrances around the coliseum concourse. Accommodated individuals may have one additional guest join them in these reserved sections, but availability may vary depending on the need from other guests. Staff will be available throughout the coliseum to assist guests as needed.
There is no need to make reservations, but we do recommend arriving close to when the doors open to ensure you may sit in your preferred section. Please remember that guest seating is general admission.
Service and Assistance Animals
MSU will fully comply with applicable laws governing service and assistance animals. It is important to understand the distinction between the two types of animals.
Service animals are trained to perform a specific action to help a person with a disability. A service animal must be a dog or, under certain circumstances, a miniature horse and is permitted to accompany their handler in any area where the handler is permitted to be.
Assistance animals, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not trained to perform disability-related tasks, but instead provide comfort or other assistance solely by their presence. Assistance animals are generally not permitted inside university buildings other than on-campus residences.
Additional information relating to service and assistance animals can be found HERE.
Fall 2026 Graduation Fair
The Fall 2026 Grad Fair will be the first opportunity for graduates to purchase and pickup their cap & gown, take professional graduation photos, and get more information about Fall 2026 commencement! This event is only open to Summer & Fall 2026 graduates. It will take place Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, from 8am-5pm both days on the second floor of Barnes & Noble Bookstore at MSU.
*Please be sure to bring your MSU Student ID Card* MSU Student IDs will be scanned upon entry and your attendance will be used for numerous prize drawings throughout both days! Possible prizes include MSU diploma frames, free ceremony regalia, waived graduation application fees, and various gift cards!
All graduates can order and pickup their cap & gown during the fair. If you are unable to physically attend, please contact Barnes & Noble at MSU during the fair for additional regalia ordering assistance. Online sales for regalia will also be available starting October 24th (details in section below). MSU honors cords will be available for eligible students to purchase during the fair! Please see the eligibility requirements for undergraduate Latin honors distinctions found in our academic catalog HERE. Eligible graduates from the Meridian Campus may purchase their cords at the Bulldog Shop. A photo ID is required to receive your honors cord.
Professional photography, Pro Pics, will also be available during the Grad Fair taking photos inside on a studio backdrop. They will also be offering FREE professional headshots, so be sure to bring your business attire! Please be sure to submit your contact information online at www.msuphotos.com and feel free to stop by at any point during the grad fair (walk-ins welcome). There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. Additional information about commencement photography can be found in the section below.
The fair will also include representatives from:
- Office of the Registrar (graduation and ceremony information)
- MSU Alumni Association (alumni opportunities and events)
- Career Center (resources for your professional career and post-graduation plans)
- Office of Financial Aid (financial planning and student loans)
- Office of Bulldog Experience (Bulldog Recognition opportunities)
- Balfour (MSU class rings)
- Kyle Cavan (MSU jewelry)
- WMSV 91.1 The Junction will be broadcasting live from the fair!
Starkville Guest Ticket Information
Instructions for claiming Fall 2026 Starkville Commencement guest tickets will be shared here once available. These tickets are only for educational specialist, master's, certificate, and bachelor's graduates attending the Starkville Campus ceremonies in the Humphrey Coliseum.
Doctoral graduates are recognized in separate ceremonies. Our MSU-Meridian campus also holds a separate ceremony for their graduates. These graduates will receive direct communication regarding their ceremonies.
Regalia Orders (Cap & Gown)
If you are planning to participate in the Fall 2026 commencement ceremonies, please be sure to order your cap & gown! The first opportunity to purchase will be at the Grad Fair at Barnes & Noble on October 22-23, 2026 (details above). You can pay for and pickup your regalia the same day during the Grad Fair. If you are unable to attend the fair, you may contact Barnes & Noble during the event for assistance. Meridian graduates may contact the Bulldog Shop for additional information regarding commencement regalia. Online ordering will begin Saturday, October 24. The deadline to order regalia online is Friday, November 13.
**If you do not order your regalia before the online deadline, you must visit Barnes & Noble at MSU to be fitted from a limited supply of extras. A $20 late fee will be added for any orders placed after the deadline.
Additional information about regalia and ordering can be found here: gradsupply.com/MSU
- All graduates may keep their entire regalia package!
To view our custom MSU regalia, please click HERE.
Latin Honors Cords are available for eligible undergraduate students who meet the GPA and hours requirements found in the MSU Academic Catalog. These cords are available for purchase at Barnes & Noble at MSU for $20.48 (pre-tax) leading up to the ceremonies. Eligible graduates from the Meridian Campus may purchase their cords at the Bulldog Shop. A photo ID must be shown prior to purchase to confirm eligibility.
Faculty Regalia
MSU faculty members may order rental commencement regalia using this link: www.gradsupply.com/msu-faculty
The faculty rental order deadline is Monday, November 23.
Rental regalia may be returned to Barnes & Noble at MSU following the ceremony. Meridian rentals can be returned to the Bulldog Shop.
Faculty interested in purchasing a keeper set of regalia may contact Graduate Supply House HERE.
MSU is proud to offer custom regalia to our graduates. All regalia must be purchased through the Graduate Supply House website, or through Barnes & Noble at MSU.
Commencement Photography
#MSSTATEGRAD
Professional photography, Pro Pics, will be available at the Grad Fair and commencement ceremonies to take portraits of graduates. Photos of the graduates on-stage with the President, as well as individual portraits, will be available for purchase from Pro Pics following the ceremonies. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase.
Pro Pics will also be offering professional photography at the Bully Statue in The Junction on December 11 from 11am-1pm (weather permitting)! Check out an example photoshoot below. There is no need to make an appointment and walk-ups are welcome! Additional information regarding commencement photography will be emailed to graduates and updated online here.
Questions about these opportunities can be emailed to: info@propicsusa.com
Virtual Backgrounds
Did you miss out on taking graduation photos? You can use the following link to virtually place yourself on campus by uploading a photo and choosing from a selection of MSU backgrounds! There is no cost for this service and photos can easily be saved and shared. Just be sure to tag them on social media with #MSSTATEGRAD
Click here for virtual backgrounds
Spring 2026 GradCaps
Graduates can now re-live their ceremony and the moment they crossed the stage with GradCaps! These free clips are personalized for each graduate who attended the ceremonies and can be downloaded and shared online! To access your custom GradCap, click the link below and search for your clip using your last name.
Graduation Products
Commencement Video Archive
Doctoral Graduation and Hooding Ceremony (Ph.D. & Ed.D.)
The Fall 2026 Doctoral Graduation and Hooding Ceremony for Ph.D. and Ed.D. graduates will be held on Thursday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall. This event is invitation-only, and is exclusive to Ph.D. and Ed.D. graduates and their guests. Please contact The Graduate School for information regarding this ceremony at (662) 325-7400.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Commencement Ceremony
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Commencement will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2027, at 11:30am in the Humphrey Coliseum. A reception will take place prior to the ceremony. Please contact the Vet School for information regarding the DVM Ceremony at (662) 325-1078.
Meridian Campus Commencement Ceremonies
The Mississippi State University Meridian Campus (MSU-Meridian) commencement ceremonies are held at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian, MS. The ceremony times are as follows:
Fall 2026: Thursday, December 10, @ 11:00 a.m.
Spring 2027: Wednesday, May 12, @ 11:00 a.m.
For additional questions regarding the MSU-Meridian Commencement Ceremonies, please contact Zoe Null at znull@meridian.msstate.edu
Additional Contacts
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT GRADUATION & DEGREE AUDIT, CONTACT:
Office of the University Registrar
P.O. Box 5268
Mississippi State, MS 39762-5268
(662) 325-8204
Office Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00
graduation@registrar.msstate.edu
Frequently Asked Questions about Diplomas
When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after the grades have been posted. If you need to show proof of your degree prior to receiving your diploma, your academic advisor or department can write a letter of confirmation, or you can request a copy of your transcript. All diplomas are sent via the United States Postal Service. They will be sent first-class for U.S. domestic addresses and airmail for international addresses which does not provide a tracking number to monitor the status of the delivery.
How are the diplomas mailed?
All diplomas are sent via the United States Postal Service. They are sent first-class for U.S. domestic addresses and airmail for international addresses which does not provide a tracking number to monitor the status of the delivery.
Does the diploma have a tracking number?
No. Diplomas do not have a tracking number.
How are the diplomas mailed?
All diplomas are sent via the United States Postal Service. They are sent first-class for U.S. domestic addresses and airmail for international addresses which does not provide a tracking number to monitor the status of the delivery.
Is my major or minor on my diploma?
No, majors and minors do not appear on diplomas. They appear on the official transcript.
How can I request a duplicate diploma? My original diploma was lost or destroyed. How can I get one? I need a new diploma.
You can complete the request form here. Payment for the $50 charge is currently only by check or money order.
How do I get an apostille diploma?
In order to process the request of authenticating a diploma, you must follow the steps https://www.registrar.msstate.edu/students/alumni-former-students.
How will my name appear on my diploma?
Your name on your diploma will be printed as it appears on your Graduation Application that was entered by you. If you want to change your name, you must send an email to DegreeAudit@registrar.msstate.edu
How big is my diploma going to be?
Bachelor’s, Master’s, EDS: 8 ½ X11
Doctoral (PhD, EdD), DVM : 11X17
Can someone pick up my diploma for me?
Yes. A student can authorize a friend or family member to pick up the diploma. Send an email to Degree Audit@registrar.msstate.edu that includes your: Full name, Student identification number, Phone number. We do NOT take handwritten notes. Friends/family members must bring his or her valid photo ID when picking up the diploma.How are the diplomas mailed?
All diplomas are sent via the United States Postal Service. They are sent first-class for U.S. domestic addresses and airmail for international addresses which does not provide a tracking number to monitor the status of the delivery.
Is my major or minor on my diploma?
No, majors and minors do not appear on diplomas. They appear on the official transcript.
How can I request a duplicate diploma? My original diploma was lost or destroyed. How can I get one? I need a new diploma.
You can complete the request form here. Payment for the $50 charge is currently only by check or money order.
How do I get an apostille diploma?
In order to process the request of authenticating a diploma, you must follow the steps https://www.registrar.msstate.edu/students/alumni-former-students.
How will my name appear on my diploma?
Your name on your diploma will be printed as it appears on your Graduation Application that was entered by you. If you want to change your name, you must send an email to DegreeAudit@registrar.msstate.edu
How big is my diploma going to be?
Bachelor’s, Master’s, EDS: 8 ½ X11
Doctoral (PhD, EdD), DVM : 11X17
Can someone pick up my diploma for me?
Yes. A student can authorize a friend or family member to pick up the diploma. Send an email to Degree Audit@registrar.msstate.edu that includes your: Full name, Student identification number, Phone number. We do NOT take handwritten notes. Friends/family members must bring his or her valid photo ID when picking up the diploma.
What do I do if their is an error on my diploma?
If you graduated more than a year ago: Contact graduation@registrar.msstate.edu or call 662-325-8204
I have not gotten my diploma from Mississippi State University.
If a current graduate- Please allow 45 days to allow additional time for the diploma to reach its destination. If it still has not been received, contact graduation@registrar.mstate.edu or call 662-325-8204. If graduated more than a year ago: Contact graduation@registrar.msstate.edu or call 662-325-8204
I need to change my address on the graduation application.
Send an email to Degree Audit@registrar.msstate.edu that includes your: Full name, Student identification number, Current mailing address. Addresses will not be changed via phone.
There is an error on my diploma.
Diplomas issued with errors will be replaced free of charge provided that the Registrar’s office is notified within one year of conferral date AND it is the Registrar’s Office error. The original diploma must be returned before the reprinted one is sent out.
Refer caller to Shiera Bilbo (662-325-9407) or send an email to sbilbo@registrar.msstate.edu.
I'm a double major/dual degree student. Will I receive two diplomas?
Double majors within a single college are reflected on a single diploma. If the major results are both Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts within the same college, then you will receive one diploma. If one of the majors normally results in a Bachelor of Science (BS) and the other in a Bachelor of Arts (BA), you will receive two diplomas.
If my account has a hold on it after the deadline, will I still be awarded my degree?
Yes, your degree will be awarded, but you will not receive the diploma until the hold has been paid, and the account is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Your Degree
How do I apply for my degree?
Login to your myState portal at https://my.msstate.edu/ and do the following:
Click on the three little vertical lines (Hamburger) in the top left corner.
Click on Banner.
Click myBanner for Students.
Under the Academic Records tab, choose the option to "Apply for a Degree".
When you submit your application, you should get a confirmation number. If you do not get a confirmation number, call 662-325-8204 or email graduation@registrar.msstate.edu.
Can I cancel my graduation after I have applied?
Yes, the graduation application can be cancelled at any time in the semester you applied. You can also request a refund during the Early Bird time frame. After the Early Bird time frame, a refund will not be issued. For dates, check the Academic Calendar.
When will my degree be awarded (conferred)?
Undergraduate degrees are cleared by the college. Graduate degrees are cleared by the Graduate School. Once your requirements are determined to be complete, the degree will be awarded. You can check myBanner under Degrees or the Graduation Application at any time.
How can I add an additional minor to my graduation application?
Send an email to minors@registrar.msstate.edu listing the addional minors that you are seeking. Minors must be added/requested to the graduation application when applying for the degree. A minor cannot be added to your student record once your degree has been awarded.
What do I do if I receive an error when applying for Graduation?
Contact Angelia Taylor, 662-325-8204 or email graduation@registrar.msstate.edu providing the error code that was received.
My graduation application status is the same.
All students who has applied for graduation will remain in the “Applied” status until after grades has been verified and final degree audit checks has been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Graduation
I am requesting approval for degree candidates to receive and wear graduation cords/stoles at commencement.
MSU-affiliated organizations are able to provide items for graduates to wear during the ceremonies upon completion of the adornment request form. The form can be found on the Registrar’s office website.
I think I am eligible to receive a GPA cord. My name is not on the list at Barnes & Noble. What are the requirements for graduating with Honors?
GPA’s from the previous term are calculated for the program book and honor cords. GPA’s for the current term has not been calculated. They are calculated at the end of term. A student must have the required GPA in 2 areas – MSU and Cumulative. Honors will be determined by the lower of the two. For cum laude, the GPA requirement is 3.4 to 3.59; for Magna Cum Laude, the GPA requirement is 3.6 to 3.79; for Summa Cum Laude, the GPA requirement is 3.8 to 4.0.
Can I decorate my graduation cap?
Yes. Decorating your cap is fine. We ask not to include anything vulgar or offensive.
Can I borrow someone else's regalia for graduation?
It’s not recommended, but yes. All undergraduate gowns are the same. However, graduate regalia differs depending on the college colors.
When will I receive my graduation tickets? How many tickets does each student receive?
Tickets are usually distributed 10 days before the commencement ceremony. Students will need to create a Dog Account. Graduates receive 8 guest tickets.
When and how are tickets for graduation accessed?
Tickets will be released roughly two weeks prior to the ceremony via DogTag, and we will send an email to students with instructions for claiming them at that time. There is no cost for tickets. Small children who would typically sit in somebody's lap can still be let in without a ticket. Graduates are also welcome to share tickets with each other if you happen to know someone in the same ceremony who doesn't need all of theirs.
If I’m double majored, which ceremony do I attend?
Your choice -- either or both. You can reach out to Nathan Griffey for more details if needed.