Graduation marks a major milestone in your academic journey at NOVA. This page outlines what you need to graduate, how to apply, important deadlines, and what to expect next, including commencement ceremony details. Whether you’re earning an associate degree, certificate, or career studies certificate, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Schedule an appointment with Advising if you have questions.
Visit our College Catalog to see the requirements for graduating with honors.
Complete the graduation application by the deadline for your last semester:
If you miss the deadline, your application will be automatically processed for the following semester instead.
When you submit your application, you'll get a confirmation page. The college will update you—at your VCCS email—up to six (6) weeks after the application deadline.
Make sure your address is correct in MyNOVA before the end of the semester so the college can mail your degree or certificate to you.
Commencement is the ceremony where you'll cross the stage in your cap and gown in proud recognition of your achievements. Visit our Commencement page for more.
Participation in Commencement is open to students who applied for graduation in the preceding Summer or Fall terms and those planning to graduate in the upcoming spring term.
Students who submitted graduation applications for the summer, fall, or spring term are eligible for upcoming Commencement Ceremonies. To check your graduation application term, please contact askthecro@nvcc.edu.
To obtain a Degree Verification Letter, complete and submit form 125.340E, available in the Students Forms Library. The College Records Office will then mail the letter directly to the designated third party.
Students are unable to withdraw their graduation application once submitted. The degree or certificate will be awarded if all degree requirements are fulfilled.
Posthumous degrees can be granted to students in their final semester of study or within 15 credits of degree completion at the time of their passing upon request. Approval from the Vice President for Academic Affairs is required, and the diploma will indicate "Awarded Posthumously.
Students who completed program requirements in the prior summer, fall, and the current spring term are eligible to participate in the May Commencement Ceremony.
Please allow 10 to 12 weeks for the completion of degree and certificate awarding and the release of corresponding diplomas and certificates.
As of Fall 2025, certificates and diplomas are available in both digital and printed formats. When your digital credential is ready, you’ll receive an email at your secure student email address with instructions on how to access it. You’ll then have three days to confirm your mailing address. You can expect to receive your printed certificates and diploma by mail approximately three to four weeks after your mailing address has been confirmed.
Northern Virginia Community College
College Records Office
FX-P3 3924 Pender Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Have questions about the graduation application?
Email: AsktheCRO@nvcc.edu