Certified Electronic Diplomas
CeDiplomas are official, secure, and verifiable electronic PDF's of UMD-issued diplomas. Starting with the Spring 2022 graduating class, alums have the option to purchase a certified electronic diploma or certificate.
Get Your Unique Link
Emails will be sent to your UMD email from info@paradigm-corp.com with a unique invite link to purchase your CeDiploma.
Make a One-time Purchase
CeDiplomas are $13.95. Once purchased, the official PDF will be available for download within minutes.
Share & Celebrate!
Provide your future employer with an easy way to verify your degree or share your diploma with family & friends. Sharing is unlimited!
| For security reasons, the electronic version of your diploma or certificate cannot be printed. |
CeDiploma FAQs
Graduates can request a new unique invitation link through Paradigm. You must enter your UMD email address from the time of your graduation.
| If you did not receive an email from Paradigm (info@paradigm-corp.com) at your @terpmail.umd.edu address, your email may have been sent to your @umd.edu address. Please note that undergraduate students who have been accepted to the University of Maryland Graduate School may have been issued an @umd.edu email address. |
Graduates can request a new unique invitation link through Paradigm. You must enter your UMD email address from the time of your graduation.
| If you did not receive an email from Paradigm (info@paradigm-corp.com) at your @terpmail.umd.edu address, your email may have been sent to your @umd.edu address. Please note that undergraduate students who have been accepted to the University of Maryland Graduate School may have been issued an @umd.edu email address. |
The email you receive confirming the mailing status of your printed diploma will contain a link to download your credential when it is available from our trusted partner, Paradigm.
If you are in need of a new download link, please use the Paradigm site.
| If you did not originally receive an email from Paradigm (info@paradigm-corp.com) at your @terpmail.umd.edu address, your email may have been sent to your @umd.edu address. Please note that undergraduate students who have been accepted to the University of Maryland Graduate School may have been issued an @umd.edu email address. |
The benefits of your CeDiploma/CeCertificate inlcude:
- Ability for future employers, State Government Licensing Agencies, and other entities to directly validate your CeDiploma/CeCertificate with UMD.
- Unlimited sharing with family, friends, and on social media.
- Instant proof of your education using Validation Services.
- Ability to save the PDF on as many devices as you choose.
- Ability to enhance your resume by adding the CeDiD (a unique 12-digit Certified Electronic Document Identifier) and validation URL directly to it.
Learn more about the security features of a CeDiploma or CeCertificate by visiting Paradigm.
Diplomas
Congrats Fall 2025 Graduates! Fall 2025 degrees will post to transcripts on January 16, 2026. Diplomas are mailed 8 weeks after January 16th. Diplomas are mailed via USPS and tracking information is sent to your UMD email.
Diploma Remake Request
Remakes of diplomas and certificates can be requested through Testudo for $50.
Electronic Diplomas
Students can purchase an official and verifiable PDF of their diploma or certificate for $13.95.
Things to Remember
Double check your name and address
- Check your application: Login to Testudo, select "Graduation Application and Diploma Status" then scroll down to "SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS" to review the diploma name and mailing address that was submitted on your application.
- Verify your address: If you need to change your diploma mailing address, you can do so on your graduation application in Testudo before the posted deadlines. Please allow 24-48 hours for the change to be visible in Testudo.
- Verify your name: If you need to change your diploma name, email diploma@umd.edu before the posted deadlines. Don't forget to include your UID in the email.
- Diploma changes: Any changes to name or address after the specified date for your term will require you to order another diploma at cost using the Testudo Diploma Remake Request.
Plan ahead & stay informed
- Degree dates: Review Diploma Delivery for information on when degrees will post to transcripts and when diplomas will be placed in the mail.
- USPS tracking: Be on the lookout for emails to your @terpmail.umd.edu or @umd.edu email address from both diploma@umd.edu (Diploma Services) and info@paradigm-corp.com (Paradigm) for important diploma reminders and USPS tracking information.
- Hold for pick-up: Diplomas that are “hold for pick-up” will not subsequently be mailed.
- Diplomas that are picked up will come with a manilla envelope (please plan for inclement weather accordingly).
- Authorization for another party to pick-up a diploma can be found in Diploma Delivery FAQ's.
- Damaged diplomas: UMD is not responsible for inclement weather during diploma delivery - please plan accordingly based on estimated delivery times provided in the tracking.
- Damaged diplomas can be remade at cost using Diploma Remake Request.
- Receiving and opening your package: Diplomas are delivered in tubes that do not typically fit in standard mailboxes. Be sure to refer to Diploma Delivery FAQ's for sizes and instructions on how to open the tube without damaging your diploma.
Check your printed diploma for accuracy
- Once your diploma is received, check that the information printed is correct.
- Graduates have 120 days from the mailing date of their diploma to notify Office of the University Registrar of grammatical errors on their diploma. After this period, a diploma remake order is required.
Other diploma options
- Graduates have the option to purchase a Certified Electronic Diploma for $13.95.
- Graduates have the option to purchase a Diploma Remake Request for $50.
- UMD-specific diploma frames are available for purchase through various retailers.
Graduation
Apply by the deadline
Students must apply for graduation no later than the end of the Schedule Adjustment Period at the beginning of the semester in which they intend to graduate.
Students applying for a master's degree who are completing a graduate certificate in the same term should submit the Graduate Certification Completion form in addition to submitting a graduation application for their master's degree.
Verify your diploma details
- Your primary name will be printed on your diploma. This is the name that will display by default on your application for graduation. If you would like a different name from your student record printed, notify diploma@umd.edu. If you would like to print a name on your diploma that is not currently on your student record, see Name Change or Correction for instructions on adding a name to your record. Once the name change form is submitted, notify diploma@umd.edu that the new name should be reflected on your diploma.
- Review the degree(s) and major(s) listed in your application for accuracy (e.g. Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science)
- Submit the address where your diploma should be mailed 8-12 weeks after the semester. Note: If you select to pick up your diploma in-person, your diploma will be mailed to UMD, and will not subsequently be mailed to another address.
| Submitting an application for graduation does not guarantee that a student will receive a degree. A student's degree will be conferred only after all final grades have been submitted, and it has been verified that they have adequately completed all degree requirements. |
UMD hosts a commencement ceremony each May which includes graduates from the previous summer, previous winter, and current spring term.
Double check your name and address
- Check your application: Login to Testudo, select "Graduation Application and Diploma Status" then scroll down to "SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS" to review the diploma name and mailing address that was submitted on your application.
- Verify your address: If you need to change your diploma mailing address, you can do so on your graduation application in Testudo before the posted deadlines. Please allow 24-48 hours for the change to be visible in Testudo.
- Verify your name: If you need to change your diploma name, email diploma@umd.edu before the posted deadlines. Don't forget to include your UID in the email.
- Diploma changes: Any changes to name or address after the specified date for your term will require you to order another diploma at cost using the Testudo Diploma Remake Request.
Plan ahead & stay informed
- Degree dates: Review Diploma Delivery for information on when degrees will post to transcripts and when diplomas will be placed in the mail.
- USPS tracking: Be on the lookout for emails to your @terpmail.umd.edu or @umd.edu email address from both diploma@umd.edu (Diploma Services) and info@paradigm-corp.com (Paradigm) for important diploma reminders and USPS tracking information.
- Hold for pick-up: Diplomas that are “hold for pick-up” will not subsequently be mailed.
- Diplomas that are picked up will come with a manilla envelope (please plan for inclement weather accordingly).
- Authorization for another party to pick-up a diploma can be found in Diploma Delivery FAQ's.
- Damaged diplomas: UMD is not responsible for inclement weather during diploma delivery - please plan accordingly based on estimated delivery times provided in the tracking.
- Damaged diplomas can be remade at cost using Diploma Remake Request.
- Receiving and opening your package: Diplomas are delivered in tubes that do not typically fit in standard mailboxes. Be sure to refer to Diploma Delivery FAQ's for sizes and instructions on how to open the tube without damaging your diploma.
Check your printed diploma for accuracy
- Once your diploma is received, check that the information printed is correct.
- Graduates have 120 days from the mailing date of their diploma to notify Office of the University Registrar of grammatical errors on their diploma. After this period, a diploma remake order is required.
Other diploma options
- Graduates have the option to purchase a Certified Electronic Diploma for $13.95.
- Graduates have the option to purchase a Diploma Remake Request for $50.
- UMD-specific diploma frames are available for purchase through various retailers.
Graduate Degree Requirements
Graduate Degree Clearance Services in the Office of the University Registrar is responsible for assessing the graduation requirements and approving graduate students for master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates. These processes comply with policies and deadlines established by The Graduate School. To be cleared for graduation, students must meet all requirements and deadlines.
Degree & Certificate Completion Processes
Listed below are the basic outlines for the university's completion processes for master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates. The information is a summary of the essential progress of the latter-stages of most graduate program completion experiences at the university. Graduate programs may have requirements beyond those listed here. Please check with your academic advisor and departmental Graduate Studies Office for specific program requirements.
- Completion of required coursework
- Submission of Application for Graduation
- Submission of Approved Program Form
- Please verify the timeline and submission procedure for this form with your department
- Completion of departmental examination requirements
- Completion of thesis/departmental writing requirement:
- Thesis Student
- Register for at least 1 credit at semester of graduation
- Submission of Nomination of Thesis or Dissertation
- The nomination of the thesis/dissertation committee should be submitted at least six weeks before the date of the expected defense examination. Some departments require that the thesis/dissertation examining committee be nominated prior to the beginning of the thesis/dissertation. Please check with your department.
- Before submitting this form, please verify with your department that all members of the committee are active and can serve on the committee.
- Thesis oral examination defense
- Submission of signed Report of Thesis Examination Committee form
- Please verify the timeline and submission procedure for this form with your department
- Submission of thesis electronically via ProQuest Learning Services
- A processing and archiving fee will be charged to your student account.
- Evaluation and approval of submitted thesis
- Your department will submit your completed uAchieve audit showing program completion and completed Approved Program Form
- Graduation
- Non-Thesis Student
- Register for at least 1 credit at semester of graduation
- Your department will submit your completed uAchieve audit showing program completion and completed Approved Program Form
- Graduation
- Thesis Student
The Master Degree Completion and Graduation Checklist can be downloaded to serve as a guide to your degree completion.
Also completing a graduate certificate? Master's degree candidates seeking to be awarded a graduate certificate should submit the Graduate Certificate Completion form.
- Completion of required coursework
- Completion of departmental examinations and requirements
- Completion of departmental qualifying examinations
- Submission of Application for Admission to Candidacy
- Beginning - Completion of dissertation
- Submission of Application for Graduation
- Submission of Nomination of Dissertation Committee
- The nomination of the thesis/dissertation committee should be submitted at least six weeks before the date of the expected defense examination. Some departments require that the thesis/dissertation examining committee be nominated prior to the beginning of the thesis/dissertation. Please check with your department.
- Before submitting this form, please verify with your department that all members of the committee are active and can serve on the committee.
- Dissertation Oral examination defense
- Submission of signed Report of Dissertation Examination form
- Submission of dissertation electronically via ProQuest Learning Services
- A processing and archiving fee will be charged to your student account.
- Evaluation and approval of submitted dissertation
- Graduation
The Doctoral Degree Completion and Graduation Checklist can be downloaded to serve as a guide to your degree completion.
Doctor of Audiology graduates should submit the Certification of Doctor of Audiology Degree form to the Office of the University Registrar.
- Completion of required coursework
- Submission of Application for Graduation
- If you submitted an application for graduation for your master's degree and are also completing a graduate certificate, please also submit the Graduate Certificate Completion form.
- Verification of coursework completion
- Graduation
Additional Petitions, Waivers, and Request
Contact Information
Graduate Degree Clearance Services
C. Mitchell Bldg, Rm 1113
registrar-graduate@umd.edu
Dianne Barrett
301-314-8226
registrar-graduate@umd.edu
Latin Honors
Latin Honors afford recognition for academic excellence achieved over the duration of a student’s entire official undergraduate coursework at the University of Maryland. Summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude are the highest Latin Honors that the university bestows for sustained excellence in scholarship. They are awarded to the top 10% of all students graduating in each College or School.
- Summa cum laude - the highest 2% of GPAs (from the specific College or School)
- Magna cum laude - the next highest 3% of GPAs (after summa cum laude)
- Cum laude - the next highest 5% of GPAs (after magna cum laude)
Latin Honors are officially annotated on the transcripts and diplomas of students who have graduated.
| Because final semester grades are processed sometime after Commencement activities, identification of Latin Honors in the university's Commencement Ceremony Program are tentative and unofficial, pending the submission and calculation of all final grades for the semester of commencement. |
Additional information on Latin Honors can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Latin Honors Cutoffs for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Graduating Classes
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.951 |
| Cum Laude | 3.950 - 3.896 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 3.962 |
| Magna | 3.961 - 3.927 |
| Cum Laude | 3.926 - 3.838 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.989 |
| Cum Laude | 3.988 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.975 |
| Cum Laude | 3.974 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 3.984 |
| Magna | 3.983 - 3.948 |
| Cum Laude | 3.947 - 3.888 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.990 |
| Cum Laude | 3.989 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.999 |
| Cum Laude | 3.998 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 3.992 |
| Magna | 3.991 - 3.961 |
| Cum Laude | 3.960 - 3.893 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.973 |
| Cum Laude | 3.972 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 3.985 |
| Magna | 3.984 - 3.925 |
| Cum Laude | 3.924 - 3.891 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 3.992 |
| Magna | 3.991 - 3.963 |
| Cum Laude | 3.962 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 3.987 |
| Magna | 3.986 - 3.980 |
| Cum Laude | 3.979 - 3.900 |
| Summa | 4.000 - 4.000 |
| Magna | 3.999 - 3.764 |
| Cum Laude | 3.763 - 3.715 |
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
A minimum of 120 successfully completed course credits is required for graduation in any degree curriculum; however, individual colleges, schools, and departments may establish higher requirements for graduation. Check with your advisor for specific information.
Student Academic Success - Degree Completion
This policy guides students to completion of an undergraduate degree within a reasonable period of time.
Academic Catalog - Degree Information
Specific degree requirements are listed in the Academic Catalog under the college and/or department as appropriate.
uAchieve - Degree Audit
uAchieve produces a degree audit to help students and advisors evaluate academic progress towards degree completion.
Latin Honors
Summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude are the highest Latin Honors that the university bestows for sustained excellence in scholarship.
Application for Graduation
Students must apply for graduation no later than the end of the Schedule Adjustment Period at the beginning of the semester in which they intend to graduate.
Graduation & Diplomas
The Office of the University Registrar supports students with questions regarding the conferral of degrees and certificates as well as the issuance and certification of diplomas and certificates.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for earning a degree or certificate from the University of Maryland
Diplomas
Information on diploma mailings, electronic diplomas and certificates, and diploma remake requests
Graduation
Information on applying for graduation and attending the commencement ceremony
Notary & Apostille Credential Certification
Steps for obtaining an Apostille or notarized credential certification
Enrollment Status
The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for compliance with standards for full-time and half-time enrollment. Your financial aid, degree completion, and other university services depend on your enrollment status.
Audited courses are not included in the calculation of credits for full-time status.
On this page:
Undergraduate Students
Fall or Spring Semester
| Enrolled Credits | Enrollment Status |
|---|---|
| 12+ | Full-time |
| 9 - 11 | Three-quarter time/More than half-time |
| 6 - 10 | Half-time |
| 1 - 5 | Less than half-time |
Undergraduate Agreements for Enrollment Status
- UMEI Program: Students enrolled in UMEI 001-004 are considered full-time students. Students enrolled in UMEI 005 (semi-intensive) must register for an additional 6-8 credits, appropriate to their program, to meet the full-time requirement.
- ENCO/COOP: Students enrolled in Engineering Coop (ENCO099) and Cooperative Education (UNIV099) programs are considered full-time students.
- ADS Reduced Course Load Accommodations: Eligible students can work with Accessibility & Disability Service (ADS) to request a reduction in course load to meet full-time status.
| If a student with a scholarship or grant falls below the required 12 credit hours, the scholarship or grant may be canceled. Students receiving financial aid are strongly encouraged to contact a financial aid counselor prior to dropping below full time status. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid. |
Graduate Students
The Graduate School uses a unit system in making calculations to determine full-time or part-time student status. Please note that graduate units are different from credit hours. The number of graduate units per credit hour is calculated in the following manner:
| Courses | Units per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| 000-399 | 2 |
| 400-499 | 4 |
| 500-599 | 5 |
| 600-897 | 6 |
| 799 (Masters Research) | 12 |
| 898 (Pre-candidacy Doctoral Research) | 18 |
| EDSP829, EDUC829, HESP829 | 18 |
| 899 (Doctoral Dissertation Research) | 18 |
Fall or Spring Semester
| Enrolled Units | Enrollment Status |
|---|---|
| 48+ | Full-time |
| 25 - 47 | Three-quarter time/More than half-time |
| 24 | Half-time |
| 1 - 23 | Less than half-time |
Graduate assistants holding regular appointments have full-time status if they are registered for at least 24 units in addition to the assistantship; holders of half-time assistantships are considered full-time if registered for 36 units. Courses taken with the grading method of Audit do not generate graduate units and will not be used in calculating full-time or part-time status.
Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer 12-week Term
| Enrolled Units | Enrollment Status |
|---|---|
| 36+ | Full-time |
| 19 - 35 | Three-quarter time/More than half-time |
| 18 | Half-time |
| 1 - 17 | Less than half-time |
Graduate assistants holding regular appointments have full-time status if they are registered for at least 18 units in addition to the assistantship; holders of half-time assistantships are considered full-time if registered for 27 units. Courses taken with the grading method of Audit do not generate graduate units and will not be used in calculating full-time or part-time status.
International Students
International students on F-1 and J-1 student visas must maintain full-time status throughout each semester according to federal regulations governing F-1 and J-1 students. Please contact an advisor in International Student and Scholar Services at 301-314-7740 if you have any questions concerning full-time status.
- Undergraduate international students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester to be considered a full-time student.
- Graduate international students must be enrolled in at least 48 units each fall and spring semester to be considered a full-time student (Note: 20-hour assistantships are equivalent to 24 units; 10-hour assistantships are equivalent to 12 units)
- Courses taken for "audit" or "incomplete" do not generate credits/units and cannot be used in calculating full-time status.
- Only one online course/distance education can count towards full-time enrollment.
- If you will be part-time in a semester due to illness, academic difficulties, or because you are in your final semester, you must receive permission for part-time enrollment from International Student and Scholar Services before the end of the drop/add period for that semester. To request permission, log in to iTerp and go to F-1 Student Services to complete the Part-Time Authorization e-form. Your academic advisor will need to confirm your part-time status.
Final Exams
Standard & Common Final Exam Schedules
Most courses follow a standard or common final exam schedule. Standard final exams are based on when the course is scheduled to meet. Common final exams are course specific, and the final exam for all sections of a course are given at the same day and time.
- Example for Standard Final Exams
- Courses meet MWF/MW/M/W/F from 8 - 8:45 a.m. → final exam is Saturday, May 13, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Example for Common Final Exams
- All sections of BMGT220 → final exam is Saturday, May 13, 4 - 6 p.m.
Review final exam guidelines in the Academic Catalog.
Final Exams for Classes at 6 p.m. and Later
Exams for classes beginning at 6 p.m. and later are given on the same day and at the same time that the class normally meets during the semester. For example, a class that meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. will have its exam on Tuesday of the exam week at 6 p.m.; a class that meets Thursday at 6 p.m. will have its exam on Thursday of the exam week at 6 p.m. Final examinations for classes that meet more than once a week will be held on the exam day corresponding to the first day of the week that the class meets; for example, a class that meets T/Th at 6 p.m. will have its exam on Tuesday of the exam week at 6 p.m. Exams will generally be given in regularly scheduled classrooms. The department will notify faculty of any exceptions.
4+ Examinations on a Single Day
Students may seek to reschedule final examinations so that they have no more than three examinations on any given day. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the rescheduling or be responsible for taking the examination as originally scheduled. When rescheduling is desired, students should first contact their instructors. Students who encounter difficulty rescheduling examinations with their instructors are advised to contact the dean's office of their academic program for help. Faculty members are expected to accommodate students with legitimate rescheduling requests.
Seat Management Plan
The seat management plan is designed to reserve a portion of seats in general education and a few selected other courses for students with fewer than 60 credits and incoming new students. The seat management plan is only used in the fall and spring semesters. These courses are identified in the Schedule of Classes with a red asterisk next to the section.
Courses on the seat management plan will have the open seats and restrictions updated throughout the early registration period and new student orientation. Students who are adding and dropping courses should review the Schedule of Classes to be aware of the current restriction on a course, which is available in the gray box at the end of the section listing.
When using Registration (Drop/Add), students are notified before they drop a course if that course is on the seat management plan along with the current restriction on that course. Students who are changing sections, should review the FAQ below before processing any changes.
Seat Management Plan FAQs
You will have to drop the course and re-add the course with a different section number. When you select to drop the course, you will be shown a message about the current restriction on the course and required to confirm “Are you sure you want to drop?” As you make a decision, consider the following:
- If there is no restriction and seats are available, you will be able to re-add the course.
- If you meet the restriction and seats are available, you will be able to re-add the course.
- If you meet the restriction and seats are not available, you will be able to go on the hold file.
- If you do not meet the restriction and seats are available, you will not be able to re-add the course and instead will have to select to go on the hold file.
Once you make your decision:
- Select “NO” if you want to keep the current section
- Select “YES” if you want to drop the current section
You should review the Schedule of Classes first to see if there is a restriction and seats available.
- If there is no restriction and seats are available, you will be able to add the course.
- If you meet the restriction and seats are available, you will be able to add the course.
- If you meet the restriction and seats are not available, you will be able to go on the hold file.
- If you do not meet the restriction and seats are available, you will not be able to add the course and instead will have to select to go on the hold file.
Only a small number of general education courses are restricted. Go to the Schedule of Classes and select the "General Education Courses" tab. Choose the category and term you would like to review and then "Show All Sections" to scan for courses that do not have a red asterisk.
Your Academic Advising College has the authority to examine your situation and make an exception if appropriate. Contact your Academic Advising College for further information.
If you do not meet the restrictions for the course, or all available seats are filled, you may place yourself on a hold file for the course. Waitlists are not initially offered for seat managed courses. On the first day of classes, seat management restrictions will end, and those students on the hold file will be eligible for any remaining seats in this course. Those students on the hold file for whom there are not open seats will be placed on a newly created waitlist. Students on the hold file must check-in on the first day of classes, and then daily, to remain on the waitlist. For more information, please see Waitlist & Hold file.