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Graduation

General Graduation Requirements

Seniors: Did you know you must apply to graduate? An Application for Graduation must be submitted through Workday by the deadlines below.
Follow these instructions for more information on how to apply.

  • December application deadline: September 1
  • May application deadline: October 1
  • August application deadline: May 30

Along with satisfying core requirements, students must satisfy one of the following options along with a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation:

  • A single major
  • A single major and a minor
  • A single major and a double minor
  • A single major and a triple minor 
  • A double major
  • A double major and a minor

Once an application has been submitted, if for any reason the term you plan to graduate needs to be changed, please follow these instructions  to revise your graduation application. 

Graduation Distinctions (Latin Honors)

Graduation distinctions are determined by the grade-point average (GPA) system and are based entirely on grades earned in Wake Forest courses.

Effective for the Class of 2024 and forward: The candidate for a degree with distinction must earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA), based on all grades earned in Wake Forest courses, sufficient to place the candidate in the top 30 percent of their graduating class, with the honors awarded at the following specific percentage cut offs: 

  • Top 5% are to be awarded the distinction of summa cum laude
    • a cumulative GPA of 3.954 for Class of 2026
  • Next 10% are to be awarded the distinction of magna cum laude
    • a cumulative GPA of 3.887 for Class of 2026
  • Next 15% are to be awarded the distinction of cum laude 
    • a cumulative GPA of 3.8 for Class of 2026

Percentages are calculated on the basis of those degree candidates for May (gpa cut-offs for May candidates will be in-effect for the following August and December degree candidates). Cumulative GPAs will be calculated to three decimal places and truncated without rounding. 

Commencement

The University conducts one Commencement Ceremony each year in May. Students who have earned their degree the previous August or December are invited to participate in the May ceremony following their graduation. For information about Commencement visit the Commencement website.

Diplomas

Printed and electronic diplomas are provided to each new Wake Forest University graduate after degrees have been conferred. Visit our Diplomas page for additional information.