Guidance (Academic Requirements) – Concurrent Degree Graduation and Certificate Award Review – UW Graduate School Skip to content

Guidance (Academic Requirements) – Concurrent Degree Graduation and Certificate Award Review

Students pursuing concurrent graduate degrees—such as two certificates, a certificate and a master’s degree, two master’s degrees, or a master’s degree and a Ph.D.—must fulfill specific requirements to graduate or be awarded a certificate. This page outlines the steps and expectations to ensure timely and accurate processing by the Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS). A manual degree audit is required due to limitations in the MyGradProgram/MyPlan degree audit system. 

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Admissions: You must be officially admitted to each graduate program
  • Completion of Requirements: Complete all degree and certificate requirements for each program you are requesting to graduate or be awarded a certificate. 
  • Refer to Graduate School Policies 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.5 for more information based on your graduate program. 
  • Graduation Requests: Submit separate graduation requests for each degree or certificate through MyGrad by the quarterly deadline

Submitting your UW Concurrent Form

To avoid delays in graduation, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Submit your requests in MyGrad for each degree or certifcate.
  2. Prepare your Transcript
    • Review your unofficial transcript in MyUW.
      • IMPORTANT: Ensure that course grades are posted for the quarter in which you are requesting to graduate or be awarded a certificate
    • Download or print your unofficial transcript from MyUW.
    • Highlight the courses that meet each degree or certificate requirement
      • Highlighting Tips
        • Use distinct colors to highlight each program:
          • Recommended for Paper: Yellow, Green, Pink
          • Recommended for PDFs: Light Yellow, Light Blue, Light Green
        • Avoid similar shades or dark colors that might obscure the text.
  3. Upload your transcript to the UW Concurrent Form
    • Use your student name (as listed on your unofficial transcript) when completing the UW Concurrent Form and uploading your unofficial transcript. Do not use your preferred name.
    • Ensure the image or PDF of your unofficial transcript is:
      • Clear and legible
      • Properly cropped (not zoomed out or tilted)
      • Free from shadows, glare, or illegible handwritten notes

Timing Matters

  • Submit your UW Concurrent Form immediately after you have submitted your graduation or certificate request in MyGrad. 
    • Exception: Course grades must be posted to your unofficial transcript for the quarter you are requesting to graduate and or be awarded a certificate.  
  • Delays in submission can: 
    • Slow down processing by Graduate School (GEMS). 
    • Require follow-up emails from you or your department. 
    • Risk missing graduation or certificate deadlines 

What Happens Next?

Once your UW Concurrent Form and unofficial transcript are submitted: 

  • GEMS will verify your coursework and eligibility the day after the grades are due from faculty (see the Academic Calendar). 
  • If additional information is required, GEMS will contact you or your department. 
  • You will receive a confirmation email once your graduation or certificate request is approved. 

Need Help?

If you have questions regarding concurrent degrees/certificates or the submission process, please contact your graduate program advisor.