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USC Department of Diplomas

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas are generally mailed within 4 to 8 weeks of the conclusion of your graduating semester. If you need official verification of your degree before you receive your diploma, please contact the Verification or Transcript Department. After receiving the email notification that your degree has been granted, you may request to pick up your diploma. If you requested "Hold for Pick-up", or if your mailing address is in the 90007 or 90089 zip code, the Degree Progress Department will mail you a notice when your diploma is ready for pick up.

Where will USC mail my diploma?
Unless you've made other arrangements or have a mailing address in the immediate neighborhood (see above), the Degree Progress Department mails your diploma to your permanent address. You may request that we mail your diploma to your local address or hold it for pick up. The diploma department extracts a student's local and permanent address from the student information system when the order is placed with our printing vendor. No updates can be made after the order is placed. If you would like to verify and/or change your local or permanent address, please use the OASIS address update or contact Verifications in the Registration Building (REG) lobby.

How do I get a replacement for my damaged or lost diploma?
You may request a reissue of your diploma. To do so, please complete the Application for Diploma Reissue Form. Reissued diplomas adhere to the current format, and bear the signatures of current university officers, NO EXCEPTIONS. Please note, since diplomas are unique to USC, a "reissue" statement appears on all reissued diplomas. The reissued diploma fee is $100.00, check or money order only, payable to University of Southern California.

What if I need someone else to pick up my diploma?
The person who picks up the diploma must bring a signed, written authorization from the record owner, along with a clear copy of the record owner's valid photo ID. The Degree Progress department reviews such requests on a case-by-case basis.

Will my diploma reflect university or departmental honors, if earned?
Diplomas reflect university honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude). The diploma does not reflect departmental honors. However, departmental honors, if earned, will be noted on your transcript.

Will my diploma reflect my concentration or emphasis within my major?
Diplomas do NOT reflect areas of concentration or emphasis.  Depending on your major, your concentration or emphasis may appear on your transcript.

I've changed my name after graduation. Can I get a diploma with my new name?
Unfortunately, the name on the diploma must match the name on the sealed academic record when the degree was posted. IF your degree has not been posted, you can still request a name change through the Transcripts and Verifications department.

I am moving shortly after graduation. How can I make sure I get my diploma?
You can request that your diploma be held for pick-up by submitting a "Change of Information" card in Degree Progress (JHH-010). Be sure to leave mail forwarding instructions with the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that you get your notification when your diploma is ready to pick-up.

I am ordering a frame. What size is the diploma?
All Bachelors, Masters and PhD degree certificates are 8.5" high x 11" wide.
M.D., J.D., PharmD and DDS degree certificates are 11" high x 14" wide.
Minor certificates issued since late 1998 are 6" high x 8" wide.

I am a DOUBLE MAJOR. Will I receive one or two certificates?
By definition, a double major is two (or more) areas combined into a single degree (B.A. or B.S.). You will receive one diploma certificate. (See Second Bachelor's and your academic advisor for more information).

I am working on a SECOND BACHELORS degree. Will I receive one or two certificates?
In order to complete a second bachelors degree, a student must complete all the requirements for both degrees, including a minimum of 32 units beyond all the requirements for the first degree, in residence. As the title implies, successful completion of a second bachelors program of study will result in a certificate for each degree (see Double Major for more information).

How can I spell out/include/exclude my middle name?
Unfortunately, the name on the diploma must match the name on the sealed academic record when the degree was posted. IF your degree has not been posted, you can still request a name change through the Transcripts and Verifications department.

Questions or comments?
E-mail:  Diploma Coordinator, diplomas@usc.edu.