Degree Requirements

Continuous and Terminal Registration

The University of Montana requires that all graduate students register for at three credits in every academic term (including summer if it is the last semester) once they are admitted to Graduate School until completion of a degree program. Graduate students who are not registered will be dropped from their programs. Please see policy B3.000 on the UM Graduate School's website for an explanation of the requirement. The only exception is for students who are granted a leave of absence.

Students who fail to formally request a leave of absence and who do not take the required minimum credits in every academic term must be aware of this continuous registration requirement. They will be charged tuition for as many credits as required to “bridge” the period of inactive status during which time a formal leave was not sought. If students drop out for a second time, they must reapply for admission to the full-time program.

Readmitted students who took unauthorized leave may, on the recommendation of the Graduate School based on discussions with the MBA Program Director, be required to register for up to four beginning terminal credits for not meeting the continuous registration requirements.

Leave of Absence

Students may take a leave-of-absence only once during their period of enrollment for a specified length of time by completing a Leave of Absence Form approved by the Graduate School. They may re-enroll at the end of their leave period to complete all remaining degree requirements.

A leave of absence must be requested before the term the request is for and is only granted because of an emergency. Leaves of absence will not be approved for the purpose of working on jobs, research, thesis or to establish residency.  See the Graduate School's leave of absence (link currently under repair) policy.

Graduation Information

Application for Graduation: students who want to receive their degrees for a particular term must submit their graduation application and $25 fee by the required deadline (see below) to the MBA Program Assistant. Application for Graduation (MSWord format) 
The Graduate School also recommends that approximately 6 weeks after the degree award date students review their final transcript to be sure that it is an accurate record of their academic history. Students can print their own unofficial transcript using Cyberbear.

Application Amendment:  all grade changes that are a part of a student's degree program must be made by the required deadline as well. Graduation application amendments due to dropping or adding of courses, grade changes, or graduation term change must be submitted to the MBA Program Assistant. Amendment to Graduation Application: MS Word format; pdf format.
 

Deadlines for Graduation by Term

FALL GRADUATION

July 24
Deadline for filing Application for
Graduation form.

December 31
Final deadline for completion of all
requirements for graduation.

December 15
Last day of Fall Semester and
award date for Fall degrees.

SPRING GRADUATION

December 8
Deadline for filing Application for
Graduation form.

May 31
Final deadline for completion of all
requirements for graduation.

May 12
Last day of Spring Semester and
award date for Spring degrees.

SUMMER GRADUATION

March 8
Deadline for filing Application for
Graduation form.

August 31
Final deadline for completion of all
requirements for graduation.

July 27
Last day of Summer Semester and
award date for Summer degrees.

Graduation Ceremony:

As soon as graduation details are available, they will be emailed.  Traditionally the graduation events include a no-charge continental breakfast immediately before the procession to the graduation venue and a brunch following the ceremony which is open to graduates and their guests (no fee to the student; fees for guests). University graduation attire and invitations can be ordered through the university bookstore. Attire for master's degree students includes the cap, gown, and hood which is similar to a stole and worn over the shoulders.

 

Diplomas are mailed approximately three to four months after the degree award date. If you have not received your diploma after four months, call the Registrar's Office at 406-243-2995 and ask for one of the Graduation Coordinators. 

 

Proof of Degree:  If students need official documentation of their degree before the diploma arrives, official transcripts can usually be substituted and can be ordered through the Registrar's office at (406) 243-2995. There is a charge for official transcripts.  If your transcript has not yet been updated at the time proof of graduation is needed, contact the MBA program at mba@business.umt.edu to request a letter confirming your graduation. Please provide the name and address of the party the letter should be sent to; if documentation is needed posthaste, provide the person's email address or fax number as well.