Axe ’Em, Jacks!
History of the SFA diploma
During its first two years of operation, SFA did not award degrees during its commencement ceremonies. The first class to be conferred degrees consisted of eleven candidates for a summer graduation in 1925. M.D. Warren earned a Bachelor of Science as a history major and graduated ahead of his class. On May 31, 1925, Warren became the first SFA student to graduate and receive an SFA diploma.
Over the years, SFA has maintained the tradition of including the official university seal and printing the following information for each graduate's degree:
- Graduate's name
- Conferral date
- Degree title (inclusion of the primary major began May 2021)
- With honors, if earned
- Board of Regents' chair signature
- University president's signature
Degree title printed on diploma
SFA awards the following degree titles:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master of Forestry
- Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Master of Music
- Master of Professional Accountancy
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Science
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Social Work
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Philosophy
The inclusion of the primary major on the diploma began with the spring 2021 graduates. Reprints of diplomas earned prior to that period also include the primary major.
Additional majors: one degree and one diploma
With the exception of the five-year Master of Professional Accountancy integrated undergraduate/graduate program, SFA students earn one degree and one diploma at a time.
Pursuing an additional major in tandem with your primary major will not result in two degrees. If you desire a degree for each major, you must complete the first degree and then reenroll at SFA to complete the additional degree. Read HOP policy 02-218 (PDF) for conditions regarding the additional degree.
Receiving your diploma
Participating in the commencement ceremony does not guarantee degree completion, and actual diplomas are not awarded at the commencement ceremony. The Office of the Registrar must verify successful completion of all degree requirements once official grades are posted. If you've met all degree requirements and have a balance on your account, you will still receive your degree; however, a transcript hold will be placed on your account.
Diploma pickup days
One week prior to the designated days, you'll receive an email via your mySFA account confirming pickup dates, times and location. Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed the following week. Dates specific to your graduation are outlined on the Deadlines webpage.
Prefer to have your diploma mailed?
Once diploma pickup days are complete, diplomas are packaged and mailed through the United States Postal Service. The transfer of diplomas from the university representative to the post office fulfills SFA's obligation to provide the diploma to the graduate. Each mailed diploma tube receives a tracking number, available to the graduate by request seven days after the diploma is mailed. To request your tracking number, email graduation@sfasu.edu with your name and campus ID number.
In the event of shipping damage: If your diploma arrives damaged, use the return address indicated on the shipping label and return the diploma to the registrar's office for a free replacement. Include a note stating why the diploma is being returned and a valid address if the mailing address has changed.
Requesting an additional copy of your diploma
SFA accepts additional diploma requests after the conferral of the degree to the transcript. While original diplomas are not notarized documents, diplomas issued through the replacement request have the option of being notarized at no additional charge.
Order additional copy of your diploma online
The process to receive the diploma requires the photo ID of the degree recipient. Diplomas cannot be ordered as a surprise gift for another individual.
Visit the Office of the Registrar's online marketplace store to submit your request and payment.
Order FAQs
- What is the diploma size?
- Current diploma size is 14" x 11"
- Whose signatures will appear on the diploma?
- Signatures are those of the current administration.
- My name has changed. Can the diploma be printed with my current name?
- If your name has changed and you'd like the new name on the diploma, you'll need to complete the legal name change form. If you do not provide this form and its supporting documentation, the name we have on file will be printed on your diploma.
The inclusion of the primary major on the diploma began with the spring 2021 graduates. Reprints of diplomas earned prior to that period also include the primary major.
Notarizing your diploma
A notarized diploma is most often required for overseas employment and also may require an apostille. To request a notarized diploma, follow the process of requesting an additional copy of your diploma.