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 with the spring 2021 graduates)
- With honors, if earned
- Approved administrative signatures
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
- Doctor of Social Work
Diplomas include the graduate’s degree and primary major.
Diplomas do not include any concentrations, minors or additional majors. These, if earned, are noted on your official transcript.
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.
Recent graduates should continue to monitor their SFA student email until they receive their diploma.
Digital diplomas
Through a partnership with Parchment, graduates and alumni have free access to a high-resolution digital copy of their diploma! This service provides easy access to download your credential and share your accomplishment on social media, including X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
New graduates will receive email communications with details and directions on how to create or log in to their Parchment account to trace the delivery progress of their diploma. Additionally, a printed diploma will also be sent to the address a graduate has listed on their graduation application. No action is needed to receive your print or digital diploma, unless your address has changed.
Digital diplomas are available for alumni who order a duplicate or replacement diploma.
Update address and other contact information
Update your diploma mailing address by sending in a graduation information update. This form also is how you can update your ceremony attendance, phone number and email address.
Diploma damaged during shipping
If your diploma arrives damaged, log in to your mySFA account and email graduation@sfasu.edu with the following information:
- Name
- Campus ID number
- Description of diploma damage
A representative from the registrar's office will respond to your email with next steps.
Requesting a duplicate, replacement or additional copy of your diploma
SFA accepts replacement 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.
The process to receive your replacement diploma requires the photo ID of the degree recipient. Diplomas must be ordered by the graduate.
Submit your request and payment
Visit the Office of the Registrar's online marketplace store.
How long will it take to process my request for a replacement diploma?
Requests are typically processed within four weeks. Please allow additional time during peak processing periods (such as during graduation and final grade processing). Shipping updates will be sent to the email address you provided on the replacement diploma order.
If you need proof of your degree for a time-sensitive matter, complete the request for certification of information and type "letter of degree verification" in the "Other (please specify)" field.
How will I receive my replacement diploma?
Beginning with fall 2024 graduates, replacement diplomas are distributed in partnership with Parchment.
Whose signatures will appear on a replacement diploma?
Signatures on any replacement, duplicate or additional diploma are those of the current administration.
My name has changed. Can the replacement 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.