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
Your diploma also will include your primary major. 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.
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.
Diploma pickup days
Expected diploma pickup days are posted on the Important Deadlines webpage. 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.
Prefer to have your diploma mailed?
No action is needed to receive your diploma by mail, unless your address has changed.
Recently moved? If you have recently moved, you must send an email to graduation@sfasu.edu. Include your name, campus ID number, and new diploma address.
Mailing process
Once diploma pickup days are complete, remaining 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.
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.
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.
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.
The process to receive your additional diploma requires the photo ID of the degree recipient. Diplomas cannot be ordered as a surprise gift for another individual.
Submit your request and payment
Visit the Office of the Registrar's online marketplace store.
FAQ on requesting an additional copy of your diploma
How long will it take to process my request?
Requests are processed monthly; however, expect longer turnaround times during peak months.
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 additional diploma?
Additional 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. Read details on what to do if there's shipping damage.
Also: Can I pick up my additional diploma in person?
- If you would like to pick up your additional diploma in person, type "Hold for Pickup" in the address line, and we'll contact you once it's available. Only you can pick up your diploma. Photo ID required.
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.