Understanding Your North Carolina State University Diploma
Earning a diploma from North Carolina State University (NC State) marks a significant achievement. This article provides comprehensive information regarding the diploma itself, graduation procedures, and related services offered by the university.
Diploma Specifics
Size and Format
All diplomas, except those awarded to students graduating from the Agricultural Institute, are 11 inches by 14 inches. Agricultural Institute diplomas earned prior to Fall 2020 may select a diploma size of 8.5×11 or 11×14.
Diploma Name
Without a change request, the student name listed on a diploma or certificate will match the primary or legal name on file (first name, middle name, last name). Shortened or alternate forms for the first name (ex. "Beth" instead of "Elizabeth") can be requested. All requested changes will be reviewed for input accuracy and to ensure appropriateness of the requested change. NC State University reserves the right to reject a Diploma Name that is used inappropriately or in an attempt to avoid legal obligation, misrepresent the individual, harass, threaten or are otherwise objectionable. A diploma apostille can only be provided when using your full legal name.
NC State University considers the diploma to be a ceremonial document. Some countries may require your diploma (and official transcript) for various legal, immigration, and employment purposes. Before choosing an alternate name for your diploma, please consider any professional licensing requirements that may require the use of a legal name.
It is possible to delete or change your diploma name after it has been entered, but only before the posted deadline for diploma name changes. Pay close attention to communicated deadlines for both diploma name changes and commencement book updates. It is not possible to order two copies of a diploma, each one with a different name.
Read also: North Carolina Basketball Greats
Diploma Endorsement Seals
Districts and schools may purchase diploma endorsement seals from the NCDPI's Publication Sales. The seals are Catalog items IS178-182 and IS192 and they are sold as sheets of 63 seals/page for $3/page plus shipping.
Graduation Clearance and Diploma Distribution
Clearance Timeline
- Fall (December) Graduates: Final clearance for candidates other than Doctoral is early January.
- Spring (May) Graduates: Final clearance for candidates other than Doctoral is early June.
It is important to note that students with a Judicial Hold set by the Office of Student Conduct or a Financial Hold set by the Cashier’s Office will not receive their diploma until the hold is released.
Academic Records and Verification
The Department of Registration and Records plays a crucial role in managing student academic information. Their responsibilities include:
- Documenting coursework, grades, transfer and test credit, academic standing, and degree progress.
- Preserving academic records for current and former students.
- Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of academic information.
- Providing access to academic information to authorized individuals.
Students, faculty, advisors, and administrators can access comprehensive student records and information through the MyPack portal.
Enrollment and Degree Verification
Verification of a student’s enrollment and degree for purposes such as insurance, discounts, and employment can be accomplished through official verification documents or services provided by Registration and Records. North Carolina State University has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to provide enrollment and degree verification information for current students or those who have graduated.
Read also: NOCCCD: Your Guide
Transcripts
A transcript is an official record of a student’s transfer and test credit, courses, grades, degrees, and honors. Transcripts can be easily distributed to individuals, institutions, and employers.
High School Diploma Endorsements
Students in North Carolina public schools and public charter schools may earn one or more endorsements on their high school diploma. These endorsements indicate that students have completed specific course concentrations preparing them to be ready for careers and/or college. Students may earn more than one diploma endorsement, but they are not required to earn an endorsement in order to receive a diploma. Based on State Board of Education policy (GRAD-007), the implementation of the diploma endorsements is required for all Local Education Agency high schools.
Career Endorsement
For students entering Grade 9 prior to 2024-2025, the requirements include:
- Completing the Future-Ready Core mathematics sequence of Math I, II, III and a fourth-level mathematics course that meets University of North Carolina system Minimum Course Requirements.
- Completing three course credits of science including an Earth/Environmental science course, Biology, and at least one physical science course that must include either physics or chemistry.
- For students entering ninth grade in 2012-13 or later, completing four course credits of social studies.
- Completing two course credits of a world language (other than English).
- Completing four elective course credits in any one subject area, such as Career and Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education, World Languages, or in another content area.
- Completing at least three higher-level courses during junior and/or senior years which carry quality points such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International, or Dual Enrollment courses; Advanced CTE and CTE credentialing courses; honors level courses, or Project Lead the Way courses.
- Earning an unweighted grade point average of at least 3.50.
For students entering Grade 9 in 2024-25 and beyond, the student shall complete the Future Ready Core mathematics sequence of Math I, II, III, and a fourth-level mathematics course that meets the University of North Carolina system Minimum Course Requirements.
Arts Education Proficiency Diploma Endorsement
In June 2024, the State Board of Education approved the Arts Education Proficiency Diploma Endorsement. The requirements are based on legislation. The Arts Education Quick Guide provides direction for LEAs implementing procedures for the 2024-25 school year. The document includes a student form for documenting the 40 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities as well as clarification on what activities can be approved by the local school board.
Read also: Academic Pathways at UNC
Student requirements are:
- The student shall complete a minimum of four NCSCOS arts courses.
- The student shall earn an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher in each arts credit.
- The student shall complete a minimum of 40 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities.
- The student shall participate in an arts-related extracurricular activity approved by the LEA/local board of education.
- The student shall complete all of the required hours outside of instructional hours.
- The student shall not receive any course credit for participation in the activity.
- In accordance with State Board guidance, the student shall document the hours on the form provided to local boards of education.
NOTE: The NC-SIS will not be computing the Arts Endorsement this year. LEAs and others may use local processes to award the Arts Endorsement.
Citizenship Proficiency Endorsement
The PSU shall select 10 questions from those publicly available. The student shall correctly answer at least 6 out of 10 questions asked of the civics portion of the USCIS Naturalization test. Resources: Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2025 version)
NOTE: The NC-SIS will not be computing the Citizenship Proficiency Endorsement this year. LEAs and others may use local processes to award the endorsement.
Celebrating Your Achievement
As an NC State grad, you've likely participated in many traditions and created lasting memories.
Diploma Frames and Graduation Gifts
Preserve those personalized memories with a North Carolina State University graduation gift! Gifts like an NC State diploma frame are great ways to show your Wolfpack pride and preserve your hard-earned degree for years to come. By framing your NC State degree, you're capturing the culmination of your years of studying, hard work, and cherished college memories.
Church Hill Classics hires skilled artisans to hand construct each NCSU diploma frame. They offer custom frames for NC State graduate programs, with a variety of eco-friendly hardwood moulding options. They can also help you create a stunning framed wall display featuring a red double mat and your dual NCSU degrees.
Customization Options
You can customize an NC State degree frame by selecting a frame and utilizing state-of-the-art digital design tools to preview different hardwood moulding styles, museum-quality mats, and protective glasses. Or, you can design your frame from scratch with the Create-A-Frame option for even more design freedom!
Frequently Asked Questions About NCSU Graduation Gifts
- Do I have to know my NCSU diploma size? No! Simply enter the year you graduated from NCSU as you check out and they'll handcraft your custom frame from there!
- Can I frame my NC State MBA? Of course! You can frame any diploma or certificate of any size.
- Do you guarantee your NCSU gifts? Yes! Church Hill Classics offers a 120-day return policy on their frames with no hassles or restocking fees.
- Do you offer any North Carolina State University diploma frames with expedited shipping? Yes! They offer select Fast-Ship diploma frames for North Carolina State University graduates, ready to ship within 2-3 business days of your order.
Online Master's Programs in Computer Information Technology
NC State also offers various online master's programs in computer information technology.
Admissions & Enrollment
- Average undergraduate GPA: 3.6
- Entrants providing undergraduate GPA: 100%
- Average GRE score breakdown: N/A
- Entrants providing GRE scores: N/A
- Application essay required: Yes
- Standardized test policy: GRE not used in admissions
- Letters of recommendation: 3
- Letters of recommendation from professional contacts: 0
- CIT-related work experience requirement: No
- CIT-related undergraduate degree requirement: Yes, with exceptions
- CIT-related undergraduate course work requirement: Yes, always
- TOEFL iBT Test required for international students: Require
- Minimum TOEFL iBT Test score required: 80
- Duolingo English Test required for international students: Require
- Minimum Duolingo English Test score required: 110
- IELTS required for international students: Require
- Minimum IELTS score required: 6.5
Academic Factors Considered
- Undergraduate institution: Considered
- Undergraduate GPA: Very Important
- Undergraduate field of study: Important
- Recommendation(s): Very Important
- Standardized test scores: Not Considered
Non-Academic Factors Considered
- Application essay: Important
- Work experience: Considered
- Character/personal qualities: Considered
- First-generation college student: Not Considered
- Alumni/alumnae relations: Not Considered
- Geographical residence: Not Considered
- Applicant's interest level: Very Important
Distinguishing Characteristics
- Graduate program(s): Master of Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Networking
- Program Offerings: Online master's in computer information technology programs (2)
Concentrations
- Highest demand: Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computer Software and Media Applications, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Offered: Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computer Software and Media Applications, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Data Science, Security, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Game Design/Development, High Performance Computing and Simulation, Theoretical Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, Internet Technology
Financial Information
- Part-time tuition (per credit, in-state): $957
- Part-time tuition (per credit, out-of-state): $2,140
- Full-time tuition (per credit, in-state): $957
- Full-time tuition (per credit, out-of-state): $2,140
- Total program cost (full-time, in-state): $33,118
- Total program cost (part-time, in-state): $33,118
- Total program cost (full-time, out-of-state): $69,798
- Total program cost (part-time, out-of-state): $69,798
- Veterans pay in-state tuition: No
- Same tuition is charged for all online programs: No
- Sponsorships: Employer sponsored new students 0%
Financial Aid Availability
- College-funded aid (fellowships, assistantships, grants or scholarships) available: No
- International students eligible for college-funded aid: No
- Yellow Ribbon Program member: Yes
- Yellow Ribbon Access: First-come, first-served
- Yellow Ribbon Funding: Limits or caps funding
- Average debt of 2024-2025 graduates who borrowed: $18,405
- Proportion of 2024-2025 graduates with debt: 21%
tags: #north #carolina #state #university #diploma #information

