Understanding Doctoral Diploma Sizes and Framing Options

Graduating with a doctoral degree is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Displaying your diploma is a great way to showcase your accomplishment. However, finding the right frame can be a challenge, especially considering the variations in diploma sizes. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding doctoral diploma sizes, replacement processes, and framing options, ensuring you can proudly display your hard-earned degree.

Diploma Replacement at Seattle University

If you need a replacement diploma from Seattle University, the process is straightforward. There is a $25 replacement fee per diploma, which can be paid through Student Financial Services at 206-220-8020. Replacement diplomas for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are 8.5 x 11 inches in landscape orientation and feature the signatures of the current president, chair, provost, and dean. Expect your diploma to arrive within 4-6 weeks after your degree has been posted. Refer to the Important Academic Dates Calendar for specific dates.

The Challenge of Standard Diploma Sizes

In the past, many institutions used standard-size vellum for diplomas and certificates. However, today, diplomas come in various paper types, colors, and sizes. The difference between a college diploma size and a doctoral diploma size further complicates the matter. As a result, there is no universally "standard" diploma size.

Standard Diploma Frame Sizes

While a one-size-fits-all frame doesn't exist, some average diploma sizes are associated with specific degree types. It's crucial to verify the exact dimensions with your institution before purchasing a frame. Here's a quick reference for standard sizes based on diploma type:

Doctoral degrees (except MD): 11″ x 14″
Medical School (MD): 15 3/4″ x 22″
Bachelor’s, associate’s, and other types of diplomas: 8.5″ x 11″
High school diploma: 8.5″ x 11″

Diploma Sizes from Top Universities

To illustrate the variation in diploma sizes, here are a few examples from well-known universities:

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Columbia University: 12.5″w x 10.5″h
Western Governors University: 8.5”w x 11”h
Georgetown University: 17”w x 14”h
The University of Tennessee Knoxville: 15″w x 12″h

You can also search for your school on the College and University Frames page to find your institution’s officially licensed frame collection.

Why Local Hobby Shops May Not Be the Best Solution

While local hobby or craft stores may offer custom framing services, they may not be the ideal solution. Measuring your diploma precisely requires significant effort, and entrusting such a valuable document to a craft store might not be the most secure option. Additionally, it's unlikely that these stores have certified picture framers on staff. Protecting your degree, which represents years of hard work and financial investment, is paramount.

Simplifying the Framing Process

Given the wide variation in diploma dimensions, accurately measuring your diploma is essential. However, companies like Church Hill Classics eliminate the guesswork by maintaining an extensive database of diploma sizes for thousands of institutions. They already know your degree size and can provide a perfect fit without complicated measurements.

Measuring Your Diploma: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you need to measure your diploma, follow these steps:

Lay your diploma or certificate on a clean, dry, flat surface.
Use a ruler or flexible measuring tape to measure the width (horizontal length) and height (vertical length) of your document.
Record your measurements as width x height (w x h) in inches.

Custom Frames by University

Custom frames, like those offered by Church Hill Frames, provide an excellent way to showcase your school pride. These frames feature exclusive college insignias such as mascots, logos, and school seals. A custom frame can significantly enhance the presentation of your diploma, offering official emblems that reflect your university affiliation.

Read also: Understanding Diploma Dimensions

Whether you're looking for a double diploma frame, a diploma frame with a tassel, or a modern diploma frame, you can find an assortment of handcrafted degree frames designed for each school. Coordinating frame styles from different schools is also possible for a unified look.

Designing Your Frame Online

Many companies offer online custom framing tools that allow you to design your frame to your exact specifications. You can mix and match molding styles, mat colors, and textures, visualizing the final product before making a purchase. These frames are handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring high quality and attention to detail.

Protecting Your Diploma

The ultimate protection and longevity of your diploma should be a primary concern. Consider what would happen if you lost your diploma or if it were damaged. Custom framing services understand the value of the original document and take its protection very seriously.

Customization Options

If you prefer a graduation frame without a school name or logo, you can explore options like the Create-A-Frame feature. This allows you to select a single certificate frame, double diploma frame, diploma frame with tassel holder, or even a diploma picture frame. You can then choose your wood molding, mat colors, and embossing options.

One popular customization feature is the inclusion of an engraved nameplate, which adds a classy finishing touch to any frame. Engraved nameplates can be personalized with your name, university, class year, school motto, or a special sentiment.

Frames for Specific Fields

Custom frames are suitable for any occasion and field. For example, you can honor medical students by framing their medical school application, medical education degree, or internal medicine license.

Mounting and Hanging

Mounting your diploma in the frame is typically an easy process. Most providers offer step-by-step instructions for inserting and displaying your degree with precision. Additionally, many frames include a Level-Lock® Hanging System to prevent crooked results and unnecessary holes in your wall.

Shipping and Safety

Reputable framing companies take precautions to ensure the safe delivery of your frame. Frames are typically insured and shipped via standard FedEx ground shipping in state-of-the-art packaging designed to protect the frame during transit.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Customer satisfaction is a top priority for many custom framing providers. They often guarantee that you'll love your frame and will go above and beyond to ensure you're 100% happy with your purchase.

Additional Diploma Information

Your diploma includes your name (as listed on your application for graduation), the degree awarded, and your primary major. If you are an undergraduate and graduate with Latin honors, that designation is also included on your diploma. Additional majors, concentrations, and minors are not typically listed.

Some universities offer Certified Electronic Diplomas (CeDiplomas) as electronic versions of your diploma. However, these may not be printable for security reasons.

If you need to update the name displayed on your diploma or change the shipping address, you can typically do so through your university account. You may need to provide legal documentation for name changes, such as a birth certificate, driver's license, divorce decree, or social security card.

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