Apply to receive your degree or certificate

Congratulations on your achievement!

For all prospective CCBC graduates

Please note the following important information regarding your Application for Graduation.
  • For May 2023 graduation: Application deadline is March 15.*
  • For August 2023 graduation:  Application deadline is May 15.
  • For December 2023 graduation: Application deadline is September 15.
* Apply by the deadline to ensure timely communication regarding commencement.

Graduation fee

You must pay the graduation fee in order to receive your diploma.

Payment options
  • Enclose a check or money order with your mailed application.
  • Pay the fee through your student account. Mail your application for graduation without enclosing payment. A charge for the graduation fee will be placed on your student account. You may then log into SIMON to view the charge and pay the fee.
  • Submit a completed application with payment at the Bursar's Office on campus.
Degree and certificate conferral
  • Degrees and certificates are conferred three times per year: August, December, May.
  • Conferral dates printed on diplomas and certificates are: August 31, December 31, May 31.
  • Degrees and certificates will post on transcripts approximately 2-4 weeks after the end of the semester.  Updated transcripts are viewable through SIMON.
  • Diplomas will be mailed approximately 4-5 weeks after the end of the semester.  Diplomas are mailed to the address on file with the college.
  • CCBC holds one commencement ceremony, for degree graduates, following the spring semester.

Additional information about the process

What is the difference between applying to graduate and the commencement ceremony?

Applying to Graduate - is a request to have your academic records reviewed for completion of your program.  If requirements are met, your degree and/or certificate is awarded and is posted to your transcript.

 Commencement Ceremony - celebrates the completion of a degree(s).  Participation in the commencement ceremony does not imply that you have officially graduated. The commencement ceremony is reserved for students earning a degree(s).

Submitting your application

Applications can be mailed to the Registrar's Office or submitted in person at the Bursar's Office. 

Mailing Address:  
CCBC Essex
Student Services Center, Room 015
7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21237-3899

Graduation requirements

A student is eligible to receive an associate degree if the following requirements are met:
  • Completes all course requirements in a given program. An associate degree requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours in either a transfer or career program.
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.0. The A.A.T. degree requires a 2.75 GPA.
  • Earns at least 15 credits of a curriculum at CCBC. 
  • Completes the General Education requirements.
  • Meets financial and academic obligations to the college.
  • Submits an application for graduation with the fee to the Registrar’s office by the published due date.

A certificate is awarded to a student enrolled in a career or transfer program who meets the following requirements:
  • Completes the course requirements of the program with a minimum overall 2.0 GPA. 
  • Completes at least 25 percent of the credits required in the certificate program at CCBC. 
  • Meets financial and academic obligations. 
  • Submits an application for graduation with the fee to the Registrar’s office by the published due date.

Application instructions

Submit your graduation application by the due date listed in the above chart. CCBC will complete a degree audit and notify you if you are missing any requirements. If any courses are missing, be sure to enroll in the next semester or session to graduate.
  • If you will complete requirements for both a degree and a certificate, submit a separate graduation application for each award. Be sure to enter the correct program title on your application
  • Specify the catalog year you followed in order to meet graduation requirements.
  • If necessary, update your records on the Change of Information form in order to receive information about graduation and commencement. Your diploma will be printed using your name as it appears in our student database.

Application fee

There is a non-refundable graduation fee of $75 for an associate degree and a fee of $50 for a certificate. If you will receive both a degree and a certificate, the fee is $75. 

Payment Options:

  • Enclose a check or money order with your mailed application.
  • Pay the fee through your student account. Mail your application for graduation without enclosing payment. A charge for the graduation fee will be placed on your student account. You may then log into SIMON to view the charge and pay the fee.
  • Submit a completed application with payment at the Bursar's Office on campus.
Effective spring semester 2018, the payment of a single graduation fee is sufficient for receipt of one or more certificates and/or associate degrees. Applications for subsequent certificates/degrees must be submitted within 24 months of receipt of the initial certificate/degree payment to honor the single payment policy.

For further details, email our Graduation Team.

Degree audits

CCBC is now using DegreeWorks, a web-based audit tool designed to help you track your progress towards degree/certificate completion.