Date Conferred: What Is It And How To Use It On A Resume

When applying for professional licenses, advanced education programs, or certain jobs that necessitate a degree, you’ll likely need to provide the date your degree was conferred. Many mistakenly assume this is merely the date of their graduation ceremony, but the reality is more nuanced.

In this article, we’ll clarify what “date conferred” means, how to accurately represent it on your resume and applications, and the procedure your institution follows to confer your degree.

Key Takeaways

• The terms “date conferred” and “date completed” refer to different events: the conferral date is when your school formally awards your diploma, while the completion date is when you fulfill all degree requirements.

• Degree conferral can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months after your last exam.

• You can confirm your degree has been conferred by checking your transcript for the designation “conferred” or “awarded.”

What Does “Date Conferred” Mean?

The date your degree is conferred is the official date when you graduate from your program, which is often what applications request.

Contrary to common belief, this is not the date of your commencement ceremony. Institutions typically conduct audits to ensure all academic requirements are satisfied before granting your degree.

• These requirements may include passing all required courses, completing clinical hours, and settling all tuition fees.

• The conferral date is also not the date you receive your diploma in the mail, as mailing times can vary.

• This date usually passes without much fanfare, as it is when the school completes your audit and updates your transcript to indicate that your degree has been awarded.

• You can find your conferral date on your official transcript, which many institutions provide online. Alternatively, contacting the registrar’s office can clarify your status.

  Your transcript will indicate if your degree status is “in progress,” “completed,” or “conferred” (or “awarded”). If it states “conferred” or “awarded,” congratulations—you have officially graduated.

How to Use “Date Conferred” on a Resume

When listing your degree and the date it was conferred on your resume, it’s advisable to create a distinct “Education” section. This structure helps hiring managers quickly locate essential information.

In this section, you can include various educational qualifications:

• High school diploma

• Associate’s degrees

• Undergraduate degrees

• Graduate degrees

• Doctoral degrees

• Honorary degrees

However, you don’t need to include all of these unless relevant. If you’ve achieved any postsecondary education, it’s generally assumed you have a high school diploma, so it’s typically unnecessary to list it unless it’s your highest qualification.

For each degree, include the specific title, the institution from which you obtained it, and the date conferred—this can be the exact date or simply the month and year. You may also choose to add the start date of your studies, any honors received, or minors and concentrations.

Degree Completed vs. Degree Conferred

Some applications may inquire about a “degree completed” date, which differs from the “degree conferred” date.

• Degree completed. This date indicates when you’ve met all academic requirements for your degree program. For some, this might be immediately after final exams, while for others, it may require completing additional fieldwork or training hours.

• Degree conferred. This occurs after you’ve fulfilled all requirements, settled any outstanding fees, and passed the registrar’s audit of your records.

Most organizations will not request your completion date if you can provide your conferral date. However, some may require both dates, particularly in fields like medicine, where verifying completion is crucial.

It’s also important to note that organizations may inquire about this date if you indicate that your degree is “completed but not conferred.” Keep reading for more information on this topic.

What Does Degree Completed but Not Conferred Mean for a Resume?

If you have met all academic requirements but have not yet received your diploma, you should indicate “Degree completed but not conferred” on your application. This communicates that while you haven’t received your diploma, you are on track to do so.

Organizations recognize that the degree conferral process can take time, so they typically accept this status, allowing you to proceed with your application. However, they may reserve the right to adjust your applicant or employee status if your degree is not conferred as expected.

Avoid presenting your degree completion date as your conferral date, as many organizations will verify your status with your school. Any discrepancies could negatively impact your application.

There is a reason for the option “Degree completed but not conferred,” so don’t hesitate to select that option if applicable.

How Long Does It Take for a Degree to Be Conferred?

The degree conferral process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The duration varies for each individual, as the process is more complex than many realize, and the registrar must review each student’s records.

Some steps are dependent on the student, while others occur behind the scenes. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. You complete your classes. That sense of relief you feel after your last exam is just the beginning. Your professor submits final grades to the registrar, required shortly after exams. The registrar then updates your transcript and verifies that you’ve passed all classes.

2. You submit paperwork to the registrar. This typically includes an application to graduate or similar forms, often requiring payment of any outstanding balances before your degree can be conferred. In some cases, students may need to complete this paperwork prior to finals to expedite the process.

3. You participate in your graduation ceremony. Congratulations! After all the studying and stress, it’s time to celebrate. However, don’t be surprised if your diploma cover is empty; further steps are needed before your degree is officially awarded.

4. The registrar conducts an audit. Following your ceremony, the registrar reviews student records to confirm eligibility for diplomas. While this process may begin earlier in the semester, they will verify all necessary documentation and completed classes at the end, which is why timelines vary.

5. Your diploma is mailed. Once the audit is complete, the registrar updates your transcript to reflect that your degree is “awarded” or “conferred” and sends your diploma. Since mail delivery times vary, it’s wise to check your transcript regularly a few weeks after graduation. Organizations requesting your conferral date do not require the physical diploma, just confirmation that you have earned it.

   If you notice that your peers have received their diplomas while you have not, make sure to check your student account or contact the registrar to ensure everything is in order. There may be an outstanding fee or an additional form you need to complete.

When Can I Say I Have a Degree?

You can legally state that you have a degree once your transcript indicates that your degree has been “awarded” or “conferred,” when you receive your diploma, or when the registrar provides written confirmation.

Additionally, you may claim to have a degree if you are awarded an honorary degree, which recognizes significant achievements in a particular field, even without completing formal coursework.

However, you cannot legally claim to have a degree simply upon finishing finals or walking across the graduation stage, although celebrating your accomplishments is certainly encouraged.

Conferred Graduation Date FAQ

1. What does conferral mean?

   Conferral means that the institution has officially and legally awarded you a degree. You must have met all academic and administrative requirements for this award, and the school has conducted an audit to confirm your eligibility.

2. How do I know when my degree is conferred?

   You’ll know your degree is conferred when your official transcript states either “Awarded” or “Conferred.” This information is typically located at the top of your transcript. Remember, “Completed” does not equate to conferral; the institution must still verify all requirements.

3. Is the conferral date the same as the graduation date?

   No, the conferral date is not synonymous with the graduation date. You may graduate upon completing your classes, but before fulfilling all financial and administrative obligations. While it’s possible for both dates to coincide, it is generally coincidental.

4. Is a degree conferred or awarded?

   Both terms can be used interchangeably to describe the same status of a degree. The distinction in terminology may vary by institution, but you can use either word when discussing your degree’s status.

5. How long does it take to get a degree conferred?

   Degree conferral can take from 2 weeks to several months after completing your program. However, unless there are concerns regarding your audit, you can still list your graduation date on your resume.

   Just ensure you accurately respond to any inquiries regarding whether your degree is completed but not yet conferred.

References

1. Arizona State University – What Does Conferral Date Mean?

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.