Commencement FAQs for teaching credential students
Overview
Teaching credential candidates in a post-baccalaureate program (meaning you are not also pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree) are NOT required to submit a graduation application. The College of Education Student Success and Advising Center will provide the Commencement Department a list of candidate names and email addresses in late-March (including students for the entire academic year). Candidates will receive an invitation to access the Tassel portal through their CSULB SSO. Candidates who wish to participate at Commencement in May will be able to RSVP for their ceremony March 17-21.
We suggest candidates participate in the University Bookstore Grad Fair March 9-12, 2026. Grad | CSULB Bookstore
Is there a commencement ceremony for credential students?
Yes! Credential students participate in the College of Education Commencement Ceremony. See the Commencement website for the schedule of ceremonies.
The College of Education ceremony is 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the CSULB George Allen Field.
Who is eligible to participate in the College of Education Commencement Ceremony?
All teaching credential students who completed student teaching in the spring term, as well as those who completed in the fall term prior to the ceremony in May, or will complete student teaching in the fall term following the ceremony in May.
Do I need to apply for graduation?
NO! Since Credential students do NOT apply for graduation through MyCSULB Student Center. In late-March, the Student Success and Advising Center provides the Commencement team with a list of names based on those completing student teaching.
Credential students “request recommendation” of their credential at the completion of student teaching and credential requirements.
Where do I register to attend the commencement ceremony for the College of Education?
The Student Success and Advising Center provides the Commencement team with a list of names in late March based on those completing student teaching. This will initiate a series of email messages to candidates from the Commencement team so that you can sign up for the ceremony.
Visit the CSULB Commencement webpage for full details on how to register for the ceremony.
Where will the event be held? When do I get tickets?
Visit the CSULB Commencement webpage for full details.
How do I get a cap and gown, and which one do I wear?
Candidates rent a cap and gown from the University Bookstore. There is also an option to take portraits, order graduation announcements, and design a custom sash.
Credential students wear the same regalia as bachelor's degree candidates. This means use the light blue tassel, and do NOT order a master’s hood.
I still haven’t passed the CalTPA but I successfully finished student teaching, can I still participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes, candidates may still participate even if the CalTPA is not yet complete.
It’s April of the year I want to participate in Commencement and I still have not received any email communications from the Commencement team. What do I do?
Please contact the Student Success and Advising Center at ced-ssac@csulb.edu or (562) 985-1105
I also earned a degree this past year (bachelor’s or master’s). Which ceremony do I participate in?
Candidates can choose! Candidates are welcome to participate in either their home department/college or the College of Education. Due to space limitations, candidates may not participate in more than one ceremony.
