Virginia Tech® home

College of Engineering Master's Commencement

Students at Masters Commencement

College of Engineering Master's Commencement Ceremony #4 

Saturday, May 16, from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm, in Cassell Coliseum (For COE Undergradate Commencement Ceremonies #1, #2, and #3 go here)

  • Master of Science
  • Master of Engineering
  • Master of Engineering Administration

GET READY TO GRADUATE:

  • Apply for your Degree
    • All students must apply for your degree on Hokie Spa for Virginia Tech to know the semester and year you plan to complete your degree requirements.
  • Review your mailing address. 
    • Confirm in HokieSPA that your address is your permanent address that the University can use for the mailing of your diploma.
  • Review your confidentiality settings.
    • If your entire record is marked confidential in HokieSPA your degree cannot be verified for prospective employers.

ATTENDING COMMENCEMENT:

  • Register for the College of Engineering Commencement Ceremony 
    • College of Engineering students need to register to participate in the May/Spring COE Commencement Ceremonies.  Invitations and registration instructions will be sent around March 2026 from commencement@mail.eng.vt.edu to students who applied for their degree on Hokie Spa for fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026 and summer 2026. The deadline to register will be April 2026.
  •  Get a cap and gown
    • Order your cap, gown, tassel, hood from the University Bookstore.
  • Get cords and stoles.
    • Pick up cords and stoles from the appropriate organizations/offices.
  • Review and make plans for ceremony.

COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND:

  • University Commencement: Friday, May 15
    • For all graduates, any level, and their families.
    • You will NOT cross the stage.
    • Wear your cap, gown, and hood.
    • No registration required.
  • College of Engineering Commencement Ceremonies: Saturday, May 16
    • For graduating Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Master of Engineering Administration students and their families.
    • You WILL cross the stage.
    • Wear your cap, gown, and hood.
    • Limit guests to 10 people. 
    • Share this link with your guests!  

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE DAY:

  • ARRIVING
    • Parking on campus is free on Saturday.  No parking pass is required.  
    • Arrive to Cassell Coliseum and enter through the Graduate Entrance located off of Beamer Way (between Cassell Coliseum and the Merryman Athletic Center as shown on this map
    • Review Prohibited Items and note CLEAR BAG POLICY is in effect.
    • Arrive no earlier than 1 hour prior to your ceremony start time and be seated no later than 30 minutes prior to your ceremony.
    • You are highly encouraged to bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. There is no concession access for graduates.
    • Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. 
    • Add your StagePass to your mobile wallet or print.
    • You must have your StagePass to participate in the ceremony.  
    • You must have a cap and gown to participate. 
    • Have your gown unzipped for security upon your arrival
  • ONCE THROUGH SECURITY
    • Zip your gown back up.
    • Tassel on left
    • There will be no processional.
    • Seating will be general seating.
  • THE CEREMONY
    • Speakers
      • There will be a few brief remarks from the deans and student speaker. 
    • Crossing the stage
      • Marshals will direct you to the stage at the appropriate time; have your StagePass ready to scan. 
      • Scan your StagePass and cross the stage slowly and calmly
      • Use stairs to exit stage; use caution, the stairs are very steep.
    • Photography
      • After crossing the stage, you will have your official commencement photo taken by GradImages. If you have any questions regarding these photos, contact GradImages at gradimages.com and or (800) 261-2576  or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
      • Stay in line in the order you crossed stage; deviating may cause your name/pictures to be out of order.      
    • Return to your seat
      • Once you have your photo taken, you will proceed back to your section until the end of the ceremony.
      • All ceremonies are expected to last two hours; plan your time accordingly.
    • Conclusion 
      • Remain seated until the stage party exits.
      • You will be dismissed, and the ceremony is concluded.

DIPOLMAS:

  • Diplomas will be mailed to graduating students as soon as possible, they will not be handed out at the ceremony.
  • Double check your mailing address and read the How will I get my diploma?  FAQ for complete details.  

GUESTS:

  • Remind your guests of the Prohibited Items and note CLEAR BAG POLICY is in effect.
  • All guests should enter through the main Coliseum Entrances.
  • Graduates are requested to limit guests to 10 people (no tickets are required for your guests).
  • Seating: General
  • Arrange a meeting place with your guests for after the ceremony and outside of Cassell Coliseum.
  • Guests may only bring in a factory sealed bottle of water. Concessions will be available at Cassell Coliseum, but payment will be credit card only, no cash.
  • Watch Live

Please note: If you are a PhD candidate, your commencement ceremony will be with the Graduate School

Seating Map

Seating chart ceremony 4

COE Commencement Spring 2026

COE Commencement Ceremonies

Important Commencement Information