GRADUATION VS. COMMENCEMENT
Yesterday, I was the proud father as one of my daughters graduated from the university; she was the first of the three daughters. Granted, the main ceremony was extra-long plus it was sunny and extra hot after the threat of rain.
Did you graduate this spring? If so, congratulations. Congratulations on the well-deserved accomplishment of completing your degree. And congratulations on the start of your “life” after graduation.
But wait – what is the difference between graduation and commencement? In some respect, they are the same – see definitions below.
University of New Mexico 2022 Commencement
Graduation – the receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma.
Commencement – a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students.
However, the term commencement also has the additional definition: a beginning or start.
So, while, both celebrate your degree, the latter – commencement highlights the beginning of your life after your degree.
What are your plans as you begin your life?
For many graduating with a preprofessional undergraduate degree is architecture, the next step is an additional degree. Many graduates with the B.S. degree will continue directly to the Master of Architecture. Others will take time away from education to pursue their professional career and return later for their graduate degree. But the vast majority will be graduating with the NAAB Professional degree (see below) and enter the workforce.
According to the 2020 NAAB Annual Report, the following accredited degree were awarded in AY 2019-2020: 3,572 (59%) MArch, 2,493 (41%) BArch, and 14 (0.2) DArch. In addition, 2,993 preprofessional degrees were awarded.
Regardless of what you do next, know that individuals in your life (family and friends) are very proud of your accomplishment and will always be on your side.
From your friends at ARCHCareersGuide.com, CONGRATULATIONS — we wish you the best in your next step; do contact us if you need assistance.
Below is from a store marquee from my graduation in 1984.
University of Michigan Commencement 1984 – Speaker: Walter Cronkite.