The Graduation Office supports PBSC students through every step of the graduation process — from understanding degree requirements to participating in the commencement ceremony. Let us help you celebrate your academic success and transition to the next chapter.
Palm Beach State College holds college-wide commencement events twice a year — once in December and again in May. You’ll be celebrated as a graduate and honored for all the determination and hard work that brought you to this milestone.
When you don your cap and gown, you’ll cross the stage to the sound of cheering family and friends and mark your momentous achievement by stepping boldly into your bright future as a proud PBSC alum.
All students must fulfill the general criteria to graduate from Palm Beach State College, regardless of the degree or certificate they will receive. The final responsibility for meeting the requirements for graduation rests with the student.
If you are in doubt about course, program or College requirements, please contact an academic advisor for clarification and guidance. We also recommend checking your academic progress in Workday to verify your fulfillment of degree requirements.
A detailed outline of all graduation requirements is available in the College Catalog Academic Policies section. The minimum requirements for all students is as follows:
Check to see if you have met all your degree requirements:
Step 1: Login to Workday
Step 2: Go to your picture in the top right corner of the page
All areas in coursework should show Satisfied or In Progress. If not, contact your academic advisor.
Who can help me ensure that I have met all my graduation requirements?
When you register for classes for the term in which you intend to graduate, please
contact your academic advisor via:
The State of Florida requires students to meet a Civic Literacy requirement to graduate with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or bachelor’s degree. To meet this requirement, a student must take and pass POS1041 Introduction to American Government, AMH2020 U.S. History after 1865 to present, or AMH2010 United States History to1877, and, if applicable, take the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE).
Is Civic Literacy a Graduation Requirement?
Yes. A student seeking an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or bachelor’s degree
will have to demonstrate competency before being awarded a degree.
Who should take the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)?
Prior to the award of an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or baccalaureate degree, any student
entering a Florida College System institution in the 2018-19 school year, and thereafter
must demonstrate competency in civic literacy before graduation.
In Fall of 2022, and thereafter, students receiving an Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.)/ Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) or baccalaureate degree must also demonstrate civic literacy competency.
How do I meet the Civic Literacy requirement?
Both an assessment and a course are required to meet the civic literacy competency
requirements for A.A., A.S. and baccalaureate students. There are a few options to
meet the course and assessment options:
Course Requirements:
Civic Literacy assessment options and standard scores:
When should I take the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE)?
The exam should be taken before a student’s final semester but no later than 15 business
days before the end of the academic term. This is to ensure that the student’s degree
can be awarded on the College’s conferral date for the term. Students who take the
FCLE after this window may not have their degree conferred until the end of the next
academic term and may not be able to participate in the ceremony.
How can I prepare for the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE)?
PBSC is offering several ways to support students to prepare for the FCLE:
Additional resources to support you.
What does the FCLE cover?
The FCLE assesses students' civic literacy competency. It includes 80 multiple-choice
questions and four domains with 20 questions in each section (American Democracy,
United States Constitution, Founding Documents, and Landmark Impact on Law and Society).
The passing score for the FCLE is 60%.
For PBSC students, the first exam is free. Should a retake be needed, a $10 fee would apply. For non-PBSC students, a fee of $10 will apply and thereafter. View testing fees.
Candidates can attempt an unlimited number of exams. Students cannot retest on the same day of taking this exam.
How do I take the test?
Students should speak with an academic advisor before contacting the testing center
to schedule an appointment.
Students can make an appointment to take the exam in the testing center using the College’s website.
For PBSC students, the first exam is free. Should a retake be needed, a $10 fee would apply. View testing fees.
Candidates can attempt an unlimited number of exams. Students cannot retest on the same day of taking this exam.
If you want to check your status or have additional questions, contact your academic advisor for assistance by either:
Palm Beach State College provides all graduates with one courtesy degree or certificate. In addition, a digital copy will be made available to you.
Transcripts reflect your degree has been conferred and can be ordered online. Your credentials (degrees and certificates) will be reflected on transcripts upon conferral.
When will I receive my certificate or diploma?
Diplomas are not distributed at the ceremony. It takes about 8-12 weeks to confer
degrees and prepare them for all program completers. Once the certificates and diplomas
are ready, they will be mailed via the United States Postal Service to the address
on file in your student Workday record. Palm Beach State College is not responsible
for diplomas that are lost, damaged, or not delivered due to an incomplete or incorrect
mailing address.
Where will my diploma be sent?
Diplomas will be sent to the mailing address that is in your Workday Student portal.
If your address has changed, please update it within 7 business days of your degree
conferral. This ensures that your certificate or diploma will be delivered to you.
I need to prove that I have completed my program for another school or my employer.
How do I prove that I graduated?
Should an employer or future school need proof that you graduated before you have
received your diploma, you can order an official transcript that will reflect your
awarded degree. Official transcripts will reflect your program of study completion/conferral
date. Employers and other schools usually want your official transcript, and not a
copy of your diploma.
Transcripts are the official proof of degree conferral. You may order the record now and select "hold for degree." The record will be sent on your behalf as soon as the degree is posted to your academic record.
Degree posting can take up to 7 days after the conferral date.
Transcripts can be requested via our credentialing service, Parchment. It will require you to provide your personal information as well as the recipient of the transcript. Orders are usually fulfilled within 1-3 business days. Please visit the transcripts web page for more information.
I did not receive my certificate or diploma. What should I do?
If it has been more than 6 months since the anticipated date for the receipt of your
degree, you may order a new diploma via our credentialing partner, Parchment.
I moved and my diploma was not forwarded to me. What should I do?
Palm Beach State College is not responsible for diplomas that are lost, damaged or
not delivered due to an incomplete or incorrect mailing address.
Diplomas returned to Palm Beach State College will be held in the graduation office on the Lake Worth campus for 6 months. You may email the graduation office to inquire if your diploma has been returned as undeliverable.
Any unclaimed diplomas or any diplomas returned as undeliverable by the USPS will be discarded after 6 months and must be reordered with full payment.
If it has been less than 6 months, please contact the graduation office for assistance.
I want multiple copies of my certificates/diplomas. How do I order them?
Once you have received your courtesy degree and have confirmed all the information
is correct, you may place an order for a duplicate diploma here: Parchment
Once your degree or certificate is conferred (posted) on your academic transcript, your program status will be changed to non-degree seeking. Non-degree-seeking students are not financial aid eligible.
If you plan to pursue an additional degree or certificate, a program of study change through Workday will be required. This change can be made in advance to be effective for the next academic term. Not submitting a change of program may have an adverse impact on your eligibility for financial aid. Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor to understand their next steps and options to continue their studies.
How do I submit a program of study change?
Students can submit a program of study change in Workday. Please use this link for instructions to submit the form. It will require you to sign in using your PBSC
credentials. Requests are processed in the order received and can take 15-20 business
days to process. If you need assistance, please contact the admissions office.
Can I take classes as a non-degree-seeking student?
Yes, you can take classes as a non-degree-seeking student. Students who are non-degree
seeking are not eligible to receive financial aid.
Can I still take classes using the degree that was just conferred instead of being
non-degree seeking?
Once a degree is conferred, students without a program of study change become non-degree
seeking and no additional classes will be used for that conferred degree. Students
can declare a new program of study or take courses as a non-degree-seeking student.
You are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor regarding your next steps.
I am applying to a limited access program, and I need to take prerequisite courses.
Can I use that program objective?
Students cannot declare a limited-access program as their program of study. The student
must apply and be accepted to a limited-access program. If a student needs to take
additional courses, they can take them as a non-degree-seeking student. Please speak
with an academic advisor regarding your next steps.
Four ceremonies: 9 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 4 p.m. | 7 p.m.
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Get Directions
It's time to celebrate all your hard work and countless hours of dedication that have brought you to this remarkable day! Celebrate this momentous occasion with pride, surrounded by the support of family and friends who have been part of your academic journey.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Kravis Center
PBSC celebrates graduates twice a year — so you’ve got options to shine!
Check out the details below to see what applies to your graduation term and start planning your moment.
Spring graduates are invited to participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony.
How to RSVP for Spring 2026 Commencement
Where Do I Get My Regalia?
Regalia includes your cap, gown, and tassel. All graduates are required to wear official PBSC regalia, which can be purchased through the College Bookstore or on the day of Commencement. The Graduation Office does not provide regalia, cords, or stoles.
Honor Society members should contact their advisor to obtain special regalia, as it is not sold in the bookstore.
Stoles are permitted; however, draping or flags that cover the gown are not allowed. Cap decorations must be flat with no hanging items, and any 3D decorations may not extend more than 1 inch.
How Many Guests Can I Have?
Graduates may invite up to five (5) guests. Guest tickets will be issued by the Kravis
Center a few days prior to the ceremony. Depending on capacity, additional tickets
may be available at the box office one hour before the ceremony.
Where Do I Park?
Ceremony parking at the Kravis Center is complimentary. Parking vouchers will be issued
a few days prior to the ceremony. Vouchers are valid one hour before the ceremony
and continuing through its conclusion. Guests and graduates are asked to exit the
parking area within 30 minutes after the ceremony ends.
Accessibility Request(s) For Graduates And/Or Guests
Palm Beach State College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive celebration for all graduates and their guests.
To request accommodations, please submit the Accessibility Accommodations Request Form by Tuesday, May 5. For additional information or questions, contact CSA@pbsc.edu.
Summer graduates are invited to participate in Fall Grad Walk.
Can I participate in the Spring commencement ceremony even if I won't complete my
requirements until the end of the Summer academic term?
In general, all Summer term program completers are invited to the Fall Grad Walk ceremony.
As a courtesy, students who have met all graduation requirements or have 6 or fewer
credits remaining — and are registered for those courses — must meet with an academic
advisor to request participation in the Spring ceremony. This policy may change based
on the size of the graduating class and the venue hosting the ceremony.
If I have more than 6 credits and will complete my classes in the Summer term, may
I participate in Spring commencement?
Due to capacity limitations, students with 7 or more credits may not participant in
the Spring commencement ceremony. All Summer term program completers are invited to
the Fall Grad Walk ceremony.
If I participate in the Spring commencement ceremony and do not complete my program
until the Summer academic term, will my name appear in the Spring commencement booklet?
Summer graduates will appear in the Fall commencement booklet. If a Summer term completer
RSVP's by the deadline date, every effort will be made to include them in the booklet
but this is not a guarantee of inclusion.
Fall and summer graduates are invited to participate in Fall Grad Walk.
What is a Grad Walk?
Grad Walk is a personalized alternative to a traditional commencement ceremony. Graduates
will have the opportunity to cross the stage at a time they select. During this time,
the graduate’s name will be announced as family and guests capture the occasion with
photos. This format provides a flexible, intimate celebration that honors each graduate’s
achievement.
How many guests can I have?
Graduates may invite up to seven (7) guests.
Where do I get my regalia?
What if I want to attend a traditional ceremony?
Fall graduates who also wish to participate in Spring Commencement must notify the
Graduation Office by April 15, 2026.
The Foundation for PBSC invites Class of 2026 graduates to make a gift to the General Scholarship Fund to support future graduates in their educational goals.
With a minimum gift of $20.26, you will receive a Panther Pride Cord to wear with your cap and gown. Your Panther Pride Cord signifies your pride as an alumnus and a lifelong PBSC Panther!
Use these hashtags: #PBSCgrad and #PBSCgrad2026
Be sure to hashtag your photos, videos and stories so we can repost and share your accomplishment with the world.
