EMU Today

YPSILANTI – More and more Eastern Michigan University students are experiencing that exciting moment when they walk across the stage and have their name called at commencement, the culmination of years of hard work and focused learning.

A total of 4,596 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees were awarded during the 2017 academic year, reflecting steady 10-year growth and an increase of 7.5 percent from 2008, according to University figures.  

During that span, the amount of undergraduate degrees awarded increased 13.5 percent, from 2,981 in 2008 to 3,382 last year.

Doctoral degrees also showed significant growth, more than tripling from 2008 to 2017, while the number of master’s degrees remained relatively stable.

While the overall number of degrees conferred for the 2018 academic year won’t be available until the end of the academic year, in August, a total of 2,669 degree candidates have registered for EMU’s 2018 winter commencement, to be held on Saturday, April 21 in the Convocation Center. This includes 1,897 undergraduates, 762 graduate students and 10 doctoral candidates.

That number exceeds the number of registered degree candidates in recent years.

Eastern’s increased graduation numbers contributed to the University scoring among the highest in the State of Michigan performance metrics, in which Eastern was tied with one other university for the highest score in the state.

“The increasing graduation numbers are gratifying, and indicate EMU continues to enhance its academic offerings, advising services and overall support of students,” said Rhonda Longworth, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs. “

Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Donna Inch, an Eastern Michigan University alumnus who enjoyed a highly successful career as a leading automotive executive, will serve as commencement speakers for the University’s two graduation ceremonies.

Dingell will speak at the afternoon ceremony and Inch will speak at the morning commencement. Dingell will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, and Inch will receive an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree.

The ceremonies will be held at the EMU Convocation Center. The morning commencement will begin at 9:30 a.m., for graduates of the College of Health and Human Services, the College of Education and the College of Business. The afternoon ceremony, which starts at 1:30 p.m., is for graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Technology.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.