I finished my degree earlier this summer, but discovered now I must wait many months for the school to process the paperwork, and the graduation ceremony will be in 5 months. Is the degree awarded only when studnets recieve the award on stage? I need to report that I have a master's degree, so I can get an increased salary, but can't do so until I officially have the degree.
You have it as soon as it is showing in your student records. My degree awarded dates are before the actual commencement ceremony.
Typically, degrees are awarded throughout the year, but are not presented until commencement. (You don't get the diploma until then.) Typically, your school will award the degree on a particular date and will attest to this by letter and/or transcript. The date of the presentation (again, commencement) is immaterial.
Commencement is the party. Your college will tell you when your degree requirements have been met. If they are met, go on and report it! No one cares if you have your diploma yet, that's just a keepsake.
Europeans care. They still use the diploma itself as proof of award. I had to bust mine out their frames once, it was annoying.
Some schools also have a conferral date. That's the date your transcripts are updated to show that the degree has been awarded. The college I teach for does that. We have one graduation date each year in May, but three conferral dates, one for fall, winter and summer. -Matt
All I have ever received on stage is a piece of paper saying "congratulations". On one occasion I still had to complete my thesis.
