Undergraduate diplomas haven’t been in Latin since 1961, yet the abbreviation is still A.B. J.F. Pusey made English the official language on Harvard diplomas. Students were furious that they would be getting a “YMCA Certificate,” according to The Crimson.

Originally, diplomas were letters of introduction given to travelers by the Roman government. For centuries, Latin served as a convenient common language among educated people around the world.

Latin Diploma Translations

• Harvard University.
• Yale University.
• Princeton University.
• Brown University.
• University of Pennsylvania.
• Dartmouth College.
• Boston College.
• Tufts University.

Receiving Your Diploma

1. Diploma pickup: To make an appointment for in-office pick-up, email [email protected]
2. Diploma mailing: To have your diploma mailed to you, please complete the Diploma Mailing Request online and submit your online payment for shipping costs.
3. Certified Electronic Diploma.

Your Latin diploma has a long history in higher education. As the once-universal language, Latin is still the language of diplomas at many top-name colleges and universities. This custom is often a sign of the history and prestige associated with the institutions that still issue diplomas in Latin.

We are a fully accredited Harvard school. Our degrees and certificates are adorned with the Harvard University insignia. They carry the weight of that lineage. Our graduates walk at University commencement and become members of the Harvard Alumni Association.

Many current diplomas of Catholic and secular universities are in Latin, which includes Fordham University, Boston College, Yale University, Princeton University, Seton Hall University, and Georgetown University.

All Georgetown University graduates earn the official Georgetown diploma, written in Latin, reflecting the history, tradition, and values of the University. Graduates will also receive a traditional blue and gray ribbon to display alongside their diploma.

Your legal name, which appears on your official academic record and transcript, will be printed on the diploma. All majors, minors, options and honors earned at the time the degree is awarded will be printed on the diploma.

Summa cum laude
Summa cum laude, which means “with highest honor” in Latin, is the highest academic award designated for students in the top one to five percent of a class or those with a GPA between 3.9 and 4.0.

In the event that a diploma is lost, stolen, damaged, or you’ve had a name change, a request for a replacement can be made to [email protected] Please attach a signed cover letter explaining the reason for the replacement request.

In order for the degree to be granted, the Department must register an official Recommendation in the my.harvard Graduation Tracker. Instructions on how to navigate the Graduation Tracker can be found here . All PhD students must register continuously until completion of the requirements for the degree.

If a student applies but does not receive the degree, a new application must to be submitted for a future degree conferral date. In order for the degree to be granted, the Department must register an official Recommendation in the my.harvard Graduation Tracker.

The degree application is available through your “My Program” on my.Harvard.edu. Detailed instructions on how to apply can be found in the Knowledge Center . In unusual circumstances late applications may be accepted for the one week past the deadline only; a late fee of $50 will be applied to the student term bill.