MTSU Graduation 2026
Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies at Murphy Center: schedule by college, venue details, parking, and livestream.
May 8–9, 2026 · Murphy Center · Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Spring 2026 Commencement: Quick Answer
Middle Tennessee State University holds Spring 2026 commencement on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM and Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. All three ceremonies take place at Murphy Center, 2650 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. Ceremonies are split by college, with graduate students participating with their major's academic college. The ceremonies are livestreamed at mtsunews.com/graduation-info.
Spring 2026 Ceremony Schedule
Friday, May 8, 2026 — 3:00 PM
- College of Basic and Applied Sciences
- University College
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — 9:00 AM
- College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
- College of Liberal Arts
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — 2:00 PM
- College of Education
- Jennings A. Jones College of Business
- Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment
Source: mtsu.edu/graduation. Graduate students participate with their major's academic college.
Venue: Murphy Center
Murphy Athletic Center, commonly called Murphy Center, is the host venue for MTSU commencement. The arena opened in 1972 and serves as the home court for MTSU men's and women's basketball. With capacity for roughly 11,520 attendees, Murphy Center is the largest indoor space on campus and the natural choice for university-wide ceremonies. The building is named for former MTSU athletics director and coach Charles M. "Bubber" Murphy.
Address: 2650 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
For more on the venue, visit our Murphy Center guide.
Plan Your Day
Arrival & Parking
Arrive 60–90 minutes early. Use the Rutherford Boulevard parking garage and surrounding surface lots. MTSU Parking Services typically opens additional lots and posts directional signage on commencement days. Expect heavy traffic on Greenland Drive and Middle Tennessee Blvd before each ceremony.
Livestream
Each ceremony is livestreamed through MTSU News. Friends and family who cannot attend in person can watch live at mtsunews.com/graduation-info.
Where to Eat
Murfreesboro has dozens of restaurants near MTSU. Browse our guides to best restaurants, brunch spots, and steakhouses to plan a graduation meal.
Where to Stay
Out-of-town guests can choose from hotels in Murfreesboro near the MTSU campus. Book early — graduation weekends fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is MTSU graduation 2026?
MTSU Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies are held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM and Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. All three ceremonies take place at Murphy Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
What is the MTSU Spring 2026 commencement schedule by college?
Friday, May 8 at 3:00 PM: College of Basic and Applied Sciences and University College. Saturday, May 9 at 9:00 AM: College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and College of Liberal Arts. Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM: College of Education, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, and Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment. Graduate students participate with their major's academic college.
Where is MTSU graduation held?
MTSU graduation ceremonies are held at Murphy Center, located at 2650 Middle Tennessee Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. Murphy Center is the university's primary indoor venue and seats approximately 11,520 for graduation. The arena has hosted MTSU commencements for decades along with men's and women's basketball.
Can I watch MTSU graduation online?
Yes. MTSU livestreams its commencement ceremonies through MTSU News at mtsunews.com/graduation-info. Family and friends who cannot attend in person can watch the ceremony live online. Recordings are typically posted afterward.
Do I need a ticket to attend MTSU commencement?
MTSU commencement ceremonies have historically been open to graduates' families and friends without ticketed admission, though seating at Murphy Center is limited. Graduates and guests should check the official MTSU graduation page (mtsu.edu/graduation) before the ceremony for the most current ticketing, guest limit, and access policies.
Where do I park for MTSU graduation at Murphy Center?
Parking on the MTSU campus is available in surface lots and the Rutherford Boulevard parking garage near Murphy Center. On commencement days, MTSU Parking Services typically opens additional lots and provides directional signage. Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before your ceremony time, as Murphy Center fills quickly and traffic on Greenland Drive and Middle Tennessee Boulevard backs up.
What time should I arrive for MTSU commencement?
Plan to arrive at Murphy Center at least 60–90 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time. Doors typically open about an hour before each ceremony. Arriving early helps with parking, security screening at the entrance, and finding seating, especially for the larger Saturday afternoon ceremony.
Is there a fall or summer MTSU commencement?
Yes. MTSU holds three commencements per year — spring (May), summer (August), and fall (December) — all at Murphy Center. Spring is the largest, and summer and fall typically have a single combined ceremony. Confirm dates each term at mtsu.edu/graduation.