How soon can new college graduates claim a degree on a job application?

You put on the app that you just completed and will have your degree in ___ weeks.

I know people that went 4 years, completed the degree only to find that the university isn't certified to offer that degree. (grambling state university - louisiana)

Until you have graduated and received your degree you don't have one, regardless of meeting requirements. You can not put your degree on an application until you hold it. What may be better, although a little long, is to explain the situation in your cover letter.

Just put the situation on your resume. You could potentially do something (or they could uncover something) in the meantime which would prevent you from getting the degree.

Want to tempt fate...talk to my buddy who lost a job at Facebook for basically the same reason.

I'd put requirements completed, degree to be conferred January 2014.

your documents should say "completed requirements for graduation, Bachelors of Arts Degree in Cinema or whatever it is, graduating December 2013"

enter your college education and degree in process