Graduation Requirements
In this section:
Graduation Requirements
A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree requires a minimum of 120 credits (approximately 40 courses), with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00. Students must earn at least a 2.00 GPA in their major in order to graduate. Within the 120 credits, the skills, General Education Requirements, and requirements for the major, related area, and/or minor must be fulfilled. Advisors will assist students in planning coursework to complete their requirements in a timely manner. Students must earn at least half of the major credits and the final 30 credits of their Arts and Sciences degree while enrolled as an Arts and Sciences student and not at another school.
Students must earn at least 12 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in a related area specified by the department of their major. The major department may choose to approve these 12 credits in a single department, thematic cluster, geographic grouping, or some other combination. Completion of the requirements for a certificate program usually fulfills the related area requirement, at the discretion of the major department. The algebra and writing requirements may not be used as part of a related area. Students should check with their advisors for approvals to pursue a planned related area of study.
Students may substitute an approved minor for the related area. Students must complete the minor with a 2.00 GPA and indicate the minor on the application for graduation. Students who complete an approved minor will have it listed on their transcript, provided that the minor is indicated on the application for graduation. At least half of the credits earned for the minor must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh.
Graduation Application
When it comes time for you to graduate, we require you to file a graduation application with Student Records in the associate dean's office, 140 Thackeray Hall, before the end of the term preceding the term you expect to graduate. Please check with the Office of Student Records, 140 Thackeray Hall, for the deadline to turn in your graduation application. When Student Records receives your application, they will review your academic record before you begin your final term. You will be notified via e-mail sent to your official University e-mail address of any issue discovered during the appraisal of your record. If an issue is discovered, please discuss it with your departmental advisor during the add/drop period of your final term.
The caps, gowns, and hoods that are required for commencement ceremonies are available for purchase through the University Book Center, usually in late March. We expect candidates for graduation to appear in person at commencement ceremonies to receive their degrees. Diplomas are mailed to graduates at the address indicated on their graduation applications.
If you wish to graduate in four years, please discuss the following with your advisor:
- Take as close to 15 credits per term as possible. If you fall behind the 30 credit per year goal, make up the missing credits as soon as you can; the best time to do this is during Summer Sessions rather than overloading your schedule during the year.
- A 15-credit course load translates to approximately 45 hours per week of academic activity. For every one hour of class time, you should expect to study approximately two hours outside of class (including library, computer labs, writing, homework, and study time). Time management is critical to academic success. Because of the amount of time required for coursework, it is recommended that students keep outside obligations, such as part-time jobs, to a minimum. Learn and use the time management skills and study strategies that are necessary for college success.
- Complete your basic skills requirements, such as Algebra and Seminar in Composition, on time and strive to complete General Education Requirements by the end of your junior year.
- Declare a major by the end of your sophomore year. Speak with your academic advisor about this in your individual appointments. While you are exploring areas of interest, ask people about their jobs, research what they do, what kind of education they had, and whether they like their work. To get information concerning potential careers, visit Career Development (224 William Pitt Union) and the Counseling Center (334 William Pitt Union) early in your college career.
- Apply yourself to your coursework, and earn good grades. If you fail or withdraw from courses, you will have to make up the equivalent credits, and this may impede your academic progress as well as potentially hinder your financial aid. Get the help you need to succeed. Visit the Academic Resource Center to find out about free tutoring, study groups, and skills workshops.
- Go to class. Missing class is the primary reason for low grades. Make use of faculty office hours. Your instructors are here to assist you and answer questions. They can also help you understand ways to improve academic performance before withdrawing from a course.
- Your academic career is your responsibility; be actively involved in it. Be knowledgeable and alert. Come prepared to your advisor meetings; know where you stand in regard to your academic progress and requirements. When you are organized, you are on top of your game.