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. In addition, students must have earned a 2.00 in both their major and their minor in order to graduate. Please keep in mind that some courses may fulfill more than one requirement. An advisor will assist you in planning coursework in order to complete requirements in a timely manner.
Within the 120 credits, the Basic Skills, General Education, and major requirements must be fulfilled—see the Degree Requirements section for details. You must earn at least half of the major credits and the final 30 credits of your Arts and Sciences degree while enrolled as an Arts and Sciences student and not at another school.
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 Services (227 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.