Graduation requirements audit

43 steps across 7 sections

1. Degree Audit Tools

  • What is a degree audit? A degree audit is an analytical tool that compares your completed coursework against the requirements for your degree program, showing what you have fulfilled and what remains outstanding
  • Where to access it: Most schools provide degree audits through their online student portal (e.g., DegreeWorks, Stellic, uAchieve, Degree Navigator); log in and look under "Academics" or "Degree Progress"
  • How to read it: Audits typically use checkmarks or color coding — green/complete, yellow/in-progress, red/not yet satisfied; unfulfilled requirements are listed with the specific courses or credit types still needed
  • Run it every semester. Do not wait until senior year; catching a missing requirement early gives you time to schedule the course without delaying graduation
  • "What-if" analysis: Many degree audit tools let you run hypothetical scenarios, such as "what if I changed my major to X" or "what if I added a minor in Y," showing how your existing credits would apply
  • Limitations: Degree audits are automated tools and can contain errors; they may not reflect very recent course substitutions, transfer credit evaluations, or catalog year exceptions; always verify with an advisor

2. Credit Requirements

  • Total credits needed: Most bachelor's degrees require 120-130 semester credit hours (or 180-195 quarter credits); check your specific program
  • Transfer credits: Verify that all transfer credits from other institutions have been evaluated and posted correctly to your transcript; follow up with the registrar if any are missing
  • AP/IB/CLEP credits: Ensure exam-based credits were applied correctly; policies on which scores earn credit and for which courses vary by institution
  • Maximum transfer credit limits: Most schools cap transfer credits at 60-90 hours; the remaining credits must be earned at the degree-granting institution
  • Repeated course credits: If you retook a course, make sure the duplicate is not being counted toward your total; only the replacement grade should count (per your school's policy)
  • Credit by portfolio/experience: Some schools accept Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits; ensure these are reflected on your audit

3. Gpa Minimums

  • Overall cumulative GPA: Most programs require a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation; some honors programs, competitive majors, or graduate-bound tracks require 2.5-3.0+
  • Major GPA: Many departments require a minimum GPA specifically within major courses (often 2.0 or 2.5); this is calculated separately from your cumulative GPA
  • Minor GPA: If you declared a minor, there may be a separate minimum GPA for minor coursework
  • Grade requirements for specific courses: Some programs require a C or better (not C-minus) in core courses; a D may earn credit but not satisfy the requirement
  • Latin honors thresholds: If you are close to graduating with honors, know the cutoffs — typically 3.5 (cum laude), 3.7 (magna cum laude), 3.9 (summa cum laude), though these vary by school

4. Major, Minor, And General Education Requirements

  • Catalog year matters. You follow the graduation requirements from your catalog year (the year you entered or declared your major); if requirements changed, you may be "grandfathered" under older rules
  • General education (gen-ed): Typically includes English composition, math, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and diversity/global perspectives courses; 30-50 credits total
  • Major core courses: Required courses every student in the major must complete; no substitutions allowed without department approval
  • Major electives: Courses chosen from an approved list within your major; verify that each course you took actually appears on the approved list for your catalog year
  • Minor requirements: Usually 15-21 credits of specified coursework; double-check that no more than 2-3 courses overlap between your major and minor (most schools limit double-counting)
  • Course substitutions: If you took an equivalent course at another institution or a newer version of a required course, file a course substitution form with your department; these are NOT automatic
  • Capstone/thesis/senior project: Many programs require a culminating experience; verify the timeline for proposals, drafts, and final submissions
  • Upper-division credit minimum: Many schools require 40+ credits at the 300/400 level; lower-division courses alone cannot fill your schedule

5. Residency Requirements

  • Institutional residency (not geographic): Most schools require that a minimum number of credits be earned at that specific institution, typically 30-45 credits or the final 30 credits before graduation
  • Major residency: Some departments require that a majority of major coursework (e.g., 50% or more) be completed at the home institution, not transferred in
  • Last semester rule: Many schools require that you be enrolled at the institution during your final semester; completing your last courses at a community college may not be allowed
  • Consortium agreements: If you are taking courses at a partner institution through a consortium, verify these count toward residency; policies vary
  • Study abroad credits: These usually count toward residency if the program is sponsored by your home institution; third-party program credits may not

6. Application To Graduate

  • File early. Most schools require a formal "Application to Graduate" or "Intent to Graduate" form filed 1-2 semesters before your expected graduation date; deadlines are strict (often October for spring graduat...
  • Graduation fee: Most institutions charge a graduation fee ($25-$150) that must be paid when you file the application
  • Deadline consequences: Missing the application deadline can delay your diploma by an entire semester even if you complete all coursework on time
  • Diploma name: Verify that your legal name on file matches what you want on your diploma; name changes require documentation
  • Degree conferral dates: Degrees are typically conferred at the end of fall, spring, and summer terms; you must know which conferral date applies to you
  • Incomplete grades: Any "I" (Incomplete) grades must be resolved before your degree can be conferred; check deadlines for incomplete resolution

7. Commencement Registration

  • Commencement is separate from graduation. You must register for the commencement ceremony separately from applying to graduate; they are two different processes
  • Registration deadline: Typically 2-4 months before the ceremony; late registration may not be possible due to seating, program printing, and regalia ordering
  • Cap and gown: Order regalia through your campus bookstore or a designated vendor by the posted deadline; sizes sell out
  • Guest tickets: Many schools limit the number of guest tickets per graduate (often 4-8); request tickets early and check if extras are available
  • Walking early or late: Some schools allow students who are within one semester of completion to "walk" in commencement before officially graduating; others require all requirements to be complete
  • Honors cords and stoles: If you qualify for academic honors, honor society recognition, or departmental awards, verify you have the correct regalia items
  • Rehearsal: Some schools require commencement rehearsal attendance; check your school's policy

Common Mistakes

  • Not running a degree audit until senior year
  • Assuming your advisor tracks everything
  • Missing the graduation application deadline
  • Wrong catalog year
  • Double-counting errors

Pro Tips

  • Run your degree audit at the start of every semester
  • Meet with your advisor at least once per semester
  • Keep a personal spreadsheet
  • File your graduation application the moment it opens,
  • Check for "hidden" requirements:

Sources

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