Page 112 - BSU Undergraduate-Catalog-2017-2019

1. Residency Requirement - Students matriculating at Bowie State University must complete
the final thirty (30) semester hours in residence (courses taken at Bowie State University
or at one of the University System of Maryland schools, with permission) in partial fulfillment
of graduation requirements. Credits received for CLEP, portfolio, military, or transfer credits
may not be used to fulfill the residency requirement.
2. Credit Requirements - The minimum requirement for graduation is 120 semester hours,
which must include at least thirty-two (32) semester hours of upper-level course work.
3. Successful Completion of a Major - All students must earn a grade of “C” or better in the
major content area courses and in other courses defined as an integral part of the major.
4. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) - All students must have a cumulative grade point
average of 2.00 or higher to graduate. The GPA is computed by using only courses taken at
Bowie State University.
5. Credit in All Required General Education Courses - All students must successfully
complete the general education requirements as specified. Students must earn a grade of
“C” or better in Expository Writing (ENGL 101), and Argument and Research (ENGL 102).
6. Outcomes Assessment Examinations - All students must demonstrate achievement of
knowledge related to the major content area. The required standard or assessment is
defined by the department and the major. Failure to achieve expected outcomes may
delay graduation (see requirements under programs of study).
7. Bowie State University English Proficiency Examination - The English Proficiency
Examination is required for graduation and must be taken upon completion of Expository
Writing (ENGL 101) and Argument and Research (ENGL 102). Transfer students who
completed their English composition requirements at another university must take the
English Proficiency Examination during their First Semester of enrollment at Bowie State
University.

Graduation with Honors
Graduation with honors is a tribute that recognizes academic achievement. If a student’s overall
cumulative GPA is 3.5 or higher but less than 3.65, a student graduates with the distinction of Cum
Laude; 3.65 or higher but less than 3.85, Magna Cum Laude; and 3.85 or higher, Summa Cum
Laude. At least thirty (30) semester hours must be earned in upper level courses (300-400) with
grades of “C” or better.

A native student’s cumulative GPA for graduation with honors is based on all college work at Bowie
State University. A transfer student who has earned at least 60 semester hours at Bowie State
must have a 3.5 or higher GPA for work completed at the University and at other colleges and
universities.

Honors status at graduation applies only to students who are seeking their first degree.

Honors will consist of the following cumulative grade point averages:

3.85 - 4.00 Summa Cum Laude
3.65 - 3.84 Magna Cum Laude
3.50 - 3.64 Cum Laude

Academic Recognition

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