Academic Progress and Graduation

University Policy

To obtain a bachelor’s degree, most students must have completed a minimum of 128 credits and 32 courses. As a guide for completing the four-year undergraduate program, students should keep in mind that sophomore status usually is attained by satisfactorily completing 32 credits of coursework; junior status, 64 credits; senior status, 96 credits. The number may vary depending on the college of enrollment.

The individual schools and colleges of the University have specific academic requirements and standards for determining satisfactory completion of a program of study (e.g., grades, concentrations, divisional studies).

To graduate, students must apply to their school or college by the deadline stipulated by the school or college.

School of Public Health Policy

To remain in good academic standing, students in all degree programs must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and above and fulfill the minimum grade requirements as outlined in the SPH Grading Policy.

In addition, students must register each fall and spring until they graduate. Students may not take more than two semesters of leave of absence without the approval of the associate dean for education. They must also complete their degree requirements within the timeframe specified for their degree program.

Boston University holds an All-University Commencement every May. University officials announce specific dates for commencement well in advance. The School of Public Health confers its degrees at its own commencement ceremony, also in May, that coincides with the All-University Commencement. A reception for the graduates, faculty, and guests is held following the ceremony. September graduates are encouraged to participate in the May ceremony of their choice. January graduates may attend the ceremony held in May following their graduation. Details regarding the ceremony are mailed to all potential attendees in March.

To qualify for graduation at the School of Public Health, a degree candidate must have completed the degree requirements, must have no outstanding debt to Boston University, and must submit an Application for Graduation Form. Single-degree MPH students must also submit a graduation self-audit with their graduate application. Regardless of whether graduation requirements are completed, students will not officially graduate from the University without submitting a graduation application.

Tentative graduates must enter their diploma name and address to which the diploma is to be mailed (if applicable) on the graduation website of the Student Link prior to the published deadline for that graduation period. Diplomas that are not granted during the May Commencement ceremony will be mailed to the address indicated by the graduate one month after the official graduation date.