Graduation Requirements for All Students
The following are the requirements for graduation. Students are responsible for determining that they have satisfied all requirements.
- Completion of the Common Course of Study
- An overall GPA of 2.00
- A GPA of 2.00 in the major(s)
- Completion of the minimum number of course credits required by the degree(s) (32 / 36 / 40)
- Completion of all major requirements
Normally, only those seniors who have fully satisfied degree requirements and are approved for graduation may participate in Commencement Exercises.
- Candidates who have not completed their degree requirements may petition to participate by exception if they have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.0, a major GPA of 2.0, and have two or fewer credits remaining to meet the requirements for graduation.
- For this exception, participation is defined as processing in the order of march and having the name read, but the name will not be included in the Commencement program. Under no circumstances should participation by exception be construed as a student having completed their degree requirements for graduation from the College.
Major Requirements
Each department has different requirements for completion of the major(s) within it. Students should work closely with their academic adviser(s) to make sure that they are satisfying all major requirements.
The Common Course of Study
The Common Course of Study (CCS) establishes an outcome-based, all-inclusive academic core that will evolve and change as we review how well we are accomplishing what we aspire to teach our students.
The CCS was revised by the faculty in 2012 and again in 2023.
Academic Divisions
The College is divided into four academic divisions with program membership as listed below. The divisional membership of a specific program needs to be considered when selecting courses to satisfy the Common Course of Study as required. Departments and programs not listed below are considered Interdisciplinary.
Humanities:
Art
English
Film and Media Studies
Foreign Languages and Literatures
Music
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Theater
Social Sciences:
American Studies
Anthropology and Sociology
Economics
Environmental Studies
Government and Law
History
International Affairs
Engineering:
Engineering Studies
Chemical Engineering (within the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)
Civil Engineering (within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Integrative Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Natural Sciences:
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Science
Geology and Environmental Geosciences
Mathematics
Neurosciences
Physics
Psychology
GPA Requirements
Overall GPA
An overall grade point average of at least 2.00 is required for graduation. Considered in determining the cumulative average are courses taken at Lafayette or at other member colleges in the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) under the cross-registration agreement or affiliated study abroad programs.
Major GPA
Students must complete an approved major program with an average of at least 2.00 in courses taken in the major. In the majority of majors, this normally includes all courses in the major subject area and excludes collateral / co-curricular courses. Interdisciplinary majors and programs are exceptions and will include multiple subject areas as determined by the major / program. Questions should be referred to the Registrar's Office.
Course Credits
The minimum number of course credits per degree can be found in the table below.
|
Degree Type
|
Course Credits Needed
|
|
Bachelor of Arts
|
32
|
|
Bachelor of Science (non-Engineering)
|
32
|
|
Bachelor of Science (Engineering)
|
36
|
|
Dual Degree
(Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Science)
|
40
|
|
Dual Degree
(Bachelor of Science + Bachelor of Science)
|
40
|
At least one-half of the courses for the degree(s) and the major(s) must be completed at Lafayette. Some departments may have more restrictive transfer / study abroad policies regarding credits applied towards the major.
Additionally, the senior year must be completed in full-time residence at Lafayette. "Full-time" is defined to be a minimum of three courses per semester.
Policy on Statute of Limitations for Students
All graduation requirements shall normally be met in a time period not to exceed six years following admission to junior status. In the case of hardship, a petition for one additional year may be submitted to the Student Affairs Committee after consultation with the Dean of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs and the major adviser or department head. Ordinarily, no extensions will be granted beyond the seventh year.
- To meet expectations of appropriate and current preparation for upper-level work within the major program, a time period not to exceed five years shall be permitted between the completion of a prerequisite course (including transfer credit) and the initiation of the required course for which it is specified. Students who wish to appeal this rule may file a petition to the Student Affairs Committee after having consulted with their major department.
- If a part-time student fails to maintain minimum progress (two courses in the curriculum successfully completed in 12 months), the student's progress will be reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee, who may then recommend to the Dean of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs that the student be required to withdraw. Reinstatement to the program is not automatic and will depend on evidence that a student will be able to make reasonable progress in subsequent work. An interview will be required before reinstatement. If a student withdraws from the program for any reason (academic or personal), she or he must meet with the Dean of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs staff and her or his departmental academic adviser or academic department head before reinstatement. They will make a recommendation to the Dean of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs concerning reinstatement.
- If a student must repeat a passing course, both courses will appear on the permanent record. Course credit will only be awarded once.