Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

The graduation requirements for a Master’s Degree are:

  • That a minimum of 30 credits be successfully completed. Some programs have higher credit requirements. 
  • Completion of the course requirements designated by each graduate program.
  • An overall GPA of 3.0 for all graduate programs. Some programs may require higher GPA requirements. 
  • No more than a total of two graduate courses in which a C grade has been earned can be applied to graduation, unless specified by program requirement.
  • A completed “Application of Degree” form filed with the Registrar’s office by January 1 of the year of intended degree completion. 

Statement of Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each student to know both the University-wide graduation requirements as well as those in their chosen major, and to meet all requirements satisfactorily for graduation. Students have the assistance of numerous University personnel to help them understand these requirements. The academic advisor, the Department Chairperson, the School Dean, the Office for Academic Affairs, and the Registrar’s Office are all available to answer questions about these requirements. It is the responsibility of each student to use his/her program evaluation on Self Service to determine what courses he/she needs to take.

Degree Completion Time Frames
Degree requirements must be completed within 5 years of the date from which the student first matriculated at Mercyhurst. Earned credits over ten years old will only apply to a degree if the grade for that credit is C (2.0) or better and when accepted as applicable by the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Exceptions by departments may exist.

Application for Graduation
Students who complete all requirements of Mercyhurst University, should complete and submit the Application for Graduation online at the beginning of their last semester. The application will be given to the department for review, who will indicate which major requirements should be successfully completed before the end of the semester. Students who do not complete their program before the end of spring semester, but who could do so by the end of the following semester following the graduation ceremony in May by taking no more than three credits, may participate in the graduation ceremonies. Students will not receive a signed diploma until all graduation requirements are met. Any change in a student’ graduation status must be reported to the Registrar’s Office by March 15th.