Degree Requirements

The determination that students have achieved appropriate proficiency in any and all parts of the curriculum to warrant the granting of a degree is the responsibility of the faculty. A favorable vote of the faculty acting through the academic senate is required for the granting of any degree.

The effectiveness of an education in the liberal arts and sciences is critically dependent upon the broad foundation of studies called General Education. Through a program of General Education, students learn a variety of basic skills and modes of disciplinary inquiry. General Education courses are not simply the preliminary and introductory studies of the various disciplines; rather, they provide the necessary context for the more specific study in the major and for the selection of appropriate electives. General Education supports students in building the broad and multidisciplinary knowledge that they will use throughout their studies, careers, and as citizens of a globally engaged democracy. Completion of one of Sonoma State University’s General Education programs also ensures completion of graduation requirements in American Institutions and Ethnic Studies.

More info: ge.sonoma.edu

Through a concentration of studies in a particular major, students focus in depth upon a particular set of disciplines or subject areas. Because major programs vary considerably in their requirements, students should consult with Faculty Advisors early in their academic programs. Major requirements are specific to the academic year a student declares the major or concentration.

For a list of majors offered, please visit the Programs by Department section of the General Catalog.

A grade point average of C (2.000) or better is required in work undertaken in residence at Sonoma State University, as well as in the student’s total undergraduate work and in the major field. The C average for the major includes all classes listed on the Major Requirements form, except that supporting courses, while required for some majors, are not included in the major grade point average.

Each degree requires a minimum number of units. Within these units, students complete their GE, major, and statutory requirements, as well as any university electives needed to reach the minimum units required.

A minimum of 120 semester units is required for graduation, though a handful of degrees require more. Within these 120 units, 40 must be upper-division (level 300-499), 30 must be completed in-residence at Sonoma State University, and 24 of the minimum 30 completed in-residence must also be upper-division. Of these 120 units, a maximum of 24 may be completed as credit/no-credit, while all major/minor courses must be graded A-F, unless the course is not offered in an A-F graded option. Within these 120 units, students complete their GE requirements, major requirements, and any university electives needed to reach the 120 units.

Students must demonstrate competence in writing skills at the upper division level.

More info: larc.sonoma.edu/gwar

To complete the minimum of 120 semester units required for graduation after fulfillment of general education, statutory, and major requirements, students may choose from a broad spectrum of courses to broaden their education, deepen understanding of their specialties, pursue work in related fields, and satisfy their curiosity and enthusiasm regarding particular areas of interest.

A minor is not required for graduation. Many departments, however, offer programs leading to a minor, and students are encouraged to consider pursuing a minor that complements their major. Minor programs ordinarily consist of approximately 16-20 units, 6 of which must be upper-division, and require maintenance of a C (2.000) average in minor coursework. Faculty advisors in the department offering the minor will assist students in selecting appropriate courses. Coursework in the minor must be completed by the degree date. The minor appears on the student’s official transcripts, but not on the diploma.

For a list of minors offered, please visit the Programs by Department section of the General Catalog.

Degrees are awarded three times a year in December, May, and August. Students are eligible to apply for graduation for graduation when they have completed at least 15 units residence and 90 units overall. Students should consult with their advisor to determine any remaining requirements and any deficiencies to be completed. After filing for graduation, students must meet all degree requirements by the date of graduation in order to graduate. If you do not graduate within two terms of your initial filing, you will need to reapply for graduation. Diplomas are mailed 6-8 weeks after the award of degree.

Criteria used to determine Degree Honors at graduation are those in effect as of the date of graduation. Students graduating with the baccalaureate earn Degree Honors by meeting the following criteria:

1. Completion at Sonoma State University of a minimum of 45 letter-graded semester units in residence; and
2. Attainment of cumulative grade point averages as indicated below

Degree Honor Designations

• Summa Cum Laude - is awarded to those students achieving a cumulative grade point average in all university and college work and a cumulative grade point average in all work undertaken at SSU of not less than 3.90.
• Magna Cum Laude - is awarded to those students achieving cumulative grade point average in all university and college work and a cumulative grade point average in all work undertaken at SSU of not less than 3.75.
• Cum Laude - is awarded to those students achieving a cumulative grade point average in all university and college work and a cumulative grade point average in all work undertaken at SSU of no less than 3.50.

Degree honors are noted on the student’s transcript and on the diploma.

Students graduating with the baccalaureate who are judged by their departments to have made outstanding contributions to their disciplines graduate “with distinction.” Check with your major department to learn if they offer departmental honors. Departmental honors are noted on the student’s transcript and on the diploma.