The following graduation requirements are shared by both the B.A. (bachelor of arts) degree and the B.M. (bachelor of music) degree.
Courses
Students must successfully complete the equivalent of 35 St. Olaf credits through a combination of full-credit and fractional-credit courses.
Note: For numerical purposes, the term "course" means a full (1.00) course credit, as distinguished from fractional course credits, unless otherwise noted.
Residency Requirement
Seventeen of the 35 St. Olaf credits required for graduation must be taken through St. Olaf College. This may include St. Olaf-sponsored study abroad and away programs.
January Term
At least three of the required 35 St. Olaf credits must be earned in three separate January full-credit (1.0) terms. A January term may be taken on campus, through a St. Olaf study abroad or away January term program, or through an approved January term exchange with another 4-1-4 college. Transfer students admitted with at least sophomore standing must complete two January terms. After having successfully completed two January terms, seniors completing their degree may satisfy the third January term requirement by means of a summer course taken during a St. Olaf summer session after the commencement in which the student participates.
Grade Points and Grade Point Average
An average grade of C (2.00 on a 4.00 system) for all courses taken for the usual letter grades is required for graduation. See Grade Point Average for details.
Course Level
See Explanation of Course Levels.
Satisfactory completion of 18 credits above level I, courses numbered 200 and higher is required for graduation.
A course can earn only its assigned level. It cannot be raised in level as the result of extra studies, assignments, or performance.
Graded Courses
See Grades.
A minimum of 24 credits out of 35 must be taken graded through courses taken from a St. Olaf professor.
A sliding scale is used for transfer students and some Smith Center for Global Engagement programs. Sophomore transfer students need a minimum of 18 graded credits and junior transfer students a minimum of 13 graded credits. Details are available from the registrar.
All students should be aware of the restrictions on S/U and P/N grades.
Students studying on St. Olaf study abroad and away programs should refer to Graded and Ungraded Courses in the Academic Regulations and Procedures section of this catalog for details about how this graduation requirement is affected by programs abroad and away.
Completion of Incomplete Grades
A student with an incomplete on their academic record may participate in Commencement if all other requirements for graduation have been met. Only after a final grade has been recorded for the course, however, will a degree be conferred, and a diploma issued.
The following general graduation requirements apply only to B.A.(bachelor of arts) majors:
Major — 8 or More Credits
One completed major is required for graduation. Depending on the department or interdisciplinary program, the number of courses required for a major ranges from eight to twelve courses, with some departments requiring course work in other departments. Departments and interdisciplinary programs may require comprehensive examinations or special research projects. (See Majors, Concentrations, and Areas of Emphasis.) Consult the department or interdisciplinary program listing in this catalog for specific major requirements. Students must declare one major no later than March 15 of the sophomore year, in advance of spring registration for fall semester courses. Students are allowed to change this declaration or add a second major at a later date. Only this catalog defines the specific requirements for each departmental or interdisciplinary major.
Other regulations are:
- Of the credits counting toward the minimum requirements for a major, a total of six (6.00) must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
- Only one full-course equivalent (1.00-credit course) taken S/U may count toward the minimum requirements for a major. Some departments have more stringent regulations.
- At least 50 percent of the minimum major must be taken through St. Olaf. Students should consult the registrar and the appropriate department chair or program director about counting toward a major, courses taken at other colleges. In addition to the registrar, the chair must sign the student’s transfer of credit form (available from the Registrar's Office) if work from other institutions is accepted in advance. Likewise, courses taken through St. Olaf study abroad and away programs must be approved by the chair or director and the Smith Center's program advisor in advance if credit toward a major is sought. (See Transfer of Credit to St. Olaf)
- See below, Credits Outside the Major.
Multiple Majors
Attaining two or three majors within the confines of 35 St. Olaf credits is often difficult. Students should consult frequently with their advisor and the chair or director of the major departments and programs. A graduate may add an additional major to the St. Olaf record if no more than two courses from another institution are subsequently applied to the additional major.
Credits Outside the Major
While the maximum course credits counting toward a major in any one department may vary, 21 total credits must be completed outside of the SIS "department" code of the major. In order for a student to be certified in a second or third major, 21 credits also must be taken outside of the SIS "department" code of each of those majors as well. If a student has a double major, courses taken in one major count toward the 21 credits outside of the other major. Credits outside the major department or program include full- (1.00) credit courses plus partial- (.25, .50, .75) credit courses. Students who double-major in studio art and art history are required to complete at least 18 full-course credits outside the SIS "ART" department designation.
The following general graduation requirements apply only to B.M. (bachelor of music) majors:
Major — 8 or More Credits
B.M. candidates must choose from the five majors offered. Please consult the Music Department listing in this catalog for specific major requirements. These constitute the final authority on degree requirements. Entrance to all B.M. majors is by audition and/or application only. Once approved, students should declare their major formally as soon as possible by submitting a completed declaration of major form to the Music Department Office. Subsequent changes are allowed, but students are encouraged to keep their records current, documenting any changes with re-submissions of the same form. Other regulations are:
- Of the credits counting toward the minimum requirements for a major, a total of six (6.00) must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
- No courses explicitly required for a B.M Music major may be taken S/U.
- At least 50 percent of the minimum major must be taken through St. Olaf. Students should consult the registrar and the department chair or program director about counting toward a major courses taken at other colleges. In addition to the registrar, the chair must sign the student’s transfer of credit form (available from the Registrar's Office) if work from other institutions is accepted in advance. Likewise, courses taken through St. Olaf study abroad and away programs must be approved by the chair or director and the Smith Center's program advisor in advance if credit toward a major is sought. (See Transfer of Credit to St. Olaf).
- Graduation requirements for majors within the Bachelor of Music degree may vary widely. Students should consult this catalog and the Music Department chair.
Credits Outside the Major
Not applicable to the Bachelor of Music.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music Double-Degree Option
See Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music Double Degree Option.
