Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate with a degree from the College of General Studies (CGS), students must earn at least 120 degree credits with a minimum 2.00 GPA. Students must also achieve a 2.00 GPA in their major and in any minors. Within the 120 credits, students must fulfill the College's general education and major requirements. At least 30 credits of the 120 credits must be in upper-division (1000-level) courses.(Natural Science majors are required to take at least 24 credits in upper-division (1000-level) courses). These 1000-level courses may come from any of the requirements for the degree –general education courses, major requirements, and degree electives. Students must earn at least half of the credits for the CGS major and the final 30 credits toward the CGS degree while enrolled as a CGS student.
Graduation Appointments
Students are required to make a graduation appointment with their advisor at least one semester before the final term. During this appointment, the student and advisor review all degree and major requirements and plan for the last term. The graduation worksheet is prepared which verifies that all information concerning the student's program (including major, minors, and certificates) and graduation date are updated. Details concerning commencement and graduation ceremonies are also discussed at this appointment.
Graduation Applications and Deadlines
CGS Graduation Application Form
Students seeking to graduate with a degree and/or a certificate from CGS must complete the CGS graduation application and several other university survey forms.
Application deadlines:
- Applications for December 2020 graduation are due July 7, 2020.
Graduation and Commencement
Graduation occurs at the end of each of the terms: fall, spring, and summer. Once final grades and requirements are certified, the student is notified that their degree has been awarded. Final grades are available a week after the end of the term. Diplomas and transcripts, with the degree posted, are available about sixweeks after the end of the term. The College of General Studies hosts a Graduate Recognition Ceremony at the end of the fall and spring terms. Students are also invited and encouraged to attend the University's Annual Commencement Ceremony that is held in the Petersen Events Center each April to recognize the August, December, and April graduates from all of the University's undergraduate schools and colleges.
Graduation Honors
Those members of a graduating class who have attained an outstanding scholastic record and have taken at least 60 letter-grade credits while enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh graduate with honors. There are three levels of honors depending on a student's GPA: cum laude (3.25), magna cum laude (3.5), and summa cum laude (3.75).
Honors Convocation
Honors Convocation is celebrated annually to recognize faculty and students who have received awards of academic achievement and distinction. The University-wide ceremony is held during the spring term. Students invited to participate include University Scholars who represent the top 2 percent of graduates, seniors, and juniors; Chancellor’s Scholars; and initiates to honors societies like Alpha Sigma Lambda.