Graduation Requirements

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
• Bachelor Degree Graduation Requirements
  • Framework for an Extraordinary Education
    • Course Requirements
  • General Degree Requirements
  • System-Wide Graduation Requirements (SGR)
  • Institution-Wide Graduation Requirements (IGR)
  • Additional Board of Regents Requirements
• Bachelor Degree and Associate Degree Additional Graduation Requirements
• Simultaneous Degrees at a Regental University (Earned on the same graduation date)

Students have the final responsibility for monitoring their academic progress and for satisfying all the requirements relevant to their degree.

Associate of Arts Degrees

Students pursuing an Associate of Arts degree meet the same regental System-wide Graduation Requirements (SGR) goals and credit hours as required for the Bachelor’s Degree. A complete list of the system-wide courses satisfying these requirements can be found at http://www.sdbor.edu/policy/2-Academic_Affairs/documents/2-7.pdf. The specific USD courses that meet these requirements are listed under the Framework for Liberal Learning.

Associate of Science Degrees

Students pursuing an Associate of Science degree meet the regental System-wide Graduation Requirements (SGR) goals as indicated below. A complete list of the courses satisfying these requirements can be found at http://www.sdbor.edu/policy/2-Academic_Affairs/documents/2-7.pdf. The specific USD courses that meet these requirements are listed under the Framework for Liberal Learning.

Associate degree students are not required to meet the USD Institution-specific Graduation Requirements (IGR).

USD’s Framework for Liberal Learning integrates the major, minor, and college/school requirements with the regental System-wide Graduation Requirements (SGRs) and the USD Institution-specific Graduation Requirements (IGRs). The following sections describe the Framework and the associated course requirements as well as the goals and learning outcomes for both the regental and the USD-specific graduation requirements.

A world-class education combines a broad understanding of many fields of inquiry with mastery of a specific disciplinary major. At the University of South Dakota, we have purposefully designed a contemporary liberal arts education that includes a solid foundation of knowledge, exposure to many different academic disciplines, and immersion in interdisciplinary and experiential learning. All USD students follow a flexible course of study that first exposes them to a broad spectrum of ideas, but ultimately challenges them to integrate their knowledge in ways that serve their own careers and other citizens. Therefore, students at the University of South Dakota pursue the following path to complete their college education.
 

1. Foundations
   Foundational experiences build the skills all students need to succeed, both in subsequent college coursework and in their post-graduate plans. Their success will depend in large part on their ability to think critically and exchange information. Necessary foundational skills include proficiency in writing, reading, communication, information literacy, and quantitative literacy. In addition, foundational courses may build vocational or life skills, or may help students adjust to the academic culture of a university setting.

2. Investigations
   Selecting from an identified collection of courses in four main areas of inquiry, students develop a basic familiarity with a variety of fields, some of which they may later choose to study in greater depth. Course areas include:

   1. Community and Social Interaction: social science courses that explore human institutions, conditions, and societies.

   2. The Human Experience: humanities and fine arts courses that develop cultural knowledge and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

   3. The Natural World:  laboratory science courses that examine how the scientific method is applied to the discovery of new information.

   4. Aesthetic Experience: courses devoted specifically to appreciation or expression of the fine arts. 
       

3. Expertise
   Students focus on one or more areas of in-depth study through their major and minor coursework, developing a level of expertise that will serve them not only in their intended career but also as educated citizens.
    

4. Integration
   Building on the skills mastered in the Foundations, the breadth of knowledge acquired in the Investigations, and the major and minor coursework that constitute Expertise, the curriculum culminates in experiences that draw together multiple viewpoints and approaches. Through an intensive writing course, a globalization course, and a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study away, service-learning, undergraduate research and campus involvement, USD students integrate their college learning and prepare themselves for the diverse world that awaits them after graduation.

Course Requirements

1. Total Semester Hours of Credit: Completion of at least 120 semester credit hours at the 100 level or above for the baccalaureate degree or 60 semester credit hours for the associate degree.

2. Grade Point Average: A cumulative grade point average and institutional grade point average of 2.00. The cumulative grade point average is based on all courses taken, including transfer courses and those taken at other regental institutions. The institutional grade point average is based on all coursework taken at USD. The grade point average for the major(s) must be at least 2.0.  If a course is repeated only the last grade received will be included in the calculation of the cumulative and institutional grade point averages.  

3. Majors: Each degree candidate must select the work of one department or discipline as a major subject and must complete all requirements as set out by the major department. Any deviation from this requires the written consent of the chair of the department and the dean of the relevant college or school.
   
   Students pursuing more than one major must complete all requirements for the majors as set forth by the academic units involved. When the majors are offered within the same college or school and may be completed within the same degree program structure, students complete the requirements for only one degree, and only one degree is awarded. Students wishing to complete two undergraduate majors that are offered in separate colleges or schools, or in the same school or college but not within the same degree program structure, must complete all requirements for each related degree, and two separate degrees are awarded. Completion of a second degree will not be allowed when both majors may be awarded under the same degree. Students may pursue minors outside the college/school of their major program.
   
   Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and who later wish to add another major or degree should consult the Office of Academic Affairs for information (605-677-6497).

4. Upper-Division Requirement: A minimum of 32 semester hours of credit in courses numbered 300 or above. Specific academic units may require additional hours of upper-division work.

5. Institutional Credit Requirement: Credit taken by students at USD or at its approved sites using any approved method of delivery is considered institutional credit, including credit from courses that are part of a formal collaborative agreement between USD and another regental university. The minimum number of credit hours that must be earned as institutional credit is 30 credits for the baccalaureate degree and 15 credits for the associate degree. The number of credit hours immediately preceding completion of the degree that must be earned as institutional credit is 15 of the last 30 credits for the baccalaureate degree and 8 of the last 15 for the associate degree. The minimum number of credit hours in the discipline of the major and the minor that must be completed as institutional credit is 50 percent. Degree-seeking students may, however, complete a minor from any of the South Dakota regental universities; the minor will be recorded on the student’s transcript in conjunction with a degree, indicating the university from which it was earned.

6. Assessment: The University has a comprehensive program for the assessment of student academic achievement. It provides the basis for ongoing examination of the effectiveness of teaching and learning in each academic discipline as well as in the general education curriculum. The assessment program helps the University to determine whether it is accomplishing its mission and ensures that it is responsive to the need for improvement.

   Pursuant to Board of Regents policy, student participation in the assessment program is required. Students may be involved in the assessment of the general education curriculum in addition to that of their major. This involvement may take various forms, including participation in exit exams, surveys, and/or capstone experiences. Students who refuse to participate shall be denied subsequent registration and/or graduation.

7. Proficiency Examination: All students seeking an undergraduate degree must achieve satisfactory performance on a standardized examination of general knowledge, the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP). Students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree are required to take the exam as soon as they have passed 48 credit hours at or above the 100-level. Associate degree students must take the examination as soon as they have passed 32 credit hours.

8. Catalog of Graduation: Every student is required to have a designated catalog of graduation and to meet all of the academic requirements listed in that catalog. New students, both first-year and transfer, must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their initial registration at USD. If the initial registration occurs during the summer, the catalog in effect for the following fall will govern.

   Students may elect to be governed by a catalog issued later than their initial catalog; however, students may not elect to be governed by a catalog issued earlier than their initial catalog. Students who elect to change their catalog of graduation must inform the Registrar’s Office.

   Students who discontinue enrollment at any South Dakota regental university for more than two consecutive semesters (excluding summer term) are assigned the catalog in effect at the time of their re-enrollment. Students are considered to be in continuous enrollment for purposes of the catalog of graduation as long as any break in enrollment at any South Dakota regental university is no longer than two consecutive semesters (excluding summer term) and as long as their degree-seeking status remains at the same university. Students who change their degree-seeking status from one regental university to another regental university are assigned the catalog in effect at the degree-granting university.

9. Degree Audit/Application for Graduation: Candidates for degrees are required to make formal application for their degree at the Registrar’s Office by the deadline published in the Schedule of Classes. Upon completing 75 semester hours of credit, students should apply at the Registrar’s office for graduation and request an undergraduate degree audit. This audit will determine the requirements that remain to be met to qualify for the degree.

10. Graduation Dates: A student’s official date of graduation shall be the graduation date for the term in which the student successfully completes all requirements for the degree.

A complete list of the system-wide courses satisfying these requirements can be found at http://www.sdbor.edu/policy/2-Academic_Affairs/documents/2-7.pdf. The specific USD courses that meet these requirements are listed under the Framework for Liberal Learning.

SGR Goal 1:     Students will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written expression of others.

Written Communication                6 credit hours

As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

1. Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure;

2. Write logically;

3. Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative, descriptive);

4. Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.

SGR Goal 2:     Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking.

Oral Communication                3 credit hours

As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

1. Prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings;

2. Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials, organizational pattern, language usage, presentational aids, and delivery;

3. Demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content.

SGR Goal 3:     Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human community through study of the social sciences.

Social Sciences                6 credit hours in two disciplines

As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

1. Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social science disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts;

2. Apply selected social sciences concepts and theories to contemporary issues;

3. Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.

In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of a least one of the following:

1. The origin and evolution of human institutions;

2. The allocation of human or natural resources within societies;

3. The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views.

SGR Goal 4:     Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities.

Humanities/Fine Arts                6 credit hours in two disciplines or a sequence of foreign language courses

As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience;

2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.

In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:

1. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities;

2. Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding;

3. Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts;

4. Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.

SGR Goal 5:     Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.

Mathematics                3 credit hours

As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

1. Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world problems;

2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and concepts;

3. Demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable measurements of real world situations.

SGR Goal 6:     Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply scientific methods of inquiry to investigate the natural world.

Natural Sciences                6 credit hours

As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

1. Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience;

2. Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method;

3. Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural sciences;

4. Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.

SGR Goal 7:     Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity.

Students meeting this goal will be able to:

1. Determine the extent of information needed;

2. Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;

3. Evaluate information and its sources critically;

4. Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose;

5. Use information in an ethical and legal manner.

The specific USD Courses that meet these requirements are listed in the Framework for Liberal Learning section.

I.  Additional First-Year Composition Course

Goal:  Students will write effective and responsible critical prose and will understand and interpret the written literary and critical expression of others.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will write using standard, formal American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure.
    
2. Students will write well-reasoned, critical essays on topics in literature, demonstrating competence in critical reading of tests.
    
3. Students will write persuasively, employing appropriate evidence and a variety of rhetorical strategies so as to produce effective arguments.
    
4. Students will incorporate into their writing formal research and documentation using MLA style, including research obtained through modern, technology-based research tools.

II.  Aesthetic Experience

Goal: Students will have a greater understanding of the fine arts as an expression of human imagination and creativity, and will understand the contribution of the arts to self-understanding and a more enriched life experience.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding.
    
2. Students will be able to explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the fine arts.
   

 I.  Globalization/Global Issues

Goal:  Students will understand how global issues, developments, and ideas affect their lives and those of others.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate awareness of multiple perspectives within the global community.
    
2. Students will investigate and analyze contemporary issues, phenomena, and ideas with global impact, considering their effect on the individuals, communities, and social or natural environments involved.

II.  Upper-division Intensive Writing

Goal:  Students will demonstrate advanced research-based critical writing skills

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will complete formal writing assignments that entail research drawing from sources that are documented using a recognized style such as APA, Chicago, MLA, a journal-specific style, etc.

2. Students will be able to critique the validity and effectiveness of arguments presented by others in the field.

3. Students will use a planning/drafting/revising process that incorporates self-assessment and/or peer review and includes instructor feedback.

4. Students will write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure. 

Proficiency Examination Preparation

Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees must complete the 18 credit hours of System-wide Graduation Requirements specified below within the first 48 credit hours as preparation for the regental proficiency examination. Associate degree students must complete the designated credit hours within the first 32 credits hours attempted.

SGR Goal 1: Written Communication 3 credit hours
SGR Goal 2: Oral Communication 3 credit hours
SGR Goal 3: Social Sciences 3 credit hours
SGR Goal 4: Humanities/Fine Arts 3 credit hours
SGR Goal 5: Mathematics 3 credit hours
SGR Goal 6: Natural Sciences 3 credit hours (6 recommended)

Pre-General Education Course Requirements in English and Mathematics

Pre-general education courses include ENGL 032, ENGL 033, and MATH 095. Credit hours for the pre-general education courses are included in the total number of credit hours attempted. The grades assigned for these courses will be RI, RS and RU and will not be included in the GPA calculation.

Completion of Pre-General Education Courses:

• Students placed in pre-general education courses must enroll in and complete the courses within the first 30 credit hours attempted.

• If a student does not complete the pre-general education course(s) within the first 30 credit hours attempted, a registration hold is placed on the student’s record.

• During the next 12 credit hours attempted, the student must enroll in and complete the pre-general education course(s). The student may also enroll in other courses.

• If the student does not complete the pre-general education courses by the time he or she have attempted 42 credit hours, the only course(s) in which a student may enroll is the pre-general education course(s), and the student’s status is changed from degree seeking to non-degree seeking. Students with a status of non-degree seeking are not eligible for financial aid.

• Students transferring from non-Regental institutions must enroll in pre-general education courses during the first semester of attendance. These students may enroll in other courses concurrently with the pre-general education courses. If the student does not complete the pre-general education course(s) during the first semester of attendance, the only course(s) in which a student may enroll in subsequent semesters is the pre-general education course(s), and the student’s status is changed from degree seeking to non-degree seeking.

• The Vice President for Academic Affairs may grant an exception.

Note: Exceptions to the System-wide and Institutional Graduation Requirements must be approved by the dean of the student’s college/school and the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee(s). 

Students wishing to complete two undergraduate majors that are offered under different program structures must complete both curricula corresponding to the declared major, resulting in the completion of two baccalaureate degrees. For two degrees to be awarded during the same graduation, all requirements for both degrees must be met.

a. The System General Education requirements are met once.

b. The Institutional Graduation Requirements are met once.

c. The specific requirements of each degree program must be met.

d. Two degrees and two diplomas are issued.

e. Courses may meet the requirements of both degrees provided the overall university requirements are met and the system requirements are met.