Academics - Graduation Requirements

Qualifying for Graduation

Qualifying for Graduation is solely a student responsibility. If there are any doubts about meeting the requirements for graduation, the student should check with his or her academic advisor and with the Registrar's Office.

To receive a bachelor's degree from Concord University, a student must have:

1. earned at least 120 semester hours of approved credit;
2. completed the course requirements set for his or her particular program, as described in the applicable Catalog;
3. achieved a C or better in ENGL 101 -ENGL 102 ; and met all special departmental  grade-point average requirements;
4. successfully completed the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core), Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test(s) and Principles of Learning and Teaching Test(s) to qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Education degree;
5. earned at least a 2.0 (C) cumulative grade average on all courses attempted at Concord, both overall and within the major. Minimum grade point average may be higher than 2.0 for some degrees. (Excess quality points earned at other institutions may not be used to make up a deficit at Concord; however, they are used in the calculation of graduation with honors);
6. met certain residence and scholarship requirements, as set forth in the following paragraphs;
7. met all financial obligations;
8. satisfied any penalties and/or holds imposed by the University; and,
9. paid the $50 Graduation Fee.

Certification and Degree Requirements in Education

Requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at Concord University are linked to the requirements for certification by the West Virginia Department of Education for teaching in the public schools. The fact that students may not intend to teach in West Virginia does not remove any of the requirements for the degree. Students must fulfill all the provisions for certification in West Virginia, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core), Praxis II: Subject Assessment Test (s) and Principles of Learning and Teaching Test(s) in their particular teaching field(s) or specialization(s). Additional and detailed requirements are included in the Teacher Education (Bachelor of Science in Education) section of this Catalog.

Graduation Procedure

Concord University grants degrees at the end of each fall and spring semester and at the close of the second summer session. Students completing the requirements for programs of study will receive the appropriate credentials at one of these three dates. To graduate, to receive credentials, or to be recommended for teacher licensure, all fees and other bills due the University must be paid.  

Two formal graduation ceremonies are held annually, at the close of the spring semester in May and the fall semester in December. Students whose potential graduation date is August will be allowed to participate in the May Commencement ceremonies provided that, the student has the required grade point average for graduation. 

Graduation with Honors

This includes a notation on the permanent record and diploma, as well as special recognition in the Commencement ceremonies. Students must complete a minimum of 60 hours at Concord University to be considered for graduation with honors.

The following grade point averages are taken into consideration when determining honors: 1) all courses taken at Concord; 2) all university courses taken at Concord and within the State College and University system of West Virginia; and 3) all university courses taken at Concord and all transfer credit. The lowest of these cumulative quality-point averages is used for placement in graduation with honors. 

Ceremonial honors will not include the final semester. Official honors designation will be based on all courses taken.