GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DEGREES, CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS
(College Policy 6Hx23-4.24)(11/2008)

The College awards bachelors degrees, associate's degrees, technical certificates and applied technology diplomas for satisfactory completion of a planned program of post-high school studies.

1. The following general requirements for graduation from St. Petersburg College must be met by all students who are candidates for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees.
   
   

   1. Students must satisfactorily complete at least 120 semester hours of college-level credits. For residency purposes, at least 30 of the semester hours required for graduation must be earned at St. Petersburg College. Students who have left the College must be eligible to return for transfer credits to be accepted to meet graduation requirements. All other specific degree requirements must also be met. Credit awarded for college-preparatory instruction (0000 designation courses) may not be counted toward fulfilling the total number of credits or the number of credits in residency required for a degree.

   
   
   

   2. For purposes of conferring a bachelor's degree, students must complete at least 40 semester hours of courses numbered 3000 level or above. At least 30 of the 40 hours must be earned at St. Petersburg College.

   
   
   

   3. Fulfill all requirements for the chosen major.

   
   
   

   4. Students must generally achieve a grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for all work at St. Petersburg College considered alone and for all work at the College and transfer credits combined, except for the College of Education, which requires that students achieve 2.5 or better average in all coursework. The quality point value of transfer work accepted by the College will be included in grade point average computations for all purposes including determination of achievement of the required 2.0 grade point average to be graduated from St. Petersburg College. Individual programs may require a higher grade point average for graduation.

   
   
   

   5. Students must complete the general education requirements for the Associate in Arts degree including any assessment of education outcomes that are required by the College.

   
   
   

   6. Students must satisfactorily complete the College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) unless exempt.

   
   
   

   7. Students who achieve a score of 500 on the Verbal and/or Math portions of the SAT I, or a score of 21 on the Enhanced ACT in Mathematics I or the English and/or a score of 22 on the Reading may be exempt from all or a portion of the CLAST.

   
   
   

   8. Students who complete appropriate coursework with a 2.5 GPA in each individual area where CLAST skills are taught (Reading, Writing, Computation and Essay Skills) shall be qualified for a CLAST exemption.
      
      

   9. Students must complete the Gordon Rule requirement (met with an AA Degree).
      
      
      

   10. Students must complete 2 credits/consecutive years of the same foreign language or American Sign Language in high school (documented by an official high school transcript) or 8-10 credit hours in the same language or American Sign Language at the college level. Students may also provide official proof of successful completion of CLEP or other proficiency examination. Students admitted without this requirement met must satisfy it prior to graduation for any bachelor’s program.

   
   
   

   11. Students have a 15-session period, beginning with the academic year of initial acceptance and enrollment into a specific baccalaureate degree at the junior level, in which to complete graduation requirements under the terms of the College catalog which was in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. However, students may opt to meet the program course requirements for any catalog year within the 15-session period based on advisement provided by the program director and/or the counselor/advisor. Students who have not graduated within the 15-session period will begin a new 15-session period upon their enrollment following the expiration of their previous 15-session period.

   
   
   

   12. Students must submit a graduation application to the campus Admissions/Registration Office. Graduation application deadlines will be published in the College catalog. Students must apply for graduation by the published deadline to be assured of final clearance for graduation, timely receipt of the diploma, and participation in the graduation ceremonies. Late applications for graduation will be accepted until the last day of classes for the term in which the student wishes to graduate. However, students who apply late will not be listed in the graduation program and may not be able to order caps and gowns or participate in the graduation ceremonies.

   
   
   

   13. Special graduation requirements must be met for individual programs as follows:

       1. Bachelor of Science in Education - For graduation requirements, please refer to Section D of Board Rule 6Hx23-4.72 College of Education Programs - Special Rules.

       2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing

          1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Nursing coursework.

          2. RN to BSN students must complete each NUR upper-division course with a grade of "C" or better in order to receive credit and progress in the program. If a student fails to obtain a "C" or better in any NUR upper-division course, the student may retake the course in order to attempt to achieve a "C" or better. In no event, however, shall a student be permitted to take any NUR upper-division course more than three (3) times by reason of failure to achieve a "C" or better. Any RN to BSN student failing to achieve a "C" or better in the same NUR upper-division course after three attempts will be academically dismissed from the College of Nursing and unable to return to the program. Additionally, any RN to BSN student failing to achieve a "C" or better in any combination of three NUR upper-division courses while enrolled in the RN to BSN program shall be academically dismissed from the College of Nursing and unable to return to the program. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any NUR upper-division course in which a student fails to achieve a "C" or better will be counted towards the dismissal criteria for failure to achieve a "C" or better in any combination of three NUR upper-division courses, even if the student retakes such a course as provided herein and achieves a "C" or better.

       3. Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management

          1. Completion of a minimum of 21 semester hours in a single technical discipline, certificate or program of study.

          2. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division Technology Management required major courses.

       4. Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

          1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Dental Hygiene coursework. Ten (10) semester hours may be earned by the presentation of a valid and current dental hygiene license, from the state in which the applicant is practicing.

          2. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division Dental Hygiene.

       5. Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

          1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Veterinary Technology coursework. Ten (10) semester hours may be earned by transfer of AS degree credit hours in excess of 41.

          2. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division Veterinary Technology courses.

       6. Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration – Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Public Safety Administration coursework.

       
       

       7. Bachelor of Applied Science in International Business

       1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division International Business coursework (3 credit hours of intermediate foreign language may be eligible to be counted towards this requirement).

       2. Intermediate level foreign language proficiency as demonstrated by:

          1. One (1) semester (3 credit hours) of an intermediate level or conversational foreign language course;

          2. A qualifying score on the AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate), or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) exam; or

          3. A qualifying rating on the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview); or

          4. A Study Abroad Program approved by the College of Technology and Management will be counted towards the Intermediate Foreign Language Requirement.

       3. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division International Business required major courses.

       8. Bachelor of Applied Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics - In addition to SPC graduation requirements, students must meet these special graduation requirements:

          1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Orthotics and Prosthetics coursework.

          2. A grade of "C" or better in all courses in the Orthotics and Prosthetics Program.

          3. Students must satisfactorily complete a capstone exam including theoretical, clinical and technical knowledge and skills.

          4. Students must be able to perform the essential functions and occupational requirements of the Orthotics and Prosthetics program. Students with disabilities must be able to perform the essential functions and occupational requirements with or without reasonable accommodations.

          5. The College of Orthotics and Prosthetics reserves the right to suspend or dismiss from the Orthotics and Prosthetics program any students who does not exhibit the knowledge, behavior, skills, or ethics deemed necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of patients.

          6. Students who fail to obtain a grade of "C" or higher in any two courses within the major will be suspended from the program for the next term. Upon failure to obtain a grade of "C" or higher in a third course within the major, the student will be dismissed and be unable to return to the program. The Associate Provost's Office may consider an appeal due to extenuating circumstances.

       9. Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

          1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Paralegal Studies coursework.

          2. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division Paralegal courses.

       10. Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Organizational Leadership

           1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Management and Organizational Leadership coursework.

           2. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division Management and Organizational Leadership required major courses.

       11. Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Services Administration

           1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division Health Services Administration coursework.

           2. A grade of "C" or better in all upper-division coursework in the Health Services Administration program.
              

       12. Bachelor of Applied Science in Banking

           1. Completion of 40 semester hours of upper-division coursework in the Banking program.

           2. A grade of "C" or better in all coursework in the upper-division Banking required major courses.
              
              

2. The following general requirements for graduation from St. Petersburg College must be met by all students who are candidates for the Associate in Arts degree:
   
   

   1. Students must satisfactorily complete at least 60 hours of college-level credits. At least 25 percent of the semester hours required for graduation must be earned at St. Petersburg College. Students who have left the College must be eligible to return for transfer credits to be accepted to meet graduation requirements. All other specific degree requirements must also be met. Credit awarded for college preparatory instruction (0000 designation courses) may not be counted toward fulfilling the total number of credits or the number of credits in residency, required for a degree.

   
   
   

   2. Students must achieve a grade-point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, for all work at St. Petersburg College considered alone and for all work at the College and transfer credits combined. The quality point value of transfer work accepted by the College will be included in grade point average computations for all purposes including determination of achievement of the required 2.0 grade point average to be graduated from St. Petersburg College.

   
   
   

   3. Students must satisfactorily complete the general education requirements for the Associate in Arts degree including any assessment of educational outcomes that are required by the College.

   
   
   

   4. Students must satisfactorily complete the College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), unless exempt.
      
      

   5. Students who achieve a score of 500 on the Verbal and/or Math portions of the SAT I, or a score of 21 on the Enhanced ACT in the Mathematics I or the English and/or a score of 22 on the Reading may be exempt from all or a portion of the CLAST.
      
      

   6. Students who complete appropriate coursework with a 2.5 GPA in each individual area where CLAST skills are taught (Reading, Writing, Computation, and Essay Skills) shall be qualified for a CLAST exemption.

   
   
   

   7. Students have a 15-session period, beginning with the academic year of initial enrollment, in which to complete graduation requirements under the terms of the College catalog which was in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. However, students may opt to meet the program course requirements for any catalog year within the 15-session period based on advisement provided by the program director and/or the counselor/advisor. Students who have not graduated within this 15-session period will begin a new 15-session period upon their next enrollment following the expiration of their previous 15-session period.

   
   
   

   8. Students must submit a graduation application to the campus Admissions/Registration Office. Graduation application deadlines (usually the Friday of the 4th week of classes) will be published in the College catalog. Students must apply for graduation by the published deadline to be assured of final clearance for graduation, timely receipt of the diploma and participation in the graduation ceremonies. Late applications for graduation will be accepted until the last day of classes for the term in which the student wishes to graduate. However, students who apply late will not be listed in the graduation program and may not be able to order caps and gowns or participate in the graduation ceremonies.

   
   
   

3. The following general requirements for graduation from St. Petersburg College must be met by all students who are candidates for the Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degree:
   
   

   1. Students must satisfactorily complete the general education requirements for the Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degree including any assessment of educational outcomes that are required by the College. Students must satisfactorily complete 25 percent of the semester hours required for graduation at St. Petersburg College including at least 12 credit hours in the major.

   
   
   

   2. Students must satisfactorily complete the Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degree End of Program Assessment.

   
   
   

   3. Students must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, for all work at St. Petersburg College considered alone and for all work at the College and transfer credits combined. The quality point value of transfer work accepted by the College will be included in grade point average computations for all purposes including determination of achievement of the required 2.0 grade point average to be graduated from St. Petersburg College.

   
   
   

   4. Students have a 15-session period, beginning with the academic year of initial enrollment, in which to complete graduation requirements under the terms of the College catalog which was in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. However, students may opt to meet the program course requirements for any catalog year within the 15-session period based on advisement provided by the program director and/or the counselor/advisor. For students in limited enrollment programs, students must receive approval from the appropriate program director. For students enrolled in linkage programs, the 15-session period begins with their initial enrollment at their local college. Students who have not graduated within this 15-session period will begin a new 15-session period upon their next enrollment following the expiration of their previous 15-session period. In each of the selected admission A.S. degree programs, students have a 15-session period, beginning with the session of initial enrollment into the program, to complete the specialty courses required for the degree.

   
   
   

   5. Students must submit a graduation application to the campus Admissions/Registration Office. Graduation application deadlines (usually the Friday of the 4th week of classes) will be published in the College catalog. Students must apply for graduation by the published deadline to be assured of final clearance for graduation, timely receipt of the diploma and participation in the graduation ceremonies. Late applications for graduation will be accepted until the last day of classes for the term in which the student wishes to graduate. However, students who apply late will not be listed in the graduation program and may not be able to order caps and gowns or participate in the graduation ceremonies.

   
   
   

4. The following general requirements for completion must be met by all students who are candidates for College Credit Certificates or Applied Technology Diplomas:

   Candidates must achieve a 2.0 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale in all coursework applicable to either the College Credit Certificate or Applied Technology Diploma.

5. Degrees
   The authority for the award of baccalaureate degrees is contained in 1004.73, F.S. The authority for the award of associate degrees is contained in Rule 6S-14.030. The regulation sets as the minimum requirement for the award of an associate degree the completion of a program of post-high school studies of not less than 60 semester hours.
   
   

   1. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are defined in 1004.73, F.S.
       
   2. The Associate in Arts degree is defined in Rule 6A-14.030(1).
       
   3. The Associate in Science degree is defined in Rule 6A-14.030(2).
       
   4. The Associate in Applied Science degree is defined in Rule 6A-14.030(3).
       
   5. The College Credit Certificate is defined in Rule 6A-14.030(4).
       
   6. The Applied Technology Diploma is defined in Rule 6A-14.030(5).
       
6. Degree Certification
   
   

   1. The determination of eligibility of the applicants for the awards of the Associate in Arts degree is the responsibility of the campus coordinator of Admissions/Registration. The determination of eligibility for the award of the Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degree, College Credit Certificate, or Applied Technology Diploma in a vocational specialty is the responsibility of the program director or designee; the campus coordinator of Admissions/Registration will verify total hours and grade point average. Certification of degrees is the responsibility of the vice president of Educational and Student Services.
       

   2. The determination of eligibility of the applicants for the awards of the bachelor's degree is the responsibility of the Office of Central Records.
       

7. Graduation

   Graduation is not automatic. Each candidate for a degree or certificate must file an application for graduation by the deadline date published in the catalog as part of the College calendar to be assured of final clearance for graduation, timely receipt of the diploma or certificate and participation in the graduation ceremony.

8. Graduation with Honors

 
9. Honorary Degrees
   The College may award honorary degrees.
    
10. The President is authorized to permit substitute graduation requirements for eligible disabled students as defined by Rule 6A-10.041, F.A.C. (See 6Hx23-4.02 for substitute requirements for qualified disabled students.)
     
11. Degrees in Memoriam
    
    
    1. The President may grant a "Degree in Memoriam" in honor of a student who deceases while enrolled in the College provided the following requirements are met:
       
       1. The award of the degree is requested by a member of the student's immediate family (i.e., mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, child or grandparent); and
       2. The student was enrolled and in good standing at the time of his/her death.
           
    2. The Degree in Memoriam may be presented to appropriate members of the student's immediate family at one of the graduation ceremonies following the award of the degree or to members of the family prior to the graduation ceremony if the earlier date is preferred by the family.
        
    3. Exception to the above requirements may be approved by the President.

For information visit Graduating from SPC.

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