Graduation

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Commencement Attendance

Students preparing for graduation are welcomed and encouraged to participate in their local campus ceremonies. Students in online programs are encouraged to participate in the Savannah, Georgia ceremony held each year in June. Students who choose to participate in the graduation ceremony must do so within twelve (12) months from the date of their degree completion.

Graduation Date Policy

Graduation dates and degree conferred will reflect the last day of the term in which the student completes the degree requirements.

Students who satisfy incompletes or other degree requirements after 14 calendar days from the end of the term or session will have their graduation and degree conferred dates reflect the day the academic requirements are completed.

Application for Graduation

It is the responsibility of each potential graduate to complete an application for graduation. The application should be submitted during the registration period two quarters before the anticipated graduation date.  

Graduation Requirements

Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees Program Graduation Requirements 

To receive an associate's or bachelor's degree or certificate, (except for Nursing, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Physical Therapist Assistant) a student must satisfy these four requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog.
  2. The student must receive a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher in all courses in the student's major (i.e., those described in Area III of the program curriculum outlined in the University's Academic Catalog).
  3. The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher for all coursework taken at the University. Students in the baccalaureate degree nursing program must be able to meet the physical and mental demands per the statutory requirements of the State of Florida.
  4. The student must abide by all University rules and regulations before graduation.

Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program, a student must: 

  1. The student must complete all curriculum requirements for the Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program.
  2. The student must receive a C or better in all AHS courses.

Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Graduation Requirements 

South University and the OTA Program reserve the right to make changes to any and all systems, policies and procedures related to the OTA Program at any time. This includes changes to admissions, financial aid, and the curriculum and graduation requirements. Please consult the most current South University Academic Catalog or most current addendum for updated information.

In order to graduate from the Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program or the Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant, a student must: 

  1. Complete the course requirements described in the catalog in effect when the student enrolled. However, academic programs are subject to change at the discretion of the institution. Students who leave the University longer than one calendar year will be required to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time of their return. Students may request department chair/coordinator approval for a course substitution or waiver. The OTA Program Director in consultation with the Campus Director & Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations and College Dean must approve deviation from any program requirements. Students must complete Level II Fieldwork within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.
  2. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher in all courses in the student's major in the Professional OTA Curriculum.
  3. Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher for all coursework taken at the University.
  4. Abide by all University rules and regulations before graduation.

Students are expected to complete all graduation and fieldwork requirements in a timely manner.  Students are required to complete the didactic portion of the professional curriculum within 150% of the published length.  Level II Fieldwork A, Fieldwork Seminar A, Level II Fieldwork B, and Fieldwork Seminar B must be completed within 24 months of the first day of the cohort’s originally scheduled Level II Fieldwork A placement.

Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Graduation Requirements 

In order to graduate from the Associate of Science or the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program, a student must: 

  1. Successfully complete the course requirements described in the Catalog.  Students who leave the University longer than one calendar year will be required to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time of their return.
  2. Complete all coursework in the professional phase of the program with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.50 and a minimum grade of C (or passing grade) in all courses.
  3. Abide by all University rules and regulations before graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Undergraduate nursing programs (BSN) a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog in effect when the student enrolled. Students withdrawn from the university one year or longer will be required to meet the program requirements in effect at the time of their return.
  2. Have passing grades in all nursing lab and practice courses.
  3. Have grades of "C" or higher in all nursing courses.
  4. Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 or higher and a CGPA of 2.5 or higher in nursing courses.
  5. Complete comprehensive achievement examinations and NCLEX review courses.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Nursing (RN to BSN) Program a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog in effect when the student enrolled. Students withdrawn from the university one year or longer will be required to meet the program requirements in effect at the time of their return.
  2. The student must successfully complete the required number of clinical practice hours and receive a satisfactory clinical performance evaluation.
  3. Have grades of "C" or higher in all courses.
  4. Have a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 or higher.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program, a student must: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog in effect when the student enrolled in South University.
  2. Complete all course work in the degree program with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 3.0 and no course grade below a C.

Doctor of Business Administration Graduation Requirements

To receive the Doctor of Business Administration degree, a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the course requirements described in the catalog in effect when the student enrolled in the program. A student who leaves South University longer than three quarters will be required to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time of his/her return.
  2. Possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, with no grade below a B.
  3. Successfully complete the requirements (with a Pass or High Pass) of the DBA Comprehensive Examination.
  4. Successfully complete the requirements of the DBA Doctoral Dissertation.
  5. Students enrolled in the online program must successfully complete the requirements of the DBA Virtual Residencies.

College of Business Graduation Requirements for Masters Programs Policy

In order to graduate from the Master of Science in Accounting, the Master of Business Administration, the Accelerated Master of Business Administration, the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, the Accelerated Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, the Master of Healthcare Administration, the Master of Science in Human Resources Management,  the Master of Science in Information Systems, the Master of Science in Leadership, or the Master of Public Administration, a student must satisfy these requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog.
  2. Complete all course work in the program with a cumulative grade point average (CPGA) of at least 3.0
  3. Complete all course work in the program with no grade below a C.

Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor of Science to the Master of Science in Accounting (BS to MS in Accounting) Program 

In order to graduate from the BS to MS in Accounting Program, a student must satisfy these requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog.
  2. Complete all graduate course work in the program with a cumulative grade point average (CPGA) of at least 3.0
  3. Complete all graduate course work in the program with no grade below a C.

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, a student must: 

  1. Evidence a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater for all academic work required for the degree.
  2. Successfully pass the Comprehensive Examination process.
  3. Successfully remediate or repeat all courses in which a grade lower than a "C" was earned.
  4. Successfully meet all conditions of a remediation plan(s) as provided by the Progress Promotions Policy during periods of probation or suspension.

*Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program for additional information regarding the Progress Promotions Policy.

Master in Medical Science in Anesthesia Science Graduation Requirements 

  1. The student must complete the course requirements described in the catalog in effect when the student was enrolled.
  2. The student must successfully meet the standards for Academic, Clinical and Professional Performance.
  3. Students must maintain an overall CGPA of 2.5 at the time of graduation.
  4. Student must be in good standing at the time of graduation; - i.e. not be on any type of warning or probationary status at the conclusion of their final quarter of enrollment.

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Degree Program Graduation Requirements

To receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. The student normally must complete the course requirements described in the catalog in effect when the student enrolled. Students who leave South University longer than 3 quarters will be required to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time of their return.
  2. The student must receive a minimum grade of "C" or better in all courses.
  3. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all coursework taken while in the South University Physician Assistant program.
  4. The student must successfully complete the summative evaluation before graduation.

The typical pace of the Physician Assistant program curriculum is 27 months.  Students must complete all graduation requirements for the Master of Science of Physician Assistant Degree within 45 months of their initial matriculation into the South University PA program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post Graduate Certificates, Master of Science in Nursing and the RN to Master of Science in Nursing Graduation Requirements 

To graduate from the South University College of Nursing graduate program a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. The student must successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog in effect when the student enrolled. Students withdrawn from the University one year or longer will be required to meet the program requirements in effect at the time of their return.
  2. The student must successfully complete the required number of clinical practice hours and receive a satisfactory clinical performance evaluation.
  3. A letter grade of "B" or better in all courses through the program of study (for RN to MSN students, a letter grade of “C” is allowed only in undergraduate courses. CGPA requirements apply for the entire program of study).
  4. A CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Master of Public Health Graduation Requirements

To receive the Master of Public Health degree, a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the program requirements described in the Catalog.
  2. Possess a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 or higher, with no grade below a B.
  3. Successfully complete the required number of public health practicum hours and receive a satisfactory performance evaluation.

Doctor of Ministry Graduation Requirements

To receive the Doctor of Ministry degree, a student must satisfy the following requirements: 

  1. Successfully complete the course requirements described in the catalog. A student who leaves South University longer than three quarters will be required to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time of his/her return.
  2. Possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and complete all coursework in the program with no grade below a C.
  3. Abide by all University rules and regulations before graduation.

School of Pharmacy Graduation Requirements

Students who have satisfactorily completed all academic requirements and who have been recommended by the School of Pharmacy faculty (as indicated by the successful completion of the School of Pharmacy curriculum) may be awarded the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, provided that they are of good moral character and have met the following standards. They must: 

  1. Have successfully remediated all course scores of 0.00 (F).
  2. Have completed the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum with no less than a 2.00 cumulative grade point average.
  3. Have satisfactorily completed four academic years of residence in a school of pharmacy that is either fully ACPE accredited or has ACPE pre-candidate or candidate status, the final two academic years of which must be completed at South University School of Pharmacy.
  4. Have completed all Interprofessional Education and Community Service requirements.
  5. Have completed all legal and financial requirements of the School of Pharmacy.
  6. Have exhibited the ethical, professional, behavioral, and personal characteristics necessary for the practice of pharmacy.
  7. Have completed an exit interview with the Office of Financial Aid if the student is a recipient of any form of financial aid.

Posthumous Degrees

South University will award a posthumous degree if a student, at the time of his/her death, had not completed degree requirements but was actively enrolled at the University, was in good academic standing, and had completed approximately two-thirds of the requirements for the program. Next of kin of the deceased student may request, in writing, consideration for a posthumous degree to the College/School Dean. If the degree is awarded, and the next of kin desires, the deceased student's name can be read at the next commencement ceremony. In such cases a diploma will be provided free of charge.