Degree Honors
Honors at Graduation
Honors are based upon the Honors Point Average (HPA). The honors grade point average is based upon the student’s entire academic history. This includes grades for all coursework taken at all institutions of higher learning, including repeated courses.
The Commencement Program is printed prior to the calculation of final grades. As a result, grades for the final semester and/or term will not be included in the honors calculation for the program. Students qualifying for honors at the time of the ceremony have the appropriate honors indicated in the program and are presented with an honors sash at the ceremony.
Honors, as defined below, are based upon all completed courses and grades. Final graduation status including the awarding of degrees and honors is determined and certified by the University Registrar as posted to the official academic transcript, six to eight weeks after the end of the term.
Honors are awarded based upon the following criteria:
Associate Degree
Students completing an associate degree may graduate with the designation “With Honors” by completing at least 24 semester hours of coursework at the University and having a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 for HPU courses and a minimum honors point average (HPA) of 3.4.Baccalaureate Degree
Undergraduate students in a baccalaureate degree program may graduate with “Latin Honors” if they have completed at least 45 semester hours of coursework at the University. They must have earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 for HPU courses and have achieved the requisite honors point average (HPA) requirements. The corresponding honors designation for the baccalaureate degrees are as follows:- 3.4 – 3.69 Cum Laude
- 3.7 – 3.89 Magna Cum Laude
- 3.9 – 4.00 Summa Cum Laude
Graduate Degree
Students in a graduate degree program at the University may graduate with the designation “With Distinction” by attaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 as follows:- Completion of at least 24 semester hours of coursework at the University toward the MSIS, MSN, or MA, or 27 semester hours toward the MBA, or all semester hours for MATESL, or 39 semester hours for a joint degree program.
- A minimum honors point average (HPA) of at least 3.7 for all graduate coursework completed at any college or university.
