Graduation
Review graduation application deadlines, degree requirements, and eligibility criteria for honors and commencement participation.
Application for Degree
A candidate for any degree must complete a graduation application with their major department
and return it to the Registrar’s Office not later than
two semesters prior to the anticipated graduation date.
Example: A student expecting to graduate in Fall 2025 must apply by Fall 2024.
Claflin assumes no obligation for special adjustments if a student fails to file for graduation
by the stated deadline. Applications can be found on the Registrar website under
Registrar Forms.
Requirements for Graduation
The Bachelor’s degree is conferred at the annual commencement upon students who have completed
all academic requirements, satisfied financial obligations, and returned all borrowed materials.
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Completion of a minimum of 120 semester credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least
2.00 (or higher if required by the major). Some majors may require additional credit hours.
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A satisfactory score on competency and subject area tests.
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Completion of 39 semester credit hours in general education requirements.
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Completion of 42–53 semester credit hours in major subjects with no grade lower than “C.”
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Residency for at least 25% of required credit hours and completion of the senior year in residence.
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Successful completion of a senior thesis or capstone project.
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Passing score on the Departmental Senior Exit Examination. Only after all requirements are fulfilled
may a student participate in Commencement Convocation.
Honors at Graduation
Summa Cum Laude
3.90 – 4.00 GPA
Magna Cum Laude
3.75 – 3.89 GPA
Cum Laude
3.50 – 3.74 GPA
To be eligible for Summa Cum Laude, students must have earned a minimum of 90 semester credit hours at Claflin University.
Students completing at least 60 (but fewer than 90) semester credit hours at Claflin are eligible for
Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude.