What is the
45-hour rule?
All bachelor’s
candidates are required to successfully complete 45 semester hours of
300 level or abo ve. In other words, most students will take fifteen 3
credit-hour classes at the 300 or 400 level. We do not recommend that
freshmen take 300 level courses. All programs in our department already
have several 300/400 level classes built in to the core. These required
classes will count toward the 45-hour rule. It is your responsibility to
enroll in classes at the 300/400 level when you register to ensure that
you have earned a minimum of 45 credit hours before you graduate.
What do I need for
graduation?
You need to complete
six items (who checks it):
A.
A minimum of 128 semester hours, the last 30 of which must
be taken at Northern. Also, a minimum of 25% of the semester hours
required for a degree must be taken at Northern. (Registrar)
B.
General studies
requirements. (Registrar)
C.
Major
requirements. (Political Science Department)
D.
An area of concentration - 12 hours with same designator
over 300 level OR a minor. (Department with designator)
E.
A grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 on all work
attempted at Northern, at least 2.00 on all college and major work
attempted. (Registrar)
F.
Forty-five semester hours of 300 level
or above successfully completed coursework are required of all
bachelors’ candidates. (Registrar)
***Please refer to your catalog for a complete list of graduation
requirements.***
How, Where and When do I file for degree candidacy and graduation?
Two forms must be
f illed out when you are ready to apply for graduation: 1) a Graduation
Certification form and 2) a Program Certification form. Both forms are
available at the Registrar’s
Office (AC 301). The Program Certification
form must be completed and turned in to the Department of Political
Science (217 LA). Please allow at least one week for the faculty member
to process your paperwork. You must turn in the Program Certification
Form no later than October 1st for processing. We recommend that
you call (572-5321) before coming to get your Program Certification form
to ensure that it has been completed. Then, you must return both forms
to the Registrar’s office. The Registrar requires that both the
Graduation Certification and the Program Certification forms be turned
in at the same time.
What if I have a
class substitute for a requirement in the major?
Occasionally, we
will accept an equivalent substitute for a course from another
institution. In that case, you must fill out the Course Substitution
Form to ensure that you are meeting the appropriate requirement with
that course.
What if I want to
change majors?
You can change
majors at anytime. Just go to the Registrar’s office and fill out a
Program Change/Declaration form. Then your file will be moved to the new
department in a few weeks. |
