To receive a baccalaureate degree from NDSU, students must complete all of the requirements listed in this section as well as those specified for the particular degree program by a college within the university. Consult the appropriate section of this bulletin for sample curricula or contact the academic department for further information on degree requirements. Degree candidates must satisfactorily complete one of the degree curricula offered at NDSU. Because curricula are subject to change annually, students are responsible for determining curricular expectations according to the following guidelines:
Each program of study presented by a candidate for the
baccalaureate degree is audited for meeting the degree requirements
by the Office of Registration and Records. Degree candidates are
certified by the Office of Registration and Records according to
total credits earned, institutional grade-point average, and other
university requirements.
A degree is the title that the university confers on a graduate who has completed university requirements for graduation. NDSU confers the following degrees at the undergraduate level:
In addition, NDSU awards graduate degrees at the following levels:
A second baccalaureate degree may be earned at NDSU with all of the following provisions:
Majors and minors are integral parts of baccalaureate degree curricula, particularly of those curricula that are largely elective.
Major: A major is a planned grouping of related courses that totals a minimum of 24 credits. Specific curriculum requirements for majors may be acquired from the appropriate departmental office or from Registration and Records.
Minor: A minor is a similar grouping of courses that totals a minimum of 16 credits. A minimum of eight credits must be earned in residence at NDSU. Students are responsible for following the requirements in place at the time a minor is officially declared with the university.
Second or Multiple Majors: A second (or multiple) major may be earned by completing the requirements of both (or all) majors offered under the same baccalaureate degree. At least 15 unique credits must exist between the majors. When requirements for multiple majors are met concurrently, all majors are displayed on the diploma.
Multiple majors or minors may be completed and recorded on the
student's academic record after the degree for the first major has
been awarded. When majors under different degrees are involved, the
requirements for a second degree apply (See Second Degree).
A certificate program is a specialized course of study requiring
at least 16 credit hours at the undergraduate level or eight credit
hours at the graduate level. Certificates may be earned while in
pursuit of a degree or as standalone programs of study. Prospective
students interested in certificate programs, but not seeking a
degree, must be accepted to the university. Contact the Office of
Admission or the Graduate School for further information.
Curricular requirements and verification forms are available in
academic departments offering certificates. Completed forms must be
signed by the appropriate department chair (and Graduate School, if
applicable) and submitted to Registration and Records in order for
the certificate to be posted to a student's academic record and
official documentation issued.
Academic policies and requirements are designed to ensure that programs at NDSU are consistently of high quality. All university requirements prescribed by the University Senate must be met. Students may request substitutions or waivers for college or departmental requirements when extenuating circumstances prevail.
Students should initiate such requests with the Office of Registration and Records. Reasons for the request along with supporting evidence must be provided. In cases where deviation from the requirements might affect a student's eligibility to enroll in a particular course, the student should begin the process early during the previous term to ensure timely processing.