Graduation Requirements Policy
In order to graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, students must fulfill the residency requirements as specified below.
- Although “D” (1.0), “D+” (1.33) and “C-” (1.67) grades are considered passing in a course, a student must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of “C” (2.0) for all work completed at Southern New Hampshire University and must satisfy the requirements of a specific program of study, including residency requirements, in order to receive a degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
- As part of its mission, the university takes seriously its goal of preparing students to be proficient in writing correct, coherent English. All entering freshmen will take a writing placement examination. Based on this examination, some students may be placed in English 101 and others may be placed in English 120.
- Those students taking English 101 must pass a Basic Writing Competency Examination given at the end of the course. This examination requires students to demonstrate their ability to write coherently, correctly and thoughtfully about a pre-assigned topic. Students must pass this examination in order to receive credit for English 101. Students who fail the Basic Writing Competency Examination must repeat English 101 before being re-tested.
- Students require an ability to work with quantitative information. Most students will take a freshman math course. Entering students who are deficient in math skills may be required to enroll in a fundamentals course. The three credits received for MAT 050 Fundamentals of Mathematics are in addition to the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation. Most students will be placed in MAT 120.
- Entering students who have demonstrated superior math skills, including a strong background in algebra, may be placed in MAT 150 Honors Finite Mathematics. Students should follow their major work sheets to determine the specific mathematics courses they must take.
- Those students who have taken MAT 150 Honors Finite Mathematics will take more advanced versions of the courses, which will not only challenge students but will give them a stronger foundation in mathematics should they want to apply to graduate programs which require a more substantial mathematics background.
- Prospective graduates must submit a petition to graduate to the Office of the Registrar by the dates specified in the academic calendar
Application-for-degree forms can be obtained online and returned to:
- Continuing Education Students – Continuing Education Office
- Day Students - Office of the Bursar
- Culinary Students - Office of the Bursar
Additional Information
- The graduation fee ($150) must be paid at the time the application-for-degree form is submitted.
- A student is held responsible for determining that he or she has earned all necessary credits for graduation. Students who have any questions should refer them to their advisors. If further clarification is needed, the student should contact the Office of the Registrar.
- Prior to participating in graduation ceremonies and receiving a degree, student obligations to the university, such as library fines, tuition, dues and fees, must be met; all athletic equipment must be returned.
- No caps and gowns will be released unless all account charges are paid.
- All students are expected to attend the graduation ceremonies.
Residency Requirements
To graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, students must complete 30 credits in residence at SNHU, including 12 credits from their major field, excluding the core, for a bachelor’s degree and nine credits from their major field for an associate degree. No exceptions will be made regarding residency requirements given in this paragraph.
The final 24 credits of a degree program must be completed at Southern New Hampshire University. Exceptions to the residency requirement given in this paragraph must be requested in advance to the appropriate school dean, who will decide if the request will be granted. (Active-duty military personnel are exempted from the final 24-credit residency requirement.)
Residence credits cannot be used simultaneously to satisfy the requirements of more than one program. It is not permissible, therefore, for a student to receive two degrees from Southern New Hampshire University at the same time.
Credits earned for completing SNHU cooperative education programs and any approved Southern New Hampshire University student exchange program are considered to be residence credits. Credits earned through institutional exams are also considered as residence credits, while those credits earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) are not considered as residence credits.