| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Numeric Credits | 128 numeric credits |
| Academic Standing | Good academic standing with at least a 2.0 GPA |
| Brandeis Core | Complete all Core Requirements: |
| Major | Only 1 major is required |
| Minor | Optional; Not required |
| Semesters in Residence | Refer to the University Bulletin |
| Thesis | Optional; Not required |
A minimum of 112 of the 128 credits must come from Brandeis fall/spring semesters, Brandeis Summer School, or approved fall/spring study abroad programs.
A combined maximum of 16 credits may come from External Credit Sources (see below).
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 64 of the 128 credits from Brandeis fall/spring semesters.
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 is required for graduation.
Credits for graduation can be earned a variety of ways (for the full transfer credit policy please reference the University Registrar's website):
Brandeis fall/spring coursework
Brandeis summer coursework (limit 3 courses/12 credits each summer)
AP or IB credit
A second fall or spring semester of approved Study Abroad
Approved courses taken through an approved summer study abroad program
For students who applied for fall-term admission as first years, but who were accepted for the following spring term as members of the midyear class please refer to the University Registrar's website for the transfer credit policy.
Brandeis only has one Commencement each year, in May. Students who complete the graduation requirements at the end of the summer or fall terms may choose to participate in either the Commencement ceremonies preceding their completion or following it (but not both). If you choose to participate in the Commencement afterwards, you may choose to receive your diploma at the Commencement ceremonies or have it mailed directly to you when it is available. Students "walking" in Commencement before they have completed graduation requirements will receive their diplomas 8-10 weeks after completing their degree.
To check if you are eligible for a mid-year graduation, or after seven semesters of residency, contact the Office of the University Registrar or Academic Services. Students who complete graduation requirements after the fall semester may choose to participate in Commencement ceremonies held either the May preceding or following their completion of the requirements. Notify the Registrar's Office of your decision. There is no Commencement ceremony held in the winter.
For more information on graduating with Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) please refer to the University Bulletin.
The requirements for Departmental Honors vary by department and are usually specified in the University Bulletin. Most departments require a thesis or honors research supervised by a department faculty member. Honors are usually determined by a committee of department faculty members and can be honors, high honors or highest honors. Departmental and Latin honors are listed on both the diploma and final (permanent) transcript.