- Admissions
- Getting Started at DSU
- Apply Online
- Your Admissions Counselors
- Admissions Information & Requirements
- Undergraduate Students
- Graduate Admissions
- International Admissions
- Parents
- Continuing Education
- Schedule a Campus Visit
- Academic Regulations
- Admissions Reception
- Directions to DSU
- Early Bird Program
- Financial Assistance
- Academics
- Provost/Academic Affairs
- Register for Classes
- Strategic Plan for Delaware State University
- Majors and Concentrations
- University College
- Adult and Continuing Education
- Catalogs and Course Information
- Claude E. Phillips Herbarium
- DSU Arboretum
- College of Agriculture & Related Sciences
- Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources
- Agriculture Course Descriptions
- Undergraduate Degree Programs
- Graduate Degree Programs
- Faculty and Staff
- Fonio Plant
- The Center for Small Flock Research and Innovation
- Department of Human Ecology
- Cooperative Research
- Cooperative Extension
- CARS Academics
- CARS Conversations
- CARS Faculty
- CIBER
- Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources
- College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Department of Art
- Department of English and Foreign Languages
- Department of History, Political Science and Philosophy
- Department of Mass Communications
- Department of Music
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
- College Advance Learning Community
- Women's and Gender Studies Minor
- College of Business
- Commencement
- College of Education, Health & Public Policy
- Department of Education
- NCATE Information
- Bachelor's Programs
- Doctoral Programs
- Master's Programs
- Education Course Descriptions
- Early Childhood Lab School
- Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
- Teacher Education Program Regulations
- STEP Scholarship
- Department of Nursing
- Department of Public and Allied Health Sciences
- Department of Social Work
- DE Center for Health Promotion
- Student Services Center
- Department of Education
- College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology
- DSU Optics Center
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences
- Department of Mathematical Sciences
- Department of Physics and Engineering
- Support Programs for Science Majors
- Honors Program
- Distance Education & Learning Technologies
- International Programs
- International Students Association
- Current International Students
- F-1 Students
- J-1 Scholars and Students
- Prospective International Students
- Study Abroad Students
- International Student and Study Abroad Request Form
- OIA Events
- Passports
- Study Abroad Faculty and Staff
- Study Abroad Opportunities
- Study Abroad Photos and Videos
- School of Graduate Studies and Research
- Center for Teaching and Learning
- Sexual Misconduct, Harassment & Sex Discrimination (Title IX)
- Summer 2015
- Research
- Student Affairs
- Career Services
- Internships
- Student Services
- Employer Services
- Graduate Study
- Hire-a-Hornet
- Online Resources
- Roadmap
- Assessments and Career Exploration
- Career Services Ambassadors
- Faculty Resources
- Resume Resources
- Spring 2016 Career Fair
- Student Employment
- Student Success at DSU
- What Can I Do With This Major?
- Director's Message
- Meet the Staff
- Career Services Industry Advisory Board Members
- Counseling Services
- Parents and Families
- Judicial Affairs
- Student Leadership & Activities
- Housing and Residential Education
- Student Health Services
- Wellness & Recreation
- Current Students
- Service & Community
- Comment Box
- Dept. of Conferences & Events
- Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Sex Discrimination (Title IX)
- Student Health Insurance
- Career Services
- Athletics
- Academic Services for Student-Athletes
- Academic Services for Student-Athletes FAQ
- Applying to Delaware State University
- Awards and Honors
- Book Purchase and Return Policy for Student-Athletes
- Forms Library for Student-Athletes
- Mission and Vision Statements
- NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative
- NCAA Initial Eligibility
- Other Academic Services Available for Student-Athletes
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAACs)
- Study Hall Policy for Student-Athletes
- Study Tips and Learning Strategies
- Tutorial Support
- Camps
- Compliance
- Marketing and Promotions
- Sports Information Office
- Sports Medicine
- Tickets
- Online Store
- Academic Services for Student-Athletes
- Library
- Administration
- Office of the President
- Board of Trustees
- Board Members
- David G. Turner, Board Chair
- John J. Allen, Jr.
- Robert E. Buccini
- The Honorable Michael N. Castle
- José F. Echeverri
- Barry M. Granger
- Lois M. Hobbs
- Charles S. McDowell, Esq.
- Wesley E. Perkins
- Claibourne D. Smith, Ph.D.
- James "Jim" W. Stewart, III
- Leroy A. Tice, Esq.
- Mark A. Turner
- Devona E. Williams, Ph.D.
- Board Minutes
- Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule
- Committees of the Board of Trustees
- Board Members
- Alumni Relations
- DSU Foundation
- Give to DSU
- Ways to Give
- Naming Opportunities
- Establishing Scholarships
- Corporations and Foundations
- Class Reunion Gifts
- Alumni Phone-a-thon
- Solicitation Guidelines
- Alumni Fundraising Event Request
- Faculty and Staff Event Request Form
- Faculty, Staff and Administrator Fundraising Proposal
- Off-Campus Solicitation by Faculty and Staff
- Off-Campus Solicitation by Students
- On-Campus Solicitation
- On-Campus Solicitation By Students
- On-Campus Solicitation by Faculty and Staff
- Solicitation by Alumni
- Student Fundraising Event Request
- 21st Annual Hornet Golf Classic
- DSU Champion Fund
- Delaware Diamond Extravaganza
- Jerome Holland Commemorative Statue
- Periodic Table of Donor Elements
- Support Michael J. Feeney Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
- Support Peggy C Brinkley Memorial Scholarships
- Contribute to DSU - Alumni & Friends of DSU
- Faculty Senate
- Forms Library
- Human Resources
- Mission/Vision Statement
- News and Media
- Public Safety
- Finance and Administration
- Division of Finance
- Purchasing
- About Us
- Bid Process and Forms
- Conflict of Interest
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Office of Supplier Diversity
- Purchasing Contacts
- Purchasing to Payment Process
- Small Purchase Procedures and Thresholds
- Special Handling of Goods and Materials
- Suppliers
- Training
- Vendor Registration
- Accounts Payable
- Fixed Asset and Inventory Management Department
- Forms
- Policies and Procedures
- Accounting Department
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Payroll Department
- Purchasing
- Dr. Teresa Hardee Bio
- Division of Finance
- Information Technology
- Integrated Marketing
- University Policies and Procedures
- Administrative
- Academic/Research/ Libraries
- Financial
- Human Resources
- University General Counsel/ Legal Affairs
- Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
- Risk and Safety Management
- Information Technology
- Procurement and Auxiliary Services
- Facilities Management
- University Athletics
- University Foundation
- Sexual Misconduct, Harassment & Sex Discrimination (Title IX)
- Internal Audit and Advisory Services
- About DSU
The 128th DSU May Commencement
Graduation Requirements
You are here
Courses and Credits
The minimum number of semester hours required for graduation is one hundred and twenty (120). This number varies with many of the major programs. Candidates must satisfactorily complete the requirements of the major study area in which they are enrolled to be eligible for graduation.
A candidate for the baccalaureate degree must complete the last thirty (30) semester hours of credits at Delaware State University. However, a student may enroll in six to eight (6-8) hours of courses at another institution upon approval of the department chairperson and the academic dean.
Students who transfer from other institutions must earn a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours at Delaware State University.
Degree Audits
All degree audits must be done through your academic advisor and sent to the Records & Registration Office by the published deadlines.
Grades and Grade Point Averages (GPA)
To qualify for graduation, the following grades and grade point averages must be earned by the candidate:
- A minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 (“C”)
- A minimum grade of 2.00 ("C") in each course in a field of specialization
- A minimum of 2.00 (“C”) GPA for the last thirty (30) semester hours of work at the University
- No student may graduate with any incomplete (“I”) or “In Progress” grades on his/her transcript
Double Degrees
A student can be awarded two (2) degrees at the same time only if the degrees are different (e.g., Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees). If a student is pursuing two (2) fields of study for which the same degree is awarded, then only one (1) diploma will be granted, but both fields of study will be listed on the diploma. To be eligible for a second degree: 1) course work must be taken in two fields of study and 2) the student must satisfy the curriculum requirements of both departments.
A student returning to Delaware State University for a second degree or major must officially declare a major in the second area and need only satisfy the additional requirements for the second major in order for the second baccalaureate degree to be conferred.
Diplomas are ordered by degree. One diploma will be ordered for each degree earned and will not be issued to a candidate who has not satisfied all financial obligations to the institution, including loan programs administered by the University.
Graduation with Honors
Honors are awarded to graduation candidates who have attended the University for at least three years (90 semester hours) and have met the following criteria:
- SUMMA CUM LAUDE for a scholastic average of 3.75 or above
- MAGNA CUM LAUDE for a scholastic average of 3.50 to 3.74
- CUM LAUDE for a scholastic average of 3.25 to 3.49
- HONORABLE MENTION for transfer students
(Honorable mention is awarded to transfer students if they complete the last two years of academic work toward graduation (60 semester hours) at Delaware State University with a minimum GPA of 3.50.)
Application for Graduation
All prospective graduates should have filed an application for graduation in the Office of Registration and Records by October 15 for December and by
February 3 for May. There is no guarantee that diplomas or regalia will be available for the graduation exercise for those students who apply after the deadline.
Students who have met degree requirements are eligible for graduation at the close of any semester. Degrees are awarded on the students’ transcripts upon completion of all requirements with the actual award date (December 15th for the Fall, May 15th for the Spring and August 15th for the Summer).
Degrees are conferred three times a year and qualified students can participate in the University’s Commencement Exercises in May and December. August graduates are eligible to receive their diplomas on the actual award date and are eligible to participate in the following fall or spring graduation exercise.
Exit Interview
It is mandatory that all graduates who have been awarded Title IV Loans (Perkins Loans, Signature Loans, Stafford Loans, Student Nursing Loans and Unsubsidized Loans) complete an exit interview.
The exit interview can be completed by following the steps below:
Log on to: www.NSLDS.ed.gov
- Click on “Exit Counseling”
- Fill in ALL fields with appropriate information and click “Submit”
- Answer all accompanying questions and click "Continue"
NOTE: If a score of 100% is not received, you will not be able to participate in the commencement exercises.
If you have received a Federal Perkins or Nursing Loan, you will receive an exit packet from Campus Partners at a later date.
To secure a copy of your debt summary, log on to: www.mycampusloan.com
If your graduation date is incorrect, forward an email to: lthompson@desu.edu listing your expected graduation date.
An exit interview hold will be placed on your account and all University services will be withheld including release of transcripts and diploma if the exit interview process is not completed by November 15--(December Commencement) and April 15 for May Commencement.
Commencement Participation Eligibility
Students may participate in Commencement in May if they have satisfied the following conditions
- Filed the application for graduation by October 15;
- Enrolled in and successfully completed all academic requirements for graduation prior to graduation;
- Satisfied all financial obligations to the University;
- Completed the Exit Interview.
- Completed the Graduate Exit Survey online.
* Questions
For all questions pertaining to graduation requirements (except the Exit Interview), contact the Office of the Records and Registration at 302.857.6375, Administration Building, 1st floor. For questions concerning the Exit Interview and financial information, contact the Office of Student Accounts at 302.857.6240, also located in the Administration Building, 1st floor.