Academic Policies

Application for Bachelor's Degree Candidacy and Related Information

Application for Bachelor's Degree Candidacy

The University awards degrees three times annually: in May, in August and in December. For undergraduate degree candidacy filing deadlines and fees, see the Graduation Services site.  (Graduate students may consult the Graduate Degree Certification site.)

Changes in Degree-Application Information

Once a degree application has been filed, applicants are required to notify their Graduation Services advisor promptly of subsequent changes in the following information: (1) anticipated date of graduation; (2) degree, major, minor, catalog being used; (3) name, local address and telephone number, permanent address. Failure to do so may result in delay in awarding of the degree.

Completion of Degree Requirements

All degree requirements must be completed by the last day of final exams in the semester or term in which the degree is to be awarded. The applicant is also responsible for providing all documentation relating to the completion of his/her degree program to the Undergraduate Graduation Services Office within 30 calendar days following the last day of final exams in the semester or term in which the degree is to be awarded. Documentation may include, but not be limited to, official transcripts from other educational institutions/programs, actions resulting from University General Petitions, Change of Grade forms (including removals of "I" grades), etc. Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in a delay or non-awarding of the degree.

Degree candidates who find it necessary to leave The University of Arizona and complete final course requirements through correspondence or transfer work are required to notify their Graduation Services advisor of such plans before leaving the University.

Second Bachelor's Degree

(Policy revised 2/10/06:  added criteria on units, major, and degree title for second degree)

Candidates for a second bachelor's degree at The University of Arizona must earn no fewer than 30 units in addition to the units required for the first degree, and must meet all requirements for the second degree. The additional units may be completed concurrently with those applying to the first degree; however, at least 30 unique units of University Credit (units in residence not used for the first degree) must be completed for the second degree.  If the degrees are completed concurrently, the 30 units are added to the degree with the higher unit requirement. 

For sequential degrees, students must complete at least 50 percent of all course work required in the major of the second degree after the conferral of the first degree.

Students may apply for a simultaneous or sequential second degree only if the degree title and major differ from the first.  Students pursuing another academic program that would lead to the same degree title as the primary program must declare that program as an additional major, not a second degree.   Two or more majors may be completed within one academic degree program as long as these majors lead to the same degree title.  However, after the first degree is awarded, another major cannot be appended to it.  Students may instead pursue a post-baccalaureate certificate, a graduate degree, or a second baccalaureate with a degree title and major that differ from the first. 

Clearance of Accounts

Degree candidates are required to clear any indebtedness to the University before completion of degree requirements will be officially certified or the diploma released.

Related Topic

• Graduation Advisors