Degree Policies
SVSU offers multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees for incoming students to choose from to complete their first or additional baccalaureate, masters, certification, doctorate or etc. Students also have the option to pursue multiple majors and minors simultaneously. For more information on degree requirements, expectations and more, please refer to the Course Catalog or the degree's corresponding department.
Graduation requirements for baccalaureate degrees are based on the regulations and requirements printed in the catalog in effect at the time of a student’s initial registration at Saginaw Valley State University. A catalog published after initial registration may be chosen by the student when it is to his or her advantage, but the entire set of graduation requirements listed in any one catalog must be used. The time limitation on this provision is that no student may graduate under the requirement of a catalog published more than six calendar years prior to the date of graduation. Readmitted students are subject to all regulations and requirements of the catalog current at the time of re-enrollment.
Summary of Baccalaureate Degree Requirements (starting Fall 2024)
- Satisfy University Basic Skills requirements in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Satisfy University General Education requirements.
- Satisfy departmental requirements for a major and a minor or an interdisciplinary major (no minor required) or two majors.
- Complete at least 6 upper division (300-400 level) credits in the major from SVSU; complete at least 3 credits at the 200 level or higher in the minor from SVSU.
- Complete 40 credits of course work at the upper division (300-400) level.
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours (at least 30 credits must be taken at SVSU).
- Earn a 2.00 cumulative GPA with a grade of “C” or better in all Basic Skills, major and minor courses.
Credit Hours Needed
Saginaw Valley State University operates on a trimester system of three 15-week semesters: fall, winter and summer (divided into a seven-week spring session and a seven-week summer session). Each degree requires the fulfillment of the academic residency requirement (see below) and the completion of a minimum of 120 credits of academic work and must include 40 credits of upper division work (300 and 400 level courses).
Students pursuing a second SVSU undergraduate degree must complete a minimum of 30 additional credits beyond the first degree and also fulfill all requirements listed for a different major than from the first degree.
Academic Residency Requirement for All Bachelor’s Degree Programs
All candidates for baccalaureate degrees are required to take at least 30 credits from Saginaw Valley State University and the last semester must be SVSU earned credits (taken online, hybrid or face-to-face).
At least six upper division credits in the major field and at least three credits at the Sophomore or higher level in the minor field must be completed at SVSU.
Grade Point Requirement
Each candidate for a degree must have a grade point average of not less than 2.00 (“C” average).
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Qualifications for a baccalaureate degree prior to Fall 2024
- A student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of a 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale to be in good standing.
- Complete a minimum of 30 new SVSU credits.
- Follow the Graduate program-specific rules noted in the catalog.
- Students who fail to maintain minimum academic standards set by the graduate program in which they are enrolled, are subject to dismissal from that program.
If you are considering a Second SVSU Bachelors Degree make sure that you first consult an SVSU Academic Advisor and a Career Counselor.
Please visit the SVSU Academic Advisement Center or a Faculty Advisor and then the SVSU Office of Career Services to determine if this is your best option in the context of your career plans. You might find that an SVSU Master's degree would be a better option when considering educational credentials that will optimize your academic and professional preparation for the job market.
If you decide to go forward with a second Bachelor's degree, please note the following:
- Apply for admission into the second Bachelor's degree program in the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
- To earn two SVSU Bachelor's degrees, all degree requirements must be met in both curricula pursuant to the Catalogs in effect at the time of admission to the respective program.
- Financial aid might not be available for a second Bachelor's degree, though you might qualify for a student loan if you are still eligible and the maximum debt limit has not been reached. Please address these questions to the SVSU Office of Financial Services.
- Courses with passing grades in Basic Skills (remedial) and General Education from the first Bachelor's degree will count toward the second degree; a minimum of “C” in all required courses except General Education which is a minimum of a “D” grade. The upper-division degree requirements are also waived for the second degree, but all requirements for the Major in the degree must be met.
- Students pursuing a second SVSU undergraduate degree must complete a minimum of 30 additional credits beyond the first degree and also fulfill all requirements listed for a different major than from the first degree. Please consult with an Academic Advisor to determine which courses would double-count.
- A Minor is not required in the second Bachelor's degree program.
- If the second Bachelor's degree is pursued after the first Bachelor's degree has already been conferred, registration procedures are standard in terms of the posted registration schedule and online registration opportunities. Students pursuing a second Bachelor's degree are considered to be seniors and can register online pursuant to the posted registration schedule.
- In the case of two Bachelors degrees, the degrees can be of the same type (e.g., both Bachelor of Science degrees with different majors) and be in the same College (e.g., both in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology). The degrees can also be different, for example, the first one as a Bachelor of Arts and the second Bachelor of Science.
- It is possible for a single student to pursue two degrees at the same time, though this must be arranged in advance in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Under this scenario, a 150 total credit minimum for the two majors combined (120+30) and completion of one minor is required unless both degrees do not require a minor. Also, all course registrations must be done in person at the Registration counter.
Another Option: At SVSU, students can elect to pursue two majors under a single Bachelor's degree. All requirements in both majors must be met under the Catalog in force. Unlike a two-degree arrangement, no Minor is required under this arrangement, as the second Major satisfies the Minor requirement. For this option, a second major must be declared and entered into the student’s record in advance at the Office of the Registrar.
No, double counting cannot occur between a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree. If a student takes a graduate-level course to fulfill the requirements for their Bachelor's degree, it cannot be moved to fulfill requirements in a Master's degree (if a student wishes to pursue one).
If a student does want to pursue a Master's degree, they will need to take different courses to substitute the ones used for their Bachelor's degree.
The only exception to this rule is Special Education in the College of Education.
CONTACT US.
Office of the Registrar
Wickes 151
registrar@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4085