Degree and Certificate Requirements

To receive an undergraduate degree or post-baccalaureate certificate from SPS, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Completion of the program-specific curriculum, as outlined by the credit evaluation (or adviser-approved course of study), with
    • Adherence to policies and procedures outlined in this handbook.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (more information can be found within the Grade Requirements and Academic Progress section), except for those in Premedicine and Professional Health Careers, who must maintain a minimum of 3.0.
  • Adherence to policies on student conduct and academic integrity to the satisfaction of SPS.
  • Timely completion of the program and submission of graduation or certificate forms. More information can be found in the Completing a Degree or Certificate section.

    Degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates are conferred quarterly for students who have met all of their degree requirements or stated program courses. If certificate students have modified their courses, they will need to submit a Student Affairs Petition to formalize the new curriculum after speaking with their academic adviser.

    Only undergraduate degree–seeking students who have met all of their degree requirements may graduate.

    Completing the Degree or Certificate

    Undergraduate degree–seekers should submit a Program Completion Form - Bachelor's Degree form to the Registrar’s Office.

    Post-baccalaureate students should submit a Program Completion Form - PDP/Post-baccalaureate form to the Registrar’s Office as they are finishing their final course. Completion of the certificate will be designated on the SPS transcript and a physical certificate issued.

Graduation Ceremonies

Northwestern University hosts a number of graduation ceremonies each spring. All degree-seeking students are invited to participate in the in the SPS school Convocation ceremony and the University-wide commencement ceremony. Additionally, each school holds its own convocation ceremony, where graduates are recognized by name by the dean of the school or academic leadership for their program. Staff and faculty, fellow students, friends and family have the opportunity to join in the celebration. A student may participate in more than one ceremony, so he or she should make sure to RSVP for each ceremony individually. Refer to the SPS Convocation site for more information.

Here are the things to remember about the graduation ceremonies:

  • Graduation ceremonies are held only once a year, in June, for all degree completion dates.
  • All diplomas are mailed to students approximately two months following degree conferral.
  • Only degree-seeking students who have completed their program’s requirements and applied for their degree may participate in the Convocation and Commencement ceremonies.