Undergraduate Policies
Catalog Year Requirements
Candidates for bachelor's degrees are expected to graduate under general studies provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of admission.
Students must complete the requirements of a major/minor based on the catalog year requirements in effect for that major/minor at the time of declaration of the major/minor. Transfer and readmitted students are expected to follow the catalog year requirements in effect at the time of readmission for both the general curriculum chosen and the major/minor.
Each academic department has its own criteria that govern the courses needed to satisfy the remaining degree requirements. A readmitted student must receive approval for general studies and general elective credits from his/her academic advisor and the director of Academic Advising. For major courses, students must receive approval from the major department chair and the Dean of their college.
Declaration of Major
Students are expected to declare a major officially after satisfactorily completing 50 college degree semester hours (not including institutional credits). Transfer students with more than 50 degree hours may complete one year of residency before declaring a major. Students who have completed pre-major courses and who have decided on a major during their first year are strongly encouraged to declare a major as early as possible. For timely progress to graduation, some majors require completion of particular major courses within the first two years. For instance, students pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in science, mathematics, and information technology should begin specific coursework in their first year and are best served by declaring their majors early.
Double Major
Students desiring a double major will be advised in each major by the advisor in each of the departments of their major choices. A student may receive two different degrees simultaneously. If the requirements are completed for a degree outside of the student's declared major, the student's transcript will reflect the fact, although a second degree will not be awarded.
Undergraduate Students in Graduate Courses
Under certain conditions, undergraduate students may enroll for graduate classes. In general, this requires advanced undergraduate standing, permission of the academic advisor, and permission of the department and instructor offering the course. Undergraduate students in graduate classes must complete exactly the same requirements as graduate students. In addition, undergraduate students must have met all prerequisite requirements for the graduate course in which they wish to enroll.
If the graduate class is to be used to fulfill requirements of a bachelor's degree, the same credits may not be applied to a graduate degree from Gallaudet University later. If the credits are to be applied to a graduate degree, they should be excluded from the undergraduate credit count.
Graduate Students in Undergraduate Courses
Under certain conditions, graduate students may enroll for undergraduate classes. In general, this requires permission of the department and instructor offering the course. Graduate students in undergraduate classes must complete exactly the same requirements as undergraduate students. In addition, graduate students must have met all prerequisite requirements for the undergraduate course in which they wish to enroll.
Undergraduate courses will not be counted towards either the total credits earned or any of the graduate degree requirements.
Second Undergraduate Degrees
First Degree from Gallaudet
To satisfy the requirements for a second baccalaureate degree at Gallaudet University, a student must complete a minimum of 30 additional semester hours after satisfying requirements for the first degree, and he or she must also satisfy the requirements of a major other than the major declared for the first baccalaureate. Grade points earned in the first degree will not apply in determining the scholastic eligibility while a student is enrolled for a second degree. No student, however, will be permitted to complete the second degree under a catalog or supplement issued more than three years prior to the date of completion of the second degree. A student returning to Gallaudet for a second degree must submit a letter from the appropriate department chair granting permission to enroll in that major.
First Degree from Another Institution
Students who have previously earned a B.A., B.S., or higher degree from another college or university must satisfy only the second B.A. or B.S. degree's major requirements and the major prerequisites. Grade points earned in the previous degree(s) will not apply in determining scholastic eligibility while a student is enrolled for a second degree. Students who have previously taken courses at another college or university may request from the appropriate department chairperson that these courses be transferred. Please refer to the Applicants Seeking a Second Degree for further information.