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How to Check Your Graduation Requirements

Tap each step to check your graduation requirements in order.

  1. Check your total required credit count

    The total number of credits needed to graduate varies by school and by major, so look up your specific requirement in your school's student portal or degree audit section rather than assuming a standard number.

  2. Check the minimum credits required in each category

    General education, required major courses, and elective major courses usually each carry their own separate minimum, so check each category individually to catch any shortfall before it becomes a problem.

  3. Use your school's degree audit tool

    Most universities offer a degree audit or "what-if" tool that shows exactly how your completed courses map onto each graduation requirement, giving you a clear picture of what is done and what is still missing.

  4. Check non-credit requirements like language scores or certifications

    Some majors also require a minimum standardized language score, a professional certification, or a set number of community service hours as a separate graduation condition, so confirm these alongside your credit count.

  5. Consult your academic advisor or department office

    If the degree audit shows anything ambiguous or an exception case, contact your advisor or department office directly to get a definitive answer rather than guessing.

  6. Submit your graduation application and documents

    Once every requirement is confirmed met, submit your graduation candidacy application within the posted deadline and provide any documents your school requests for final degree clearance.

Requirements differ by school and by major β€” never assume

Total credit counts, category minimums, and extra non-credit conditions can all vary meaningfully between schools and even between majors at the same school. Treat your own school's official requirement page as the only reliable source, and re-check it periodically since requirements can be updated.

A degree audit tool saves you from last-minute surprises

Running a degree audit early β€” ideally a year or two before your expected graduation term β€” gives you enough time to fix a shortfall by adding a course or swapping an elective, rather than discovering the gap the semester you planned to graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the degree audit tool shows a course counted in the wrong category?

Degree audit systems occasionally misclassify a substitute or cross-listed course. If something looks off, contact your department office directly β€” they can manually confirm or correct how a specific course applies to your requirements.

Can I still graduate if I am missing a small number of credits?

Generally no β€” nearly all schools require every category minimum to be met before conferring a degree. If you are short, look into a summer term, an online course, or a course substitution request rather than assuming it will be waived.