Graduation

Requirements: To qualify for graduation, students must complete the prescribed course of study with a minimum average of 2.00 (C), discharge all financial obligations to the College, and meet the credit-hour requirements for their major.

Requirements for the LPN to BSN, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Practical Nurse, Surgical Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology programs may differ. Students should refer to their respective Student Handbook Supplements for program-specific graduation policies.

Each spring the College conducts both an in-person Commencement ceremony and a separate online Virtual Commencement ceremony. Online and international students are automatically invited to the Virtual Commencement; on-site students may request to participate. Both ceremonies will include special addresses by the Berkeley College President and other noteworthy speakers. Students enrolled in Associate's or Bachelor’s degree programs must be within six semester credits of completing all requirements by the end of the winter term to be considered for participation in spring Commencement exercises. Students in certificate programs who have not completed their prescribed course of study by the end of the winter term are not eligible to participate in spring Commencement exercises.

Honors: Students in degree programs who achieve an overall 3.50 average will be graduated cum laude; students who achieve an overall 3.70 average will be graduated magna cum laude; and students who achieve an overall 4.00 average will be graduated summa cum laude.

Honors for Certificate Recipients: Students in certificate programs who achieve an overall average of 3.50 – 3.79 will be graduated with Honors; students who achieve an overall average of 3.80 – 4.00 will be graduated with High Honors.

Graduate Salutes: Each year, graduates are invited to participate in one of our Graduate Salutes - celebratory events held prior to the annual Commencement ceremony - where graduates can engage with faculty, staff, and other graduates. Additionally, graduates attending a Graduate Salute event on site will have a formal graduation photo taken. In the months leading up to the annual Commencement ceremony, graduates will have the opportunity to order their caps and gowns to be shipped to them and purchase a class ring.