Learn more about degree programs at American Public University. |
By Brandon Patton
Academic Advisor, School of Health Sciences, APUS
Your grade point average (GPA) is determined by the final grade you receive in each course as you move through your degree program. Each letter grade is worth a certain number of points, which are used to calculate your cumulative GPA as you complete more of your required courses.
For example, a final grade of “A” in a course is considered a 4.0. Other final grades receive a lower number of points, according to the rules in the Student Handbook. Your GPA is determined by adding up the grade points of your classes and dividing them by your total number of credit hours.
GPA Requirements for Graduation
The university has GPA requirements for graduation to ensure that you have established your competence in the learning objectives for your degree program. For example, the cumulative GPA requirement for undergraduate students is 2.0 or higher. Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you fail to meet the minimum GPA required for graduation after your courses and university requirements are completed, you have a couple of different options available. One option is to take additional courses outside the current degree program to boost your cumulative grade point average to the minimum requirement to graduate.
The other option is to contact the university for a letter of program completion. However, you will not receive an officially awarded degree. To request the letter of program completion through our Registrations office, contact registrar@apus.edu.
Calculating Your GPA
In your ecampus, there is a GPA Calculator that is useful for determining what your grade point average would be for certain grades in your current and/or upcoming courses. This calculator is a helpful tool for creating future academic plans or to determine what your final GPA could be when you prepare to register for your final courses. To use the calculator, go to the “Academic Plan & Forms” drop-down menu in the ecampus and look for “GPA Calculator” under “My Status & Records.”
Ask Us for Help If You’re Struggling with Your Classes
As academic advisors, our job is to help ensure you are prepared for success in your degree program. We do this, in part, by providing information on course progression and resources available to you.
We greatly encourage you to contact us and arrange for an advising session, so we can review your unique situation and prepare a plan to ensure your academic success. Academic preparation and support from university staff will help ensure that you complete your degree program with confidence and on time.
That preparation and support will help you establish and maintain a satisfactory grade point average throughout your degree program. If you have any additional questions, please contact counseling@apus.edu.
About the Author
Brandon has worked in the Academic Advising department for six years. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from AMU. Brandon enjoys assisting students to realize their educational dreams and to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their academic success.
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