Degree Options
Undergraduate Degree, Single Major
Students wishing to graduate with an undergraduate degree in a single major must complete the requirements for that major and the All-University Core Curriculum. A complete list of majors can be found in the General Catalog. A major is a sequence of courses in a subject matter or discipline which, when accompanied by appropriate supporting courses, leads to a degree. A minimum of 27 semester credits constitutes a major. Completion of a major is shown on both the student’s diploma and transcript.
Concentrations
Some majors have concentrations (or areas of specialization). A concentration is a sequence of at least 12 semester credits of designated courses within a major designed to accommodate specific areas of study. Completion of a concentration is shown on a student’s transcript if completed in conjunction with a degree program but is not noted on the diploma.
Undergraduate Degree, Two or More Majors (One Diploma)
Students wishing to graduate with an undergraduate degree in more than one major must complete all the requirements for each major. Common requirements may count in meeting the curriculum requirements for each major, but each major must have a minimum of 27 unique credits. Two majors will appear on one diploma when:
- The student has two declared majors,
- Less than 150 credits,
- 27 unique credits minimum per major,
- All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) categories 1-3, and
- AUCC category 4A-C for each major.
When both majors are of the same degree type (i.e. B.A., B.S., or B.F.A.), the student will be awarded a single degree displaying all majors earned on one diploma. When the two majors are of differing degree types, students having completed the above bulleted requirements will be given the following choices at the time they file their graduation contract:
- One diploma listing only the primary major’s degree type (e.g., B.A., B.S., B.F.A., B.M., B.S.W.) and listing all majors conferred.
- One diploma listing the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree (B.A.S.) if one major is a B.A. degree type and another is a B.S. degree type. If this option is chosen, the degree type of B.A.S. shows on the diploma and official transcript along with both majors.
Undergraduate Degrees, Two or More Majors (Multiple Diplomas)
Students pursuing two or more majors who have successfully completed a minimum of 150 credits (for two majors) or 180 credits (for three majors) and have also:
- Completed a minimum of 27 unique credits for each major,
- Completed the requirements for AUCC categories 1-3, and
- Completed the AUCC category 4A-C requirements for each major,
will have separate baccalaureate degrees conferred for each major resulting in separate diplomas.
Minors, Certificates, and Interdisciplinary Study Programs
Minors
Minor programs of study are optional and are offered by certain departments. A minor consists of a minimum of 21 specified credits of course work outside the major. At least 12 of the 21 credits must be course work at the upper-division level (300- to 500-level) and a minimum of 12 credits must be from course work within the department offering the minor. Minors are noted on the student’s transcript if completed in conjunction with a degree program but are not noted on the diploma.
Certificates
Undergraduate certificates are optional and are offered by certain departments. An undergraduate certificate consists of 9-15 credits. At least 9 credits must be course work at the upper-division level (300- to 500-level). A student must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better in the courses required in the undergraduate certificate. Students must apply for and complete the certificate requirements while enrolled in their baccalaureate degree. Undergraduate certificates by title are noted on the student’s transcript at the time of degree conferral. The certificate title is not noted on the diploma.
Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
An interdisciplinary studies program is a specified series of courses focused upon a particular area of concern providing insight from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Credits earned in these courses can be used in meeting the requirements for a degree. Completion of requirements for an interdisciplinary studies program is noted on the student’s transcript but not on the diploma.
Graduation as a University Honors Scholar
Students who complete the University Honors Program academic requirements and achieve at least a cumulative 3.5 grade point average earn the designation of University Honors Scholar. Scholars are recognized at graduation by the Honors Program and during the colleges’ commencement ceremonies. The University Honors Scholar designation appears on diplomas and transcripts.
Second Bachelor's Degree
A student enrolling at Colorado State University after previously graduating with one or more baccalaureate degrees may earn an additional undergraduate degree in a different major if they:
- Are admitted as a second baccalaureate student.
- Complete a minimum of 30 semester credits in residence beyond the credits earned at the time the student graduated with their previous baccalaureate degree.
- Fulfill all curriculum requirements for the new major, including a minimum of 27 unique credits for the new major not used toward completion of the previous baccalaureate degree(s).
- Complete the AUCC category 4A-C requirements for the new major, and any applicable requirements for AUCC categories 1-3.
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated Programs are available to new, degree-seeking CSU students beginning fall 2020. Students pursing select programs of study may graduate by the end of their third spring or summer term when taking 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two or three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. Visit the Office of the Provost website for additional information about Accelerated Programs.
Graduate or Professional Degree
Students wishing to pursue a graduate or professional level degree can learn more about the programs and degrees offered by going to the Graduate School website or the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences website (for the DVM professional degree).
