Standard letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F) are used for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Only these letter grades are used on transcripts and in computing grade point averages. Instructors may use plus (+) or minus (-), but such notations are not used in final GPA computations. English as a Second Language (ESL) Program courses will receive letter grades which are not included in the GPA calculation.

The following table is provided as a general reference:

Additional codes include:

At the completion of all required courses, the student is eligible to receive a degree provided that the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is no less than a 2.0 for undergraduates and a 3.0 for graduates.

Credit (CR)

Credit is used to denote "pass with credit" when no letter grade is given. It is assigned to a grade of C or better for undergraduates and a grade of B or better for graduate students. CR grades are not included in the calculation of the GPA.

No Credit (NC)

No Credit is used to denote "no credit" when no letter grade is given. NC grades are not included in the calculation of the GPA.

Incomplete (IN)

The incomplete grade is an interim grade designed for students who have completed all homework and test/quizzes to date, passed the midterm exam, and have serious and compelling circumstances beyond the student's control that occur within the last two weeks of the quarter preventing the student from taking the final exam or submitting the final project.

An Incomplete (IN) must be removed within the next two quarters. Failure to comply will result in an F grade and will remain on the student's permanent record. Incomplete (IN) is not used in calculating GPA.

Withdrawal Passing (WP) and Withdrawal Failing (WF)

Withdrawal Passing and Withdrawal Failing are grades for students who may wish to change their schedule by dropping a course with the permission of the University Dean. These grades are not calculated in the GPA, but will be considered credits attempted if the student has incurred a financial obligation for the quarter.

Repeat a Course (R)

The Repeat a Course is a designated code following the earned grade. A student can repeat only once any course for which he/she has received a grade or withdrawn from prior to completion. Only the higher grade is calculated in the GPA. Students will not receive cumulative earned credit for a repeated course. However, both courses will be considered credit hours attempted for the purpose of determining successful course completion percentages.

Credit by Challenge Examination (CE)

Undergraduate students and graduate students in good standing and with the appropriate background may petition to take courses for credit by challenge examinations. Eligible students must be registered in full time status.

Undergraduate students must have completed four undergraduate courses and may challenge a maximum of three undergraduate courses. Graduate students must have completed two graduate courses and may challenge a maximum of two graduate courses.

Credit earned by challenge examinations may be applied toward the minimum course requirements for the undergraduate and master's degrees. The passing mark for credit by examination at the undergraduate level is C and the graduate level is B. Credits so earned will be posted on the transcript as CR, rather than the letter grade, and not calculated in the student's GPA. If a student does not pass the challenge examination, the code "NC" will be entered on the transcript.

Students may challenge a particular course only once and may not take a challenge examination for courses already taken or attempted at the University.

Challenge examinations may be requested through the University Assistant Dean's Office.

Doctoral students in good standing and with the appropriate background may petition to take courses for credit by challenge examinations.  Eligible students must be registered in full time status.

Doctoral students must have completed two Core courses and may challenge a maximum of two Core courses.

Credit earned by challenge examinations may be applied toward the minimum course requirements for the doctoral degree.  The passing mark for credit by examination at the graduate level is B.  Credits so earned will be posted on the transcript as CR, rather than the letter grade, and not calculated in the student’s GPA.  If a student does not pass the challenge examination, the code “NC” will be entered on the transcript.

Students may challenge a particular course only once and may not take a challenge examination for courses already taken or attempted at the University. 

Credit by Challenge Examination (CE) will be awarded infrequently as the D.B.A. degree program presents unique opportunities for advanced study and research.

Challenge examinations may be requested through the D.B.A. Program Administrator’s Office. 

Credit for Prior Experiential Learning (CX)

Undergraduate students and graduate students in good standing and with the appropriate background may petition to earn degree credit for prior experiential learning. Eligible students must be registered in full time status. Doctoral students may not apply for CX.

Petitioning students must identify the courses for which credit is sought and document in writing how the prior experiential learning is equivalent to standards in higher education and meets curricular criteria.

Undergraduate students must have completed four undergraduate courses and may receive prior experiential learning credit for a maximum of three undergraduate courses. Graduate students must have completed two graduate courses and may receive prior experiential learning credit for a maximum of two graduate courses.

Credits earned through petitions for prior experiential learning may be applied toward the minimum course requirements for the undergraduate and master's degrees. Credits so earned will be posted on the transcript as CR and not calculated in the student's GPA.

Forms requesting prior experiential learning credit may be made through the University Dean's Office. 

Prerequisite Courses (OM)

Prerequisite and Foundation courses are required courses for those students with insufficient background in the chosen degree. OM is designated code following the earned grade which is not calculated in the GPA.