Degrees are conferred at the annual commencement at the end of the spring semester. Students completing degree requirements in August (after Summer Session) or January (after the fall semester) will receive a letter of completion by the end of their graduation month, and will have the degree noted on the official Rutgers transcript approximately one month after graduation. All diplomas are mailed to the student's permanent mailing address within three months of degree completion.
Graduation with Honors. The bachelor's degree is conferred with the distinction summa cum laude for graduates with a Rutgers cumulative grade-point average of 3.850 or higher; magna cum laude for those with an average of 3.700 or higher; and cum laude for those with an average of 3.500 or higher. Averages are not rounded to the next higher number in the calculation of honors. Students who successfully complete the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program receive special recognition at graduation. Academic departments may recommend students for departmental honors or recognition based on special work and/or examinations. See statements under individual department listings.
Phi Beta Kappa. Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1776, is the oldest and most widely recognized liberal arts honorary society in the United States. Each spring semester, the Phi Beta Kappa Society invites to membership the outstanding students of the junior and senior classes. Election to the society is based on high academic achievement, a record of coursework that is at least three-quarters liberal in nature, proficiency in a world language through the intermediate level, a minimum of two years equivalent of full-time coursework at Rutgers University, and breadth of scholarship.
Departmental Honors. Many departments have a departmental honors program for outstanding students in their majors. Small group seminars, honors course sequences, specialized advising, and senior thesis programs are available in certain departments. For further information about the specific offerings of the departmental honors program in a particular department, see the website for each major program.
National Society of Collegiate Scholars. The
National Society of Collegiate Scholars is an honors organization which recognizes outstanding academic achievement among first- and second-year college students. The society was founded in 1994 at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and has grown to 218 colleges and universities nationwide. The three pillars of the society are: scholarship, leadership, and service.
Prizes and Honors. The School of Arts and Sciences, academic departments, and other units of Rutgers University offer a variety of prizes and awards for students with excellent academic records or special eligibility. Students should consult with their academic departments and visit the corresponding websites for additional information.
Post-Obitum Degrees. In the unfortunate event of the death of a student while registered at the School of Arts and Sciences as a senior, requests will be considered for the awarding of the degree that was being earned. The request may be submitted in writing to the Rutgers Office of the Ombudsperson for Students.
