Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
The baccalaureate degree is conferred by the authority of the Kean University Board of Trustees.
To qualify, a student must be fully enrolled in a major program at Kean, and complete that program with a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit. A minimum of 31 degree credits for first degree candidates (30 for students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree), including one-half of the major course requirements, must be earned at Kean. A maximum of 66 credits should be transferred (except for specially articulated programs) at the lower division (1000/2000 level taken at four-year institutions combined with all credits taken at two-year/county colleges/community colleges). All credits transferred between 66 and the maximum of 89 total credits (88 if second baccalaureate degree) should be at the upper division (3000/4000 or junior/senior level) taken at a four-year institution. For more information see Policies on Transfer Credit.
All major courses in any program require a minimum grade of “C” to be counted toward the fulfillment of that requirement (some programs have higher grade requirements). Note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic courses receiving grades of P during the Spring, Summer, Fall 2020, Spring and Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 terms, taken either at Kean or at a previous transfer institution will be allowed to count towards program requirements as appropriate. Courses initially completed at a grade of “D” and repeated according to the policy do not earn duplicate credit toward overall degree requirements. General Education courses (other than ENG 1030 and its equivalent courses) and free electives unless specifically designated by the major earn credit towards the degree with a “D” grade or better. ENG 1030 and its equivalent courses require a grade of “C” or better. Some major programs do require grades higher than “C”, and retaking the course does not earn duplicate credit toward the degree.
No course can fulfill both a major and a General Education requirement. General Education courses can serve as prerequisite for major or other required courses. In order to graduate, all students must successfully complete either GE 1000 (Transition to Kean) or GE 3000 (Transfer Transitions) at Kean University.
Degree requirements must be completed within 10 years from the date of matriculation. Extension of time may be considered upon written request by the student to the appropriate college dean. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation, although some majors require a higher GPA. For students in teacher preparation majors, a 3.00 cumulative GPA is required for certification, effective beginning catalog year 2012-2013.
Kean does not authorize granting two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously. Students may pursue a double major which will appear on their academic transcript, but only one baccalaureate degree will be issued. After graduation, students have the option of pursuing a second baccalaureate degree.
Candidates for New Jersey teacher certification must pass the Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS II) in the appropriate field prior to the completion of their final student teaching field placement courses.