Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree is the baccalaureate degree conferred on students in all majors except those in the departments of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, computer science, and nutrition, for which the Bachelor of Science is awarded, business and management for which the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is awarded, nursing for which the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is awarded, and social work for which the Bachelor of Social Work is awarded. In the instance where a student completes a major in both the sciences and in the arts, they may choose either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. It is not possible to earn two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously.
A candidate for a degree is expected to satisfactorily complete the work of an approved program, including all required courses, within the traditional number of college years. When a student withdraws for a period that would extend the duration of their program beyond a traditional timeframe, the additional work required for satisfactory completion will be determined by the faculty. A student who temporarily withdraws must meet the degree requirements in effect at the date of their readmission to the University.
Students transferring into Simmons and those working toward a second baccalaureate degree, must spend at least two semesters at Simmons and earn a minimum of 32 semester hours of credit while regularly enrolled to be eligible for the Simmons baccalaureate degree.
Current Simmons students who wish to enroll in summer courses at other institutions must first file a Petition for Transfer Credit in the Office of the Registrar. No more than 16 semester hours of summer school credit from other institutions may be credited toward the Simmons degree. For additional information, contact the Office of the Registrar.
Department or Program Recommendation
Students must be recommended for the degree by their department or program advisor. Students must complete a substantial amount of advanced work while regularly enrolled at Simmons to enable the department to adequately evaluate a student’s candidacy for degree recommendation.
Course Numbering
Simmons courses are designated by a department or program abbreviation and a course number. These numbers can be understood in the following way: |
| COURSE LEVEL |
STUDENT LEVEL AND PREREQUISITES |
| 100 |
These courses are open to all undergraduate students. Some may require specific high school preparation. They generally have no prerequisites and are taught at the introductory level. |
| 200 |
These courses are open to sophomores and above and for first-year students under advisement or placement by the department. Such courses are more focused than the introductory 100-level courses; and prerequisites are at the department's discretion. A prerequisite for a 200-level course is typically one course in the department (or a complementary department or program) at the 100 level. First-year students should be advised that these classes will likely include upper-class students and will be more challenging than 100-level courses. |
| 300 |
These courses are typically open to juniors and seniors and are usually taken by students majoring or minoring in the field. Such courses are advanced in content and pace and represent a high level of study in the field. Courses at the 300 level generally have prerequisites, typically at least one 100- and one 200-level course. |
| 400 |
These courses are limited to graduate students in the program or those students approved to enroll by the program's director. In general, undergraduates are not permitted to take 400-level courses. |
| 500 |
Generally, 500-level courses are dually listed, with a 300-level undergraduate course. Graduate students sign up for the 500-level course, and undergraduates for the 300-level. |
Requirements for the award of the Simmons baccalaureate degree are listed below:
Completion of 128 Semester Hours with a Passing Evaluation
To obtain a broad education and depth of specialization, students must successfully complete a minimum of 128 semester hours for graduation. Most courses in the undergraduate curriculum carry four credits. Although a full-time load is at least 12 credits, students typically take four courses (16 credits) per semester. Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00, which is calculated from all courses taken at Simmons using the letter grade system, to graduate. Each student’s program should be a carefully developed plan of study. This plan should include: 1) courses selected to fulfill the overall undergraduate requirements, 2) courses required of and elected by the student in their major, and 3) electives.
A traditional full-time student who takes more than 18 credits will be charged for any credits over the 18-credit maximum.
Students formally admitted to an accelerated degree program (3+1, 3+3, 4+1) may take up to 22 credits under the flat tuition plan. Students who take more than 22 credits will be charged for any credits over the 22-credit maximum.
Undergraduate students who pay flat tuition and have earned at least 32 credits may elect to take up to 22 credits at the standard flat tuition twice (for two semesters) during their academic program. To be eligible for this higher credit cap, students must have an overall 2.8 GPA and be in good behavioral standing. Students must fill out the UG Overload Form when registering for the semester in which they would like to exercise the 22-credit flat tuition option. (Dix Scholars and Online Degree Completion students are not under flat tuition and are not eligible for this overload.)
The Undergraduate Administrative Board must approve any credit above 22 credits.
Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 to be calculated from all courses taken at Simmons using the letter grade system to graduate. Each student’s program should be a carefully developed plan of study. This plan should include: 1) courses selected to fulfill the all-college requirements, 2) courses required of and elected by students in their major, and 3) electives.