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Graduation Information

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To graduate from a program you must meet the course requirements stated in the Undergraduate Calendar in force when you entered that program, with the exception that a later Undergraduate Calendar may have explicitly modified such requirements.

To graduate with a three-level B.Sc. degree, you must:

  • Achieve a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5
  • Successfully complete 90 units of coursework
  • Satisfy the course requirements of your program

To graduate with a four-level Honours B.Sc. degree, you must:

  • Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.0
  • Successfully complete 120 units of coursework
  • Satisfy the course requirements of your program

Graduation ‘With Distinction’ standing may be awarded if a cumulative GPA of 9.5 is achieved in a degree program.

You must take the degree at the Convocation immediately following the completion of the appropriate degree work.

If you are registered in Level III of an Honours program and wish to transfer to a three-level degree science program to be eligible for graduation at the next Convocation, you must apply to the Office of the Associate Dean of Science (Academic) by April 15 for Spring Convocation and by September 1 for Fall Convocation. If permission is granted, you must complete your profile in the online Graduation Information Centre.

If you are scheduled to graduate from a three-level program and wish to be considered to transfer to Level IV of an Honours science program rather than graduate, you must apply to the Office of the Associate Dean of Science (Academic) by April 15 for Spring Convocation and by September 1 for Fall Convocation. You will receive the decision on your eligibility to transfer on your grade report and if you are not eligible to transfer, you will graduate from your three-level program as scheduled.

If you wish to apply to receive a Minor in addition to your major program of study, you must indicate this in your profile in the Graduation Information Centre as well. See the Minors section in the Undergraduate Calendar for more detailed information.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable convocation ceremony for you and your guests, please make certain you complete the tasks found on the Graduation Checklist by the appropriate deadlines. If you intend to graduate but will not be attending your ceremony, there are still tasks that must be completed to finalize your graduation.

Valedictorian applications are an excellent opportunity for graduating students to nominate a fellow graduating student undergraduate or graduate who best represents the student community at McMaster University. For more information about valedictorian nominations, visit the McMaster Students Union (MSU) webpage.

Students who graduate from a program at McMaster University are assigned a status of Continuing Student. This allows students to return to McMaster and take courses outside of their previous degree. This option is excellent for students wishing to complete additional course requirements for professional schools, graduate programs, second degrees and professional certifications, as well as simply out of interest. Students wishing to enrol in courses within one year of graduation can do so via MOSAIC without notifying the Office of the Associate Dean of Science (Academic). If more than one year has passed since your graduation, your MOSAIC account may need to be re-activated. Please email science@mcmaster.ca with your McMaster ID Number to request account re-activation.

Students interested in pursuing graduate studies at McMaster University are encouraged to visit the School of Graduate Studies Future Student webpage.