Application for Degree
All potential candidates for degrees are required to complete an application for the degree(s) and pay appropriate non-refundable graduation fee(s). The application for a degree is posted on the BHU website during Summer and Fall semesters. The deadline for submission is October 1. All applications must be submitted by this date to avoid penalty.
To assist students with preparation for graduation, academic advising is available throughout the semester. All candidates for graduation are required to consult with an advisor prior to submitting application for graduation. After the application has been filed, any status changes must be reported to the Registrar. All graduation requirements must be satisfied by April 1 of graduating year.
Commencement Attendance
Commencement is held at the end of the Spring semester. Individuals that have completed all degree requirements are required to participate in the exercises except in extenuating circumstances where permission to miss is granted based on official documentation. The degree itself will not be conferred until all requirements for that degree are met.
Undergraduate students with up to twelve (12) semester credit hours remaining are permitted to march in the Spring commencement based on a signed agreement that all requirements will be met by the end of the Summer semester. Graduate students with up to six (6) semester credit hours remaining are permitted to march in the Spring commencement based on a signed agreement that all requirements will be met by the end of the Summer semester. Doctoral students must complete all degree requirements prior to participation in commencement. Before entering into this agreement, students must consider that the university makes every effort to offer all courses needed but cannot guarantee that all courses needed will be offered during the Summer term. Course offerings are based solely on instructor availability and a minimum of 10 students enrolled in each course. In the event requirements are met at a later time, a new graduation application must be filed and a graduation reorder fee will be assessed.
Curriculum Requirements (Catalog Year)
Students who are enrolled intermittently must meet the requirements as outlined in the catalog of their original enrollment semester unless there is a lapse of one calendar year or more. In this case, the student will be expected to fulfill curriculum requirements of the catalog in effect at the beginning of the last continuous enrollment period prior to graduation.
Students changing majors will be subject to follow the catalog requirements in effect at the time the change of major is approved.
Evangelical Training Association (ETA)
BHU partners with the Evangelical Training Association (ETA) to promote higher standards for teachers and church educators. Subjects required for ETA certification have been built into the Religious Studies curriculum. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies.
Undergraduate Honors and Recognition in Graduation
| Honor | Description | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Summa Cum Laude | with highest honors | 3.90 - 4.00 |
| Magna Cum Laude | with high honor | 3.7 - 3.89 |
| Cum Laude | with honors | 3.5 - 3.69 |
The highest honor of recognition is the valedictorian, which is determined by the highest GPA of the student with the most credits earned at BHU. Individuals achieving these outstanding scholastic achievements will be recognized during the commencement exercises. To be considered for an honor award, all course requirements must be completed by the end of the Spring Semester.
Delta Epsilon Chi
The honor society, Delta Epsilon Chi, was established to encourage and recognize students and graduates from among the accredited institutions of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) across North America who have distinguished themselves through Intellectual Achievement, Christian Character, and Leadership Ability. This honor is bestowed upon the top seven percent of the graduating class.
Beta Eta Beta Kappa
The honor society, Beta Eta Beta Kappa, was formed in October 1966 as a local honorary scholastic society for students who demonstrate high scholarly achievement. Its aim is to promote scholarship in the university. A student must accumulate a 3.50 Cumulative GPA and receive nomination from the university faculty in order to establish membership.
Issuance of Degrees
Degrees are issued only to students who have satisfied all graduation requirements. Students with incomplete academic files and/or outstanding debts or account balances of any kind will not receive a degree. This includes library fines and all other student accounts.
Regalia and Announcements
Prior to commencement, graduates will receive appropriate academic regalia and a limited number of graduation announcements. These items are covered by the graduation fee. See the financial section of this catalog for specific cost information. Additional graduation announcements may be ordered for an additional charge by contacting the Registrar’s office.
Requirements for Graduation
- Submit application by October 1 of year prior to graduating year
- Completion of all courses required to satisfy major and program
- GPA:
Requirements for Graduation GPA Level GPA Undergraduate 2.0 or above Graduate 2.25 or above Doctor of Ministry 3.0 Doctor of Philosophy 3.0 - Graduation fee paid in full
- Library books returned and all library fines paid in full
- Tuition account paid in full by April 1 of graduating year
- Minimum credit hours earned at BHU
Requirements for Graduation Minimum Credits Earned Level Credit Hours Earned Undergraduate 33 Master of Arts 27 Doctor of Ministry 27 Master of Divinity 60/68 - Last semester must be completed at BHU
- Financial Aid exit counseling, if applicable
- Qualifying Transcript on file or equivalent
Requirements for Graduation Qualifying Transcript Level Transcipt Type Undergraduate Official High School, GED or Associate Degree Graduate Official Bachelor Degree Master of Business Administration Official Bachelor Degree Doctor of Ministry Official Master of Divinity or Master of Divinity Equivalent Doctor of Philosophy Official Master Degree - Meet approval of faculty and the Board of Trustees
- Exit Survey
Student’s Responsibility for Satisfying Academic Requirements
Although counselors and advisors assist students in planning their programs, each student must assume complete responsibility for compliance with the instructions and regulations set forth in this catalog and for selecting the courses that will enable him/her to achieve his/her educational objective. Complete degree audit information is available for tracking through the student portal.