Academic Standards

Honors College Academic Progress Standards

In addition to completing the courses required by the Honors College, you must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.40 in order to graduate from the Honors College and to receive the designation of “Honors College Graduate” on your official transcript. All Honors students are required to complete 22 total HONS credits.

Under normal circumstances, students will take at least one HONS course each semester. Exceptions will be made for study abroad. Other exceptions must be discussed with your Honors advisor.

To guide you toward meeting the 3.40 cumulative GPA and course requirements, we have established academic performance standards. The Director of Honors Advising in consultation with the assigned Honors advisor tracks the academic performance of each Honors College student and will notify that student of his or her standing, as appropriate, at the end of each semester.

Honors College Academic Standards: Class of 2026

Honors College Academic Standards: Class of 2027

Honors College Academic Standards: Class of 2028


Requirements for Completion of the Honors College

To formally complete the studies and fulfill all requirements of the College of Charleston Honors College, students must:

  • Achieve a minimum 3.40 cumulative GPA upon graduation from the College of Charleston.
  • Complete the Bachelor’s Essay, Honors Engaged, Honors Immersed, and all other honors course requirements.
  • Not commit a Class I or Class II Honor Code violation.
  • Not commit a conduct violation resulting in the sanction of suspension or expulsion.
  • Complete all college-wide general education requirements and requirements for a major(s).

Graduates of the College of Charleston who successfully complete all of the requirements outlined above will be said to have met the requirements for completion of the Honors College and will receive a special designation on their official transcript stating as much. They will also receive an Honors College certificate of completion and an Honors College graduate medal.


The Honors College Graduation Ceremony

  • All students who complete the Honors College in good standing at the end of the semester in which they applied to graduate will be invited to participate in the Honors College graduation ceremony and will receive a medal to be worn during College of Charleston Commencement and an Honors College certificate signed by the President and the Dean. Their Honors College completion will be noted on the transcript.
  • All students who have remained in the Honors College through the senior year and are in good standing on all counts except for the 3.40 GPA will be invited to participate in the Honors College graduation ceremony.
  • All students who have remained in the Honors College and have earned at least a 3.40, but have remaining course requirements to complete over the summer, will be invited to participate in the Honors College graduation ceremony. The medal and framed certificate will be issued upon completion of course requirements.