Registrar: Degrees and Majors

Degrees Offered

Degree Conferral Dates

Pacific University offers five degree conferral dates during the academic year. Formal commencement is held in spring only.

Application for Degree

All degree candidates must submit an Application for Graduation to the Registrar's Office by January 15 for spring; June 15 for summer; or October 15 for winter graduation. Students who are not graduating in spring but who wish to march in commencement must submit an Application for Graduation as above. Applications received after the due date will be accepted; however, the Registrar's Office cannot guarantee that the diploma will be ready on the graduation date.

Honors Associated with Certain degrees

Students receiving an Arts & Sciences baccalaureate degree will be designated cum laude if they achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.69; magna cum laude if they achieve 3.70 to 3.90; and summa cum laude if they achieve 3.91 to 4.00. Students receiving the Doctor of Optometry or Master of Science in Physical Therapy degrees will be designated "with distinction" if they achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or above.

Time Limit for Completion of Degrees

Unless otherwise noted within specific programs, all work for graduate degrees (including transferred credits, dissertation, examination, etc.) must be completed within a period of seven calendar years.

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements are detailed in the Pacific University Catalog. Please refer to the section of the catalog for the program that you are interested in.

Major/Minor Declaration (Arts and Sciences)

Every student must have a declared major, with a schedule approved by a faculty advisor in the major department, by the end of the sophomore year. Students are urged to plan wisely for a major program well before that time, in consultation with the faculty advisor.  Minors may be combined with majors to satisfy interests and more effectively prepare for a profession. The instructions for declaring a major or minor are available online.

Waiver of Departmental Requirements and Course Prerequisites

Upon formal request by the student, academic departments may waive requirements for a major or minor if faculty are satisfied that the student has already achieved the knowledge expected. Similarly, prerequisites may be waived at the discretion of the instructor. Course waivers do not reduce the number of credits needed for any requirements.

Academic Evaluation (Arts and Sciences)

Academic Evaluation, also referred to as "Degree Audit", analyzes the student's program from transcripted coursework and current registration. Coursework is distributed according to the way Degree Requirements and Programs have been written. The Academic Evaluation Report displays this analysis and, along with the catalog, is a primary tool for academic advising. Students may access their program evaluation through their BoxerOnline account.

Academic Evaluation (Professional Programs)

Academic Evaluations for professional students are available only upon request. Please email our office at registrar@pacificu.edu with your name, your program, and where you would like your evaluation sent.