Degree Checking Frequently Asked Questions

What is a degree audit?

A degree audit lists all requirements to be met for the degree, major, or minor as selected by the student.  The degree audit is available on line through the GUS Web enrollment system, from your advisor, or from the Degree Checking (Certification) Office.

What is an official degree check, and how does the official degree check differ from an audit?

When a student completes 85 semester hours of credit (including current enrollment), the student must apply for an official degree check in the Degree Checking (Certification) Office.  Written application for the requested degree check must be made. Obtain the Request for A Degree Check form in the Degree Checking Office in Room 102 Russ Hall.  The student’s permanent record and current enrollment will be examined in detail to assess progress toward the degree objective.  An official audit outlining any specific requirements which must be met before the degree may be granted, is sent to the student following the record analysis.  A copy of the official audit is also sent to the student’s advisor.

Why do I need an official degree check?

A degree cannot be granted without official application from a student.  After the application has been made and processed, a file is created for that student in which any information concerning the completion of the program of study is maintained.  It is from this student file that graduation progress is monitored and the diploma for the degree is ordered.

What information do I need to have to complete a request form for an official degree check?

The usual identifying student information (name, address, ID#, SS#, etc.) is on this form.  The student will also be asked to list: Degree (BS, BSE, BSET, etc)

Major--emphasis/option,if required

Minor--if required

A University catalog will also need to be selected.  If a tentative graduation date is known, it may be listed.  If not, a tentative graduation date will be selected for the student.

I am planning to complete two majors.  Can I also get two degrees?

A student graduating with two majors receives only one degree.  The degree of the first major is listed on the diploma/transcript of record.

A second baccalaureate degree may be granted in a major area other than that in which the first baccalaureate degree was granted, provided the student has met all requirements for the second baccalaureate degree. This degree would include not less than thirty (30) semester hours of Pittsburg State University undergraduate credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.000 after the first degree was granted.  (e.g. if the first degree was posted in May 2006, a minimum of thirty hours of undergraduate course work must be posted beginning  July 2006 or after).

Can I view an audit for both of my majors on GUS?

As of now, an audit for two majors cannot be processed.  An audit must be run for the first major alone, followed by a second modified audit for the second major.  It is suggested that a student who has completed an official degree check come to the Degree Checking Office for these audits.

What do I need to do if I’m planning to graduate at the end of a certain semester?

It is the responsibility of the student to verify his/her final enrollment at the beginning of the last semester.  This may be done on GUS, but it is suggested that the student stop by the Degree Checking Office to be certain all requirements are covered.

Approximately four weeks after the beginning of the final semester, a student must stop by the Degree Checking Office to verify 1) the degree/major/minor that will be completed, 2) the student’s name as it is to appear on the diploma, and 3) the diploma mailing address.  [Summer graduates should apply at the same time as spring graduates, approximately late February].

At this time, the processing of the graduation fee must be finalized.  The graduation fee is $45 (for undergraduate students) and covers the cost of the printing and mailing of the diploma as well as the cap and gown for commencement (the $45 fee is required for all graduating undergraduate students). Duplicate diplomas are $25.00 each.