Graduation Requirements

South Texas College awards the Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Applied Technology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science and the Certificate of Completion. A student who enrolls at South Texas College during any academic year and who earns credit for work done during that year may graduate under the degree requirements provision of the catalog in force during the student's first semester of enrollment, provided that the student graduates within the specified time period. Otherwise, the student may graduate by fulfilling the degree requirements as published in the catalog in force at the time of the student's graduation.

Commencement Exercises

Commencement exercises are held in May and December or at such other times determined by the Board based upon the needs of the College. Participation in Commencement exercises is limited only to those students who are enrolled in and complete all program requirements in the semester in which they plan to graduate. Students who want to participate in Commencement exercises must participate in the ceremony for the semester in which they are expected to graduate. Students who complete program requirements in the Summer are eligible to participate in the December Commencement exercises. The College Registrar is the Graduation Certifying Official and has the authority to determine eligibility for participation in Commencement exercises.

Bachelor Degrees

To be awarded the Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Applied Technology, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 120 total credit hours in the appropriate course of study for the declared program as specified in the College Catalog. Developmental or other non-credit coursework does not apply toward graduation requirements.
  2. South Texas College will accept a maximum of 90 semester credits of applicable course work transferred from another accredited college or university toward a Bachelor degree granted by the College. Specific upper level (3000 level or higher) coursework transfer requirements are outlined in the College Catalog.
  3. Maintain a minimum average of “C” (2.0 G.P.A.) for all courses in the core curriculum, area of specialization, and a minimum overall cumulative average of “C” (2.0 G.P.A. in all other courses). Some selective programs require a grade of “C” or better in all coursework as outlined in the College Catalog.
  4. Pay all debts to the College prior to graduation.

Associate of Art

To be awarded the Associate of Art degree, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Complete the appropriate course of study for an Associate of Art program as listed in the College Catalog. Developmental or other non-credit coursework does not apply toward graduation requirements.
  2. South Texas College will accept a maximum of 45 semester credits of applicable course work transferred from another accredited college or university toward an Associate of Art granted by the College.
  3. Maintain a minimum average of a “C” (2.0 GPA) for all courses in the core curriculum, area of emphasis or specialization, and a minimum overall cumulative average of "C" (2.0 GPA) in all other courses.
  4. Pay all debts to the College prior to graduation.

Associate of Science

To be awarded the Associate of Science degree, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Complete the appropriate course of study for an Associate of Science program as specified in the College catalog. Developmental, or other non-credit, coursework does not apply toward graduation requirements.
  2. South Texas College will accept a maximum of 45 credit hours of applicable coursework transferred from another accredited college or university toward an Associate of Science degree granted by STC.
  3. Maintain a minimum average of a “C” (2.0 GPA) for all courses in the core curriculum, area of emphasis or specialization, and a minimum overall cumulative average of "C" (2.0 GPA) in all other courses.
  4. Pay all debts to the College prior to graduation.

Associate of Applied Science

To be awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Complete the appropriate course of study for an Associate of Applied Science program as specified in the College catalog. Developmental, or other non-credit, coursework does not apply toward graduation requirements.
  2. South Texas College will accept a maximum of 45 credit hours of applicable coursework transferred from another accredited college or university toward an Associate of Applied Science degree granted by STC.
  3. Maintain a minimum average of “C” (2.0 GPA) for all courses in the area of specialization and a minimum overall cumulative average of "C"(2.0 GPA) in all other courses. Some selective programs require a grade of “C” or better in all coursework as outlined in the College Catalog.
  4. Pay all debts to the College prior to graduation.

Additional Associate Degrees

Students who have earned an Associate Degree may earn an additional Associate Degree provided that the additional degree is a different degree type. Students who are Core Complete may use the Core Curriculum to satisfy degree requirements for the additional degree. Students must meet graduation residency requirements for any additional degree. Students who wish to pursue an additional degree should seek appropriate academic advising prior to declaring an additional degree and enrolling in coursework.

Certificate of Completion

To be awarded the Certificate of Completion, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Complete a course of study for a Certificate of Completion program as specified in the College catalog. Developmental, or other non-credit, coursework does not apply toward graduation requirements.
  2. South Texas College requires that at least 25% of the required semester credits be completed through South Texas College.
  3. Maintain a minimum average of a “C” (2.0 GPA) for all courses in the area of specialization and a minimum overall cumulative average of "C" (2.0 GPA) in all other courses. Some selective programs require a grade of “C” or better in all coursework as outlined in the College Catalog.
  4. Pay all debts to the College prior to graduation.

Time Limit for Completing a Certificate or Degree

This catalog is valid for the following time period, if published program requirements have not changed or discontinued:

  • Certificate - All requirements must be completed within three years or by August 2028.
  • Associate - All requirements must be completed within five years or by August 2030.
  • Bachelor's - All requirements must be completed within seven years or by August 2032.