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Each program description in this catalog lists the requirements for graduation in that curriculum. At the time of application for graduation, students will declare the catalog under which they intend to graduate. (The program of study should be declared at the time of admission to the college.) They will follow the requirements of a catalog of one academic year during which they were registered and attended classes at the college.
Unless required courses have been officially waived, all students must meet the course requirements of their program to graduate. They must also meet the grade requirements for a degree, certificate, or letter of recognition stated below, and must make an appointment with an advisor to complete the application for graduation. The College of Southern Maryland reserves the right to award students all academic credentials earned, including certificates and degrees.
Students have the opportunity to move progressively upward through CSM’s degree options (i.e., letter of recognition course requirements may fulfill certificate requirements; letter of recognition and certificate requirements may fulfill associate’s degree requirements).
Associate’s Degrees
To qualify for graduation with an associate’s degree, all students must pass all courses required in their curriculum and must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for all work at the college. The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) and Teacher Education: Secondary requires a 2.75 GPA. The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) and Teacher Education: Secondary degree programs also require a passing score on PRAXIS I or a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Please note that the Associate of Science Nursing degree, the Associate of Applied Science degrees in Emergency Medical Services, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant and Radiography all have different degree requirements regarding specific grades that are required in classes.
Certificates
To qualify for graduation with a certificate, students must pass all required courses and must have a 2.00 grade point average for all courses required by the certificate program. Please note the certificates in Emergency Medical Services, Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing, and Pharmacy Technician all have different requirements regarding specific grades that are required in classes.
Letters of Recognition
A letter of recognition is a sequence of credit courses designed with discrete goals and objectives for a specific population.
A letter of recognition credit course sequence consists of 6 to 11 credits. Currently available letters of recognition are included in this catalog. Students must follow the requirements of the letter of recognition in the catalog of a year during which they were registered and attended classes at the college. To be eligible for the letter of recognition, students must have a 2.00 grade point average for all courses required by the letter of recognition. The letters of recognition are processed in accordance with the current graduation cycles at the end of the spring, summer and fall semesters.
Students applying for graduation can complete the application online through my.CSMD. The last date to apply for graduation to ensure participation in the winter or spring ceremony or to only receive a diploma is stated on the college website. Graduation applications are accepted during the spring, summer, and fall semester. Students must complete their program requirements during the semester for which they are applying for graduation. There is no graduation fee; however, students must purchase their cap and gown through the College Store. The College of Southern Maryland reserves the right to award students all academic credentials earned, including certificates and degrees.
Graduation ceremonies are held each year on the La Plata campus for students attending classes at all sites. These ceremonies take place in January (for fall and summer graduates) and May (for spring graduates). There are three ceremonies on the same day and they are divided by the School of Learning under which their program falls as follows: 10:00 School of Liberal Arts, 1:00 School of Professional and Technical Studies, and 4:00 School of Science and Health. All ceremonies are held in the PE Building at the La Plata campus. All degree and certificate recipients in attendance are recognized. For more information, visit www.csmd.edu/commencement.
There are three levels of honors awarded at the completion of degrees or certificates: highest honors-a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 to 4.0; high honors-a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 to 3.89; and honors-a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 to 3.74.
Students must have earned at least one-half of their degree or certificate credits at CSM in order to be eligible for honors. The honors designation is recorded on the transcript, based on all CSM courses included in the degree or certificate.
An annual Department Academic Excellence Awards Reception (held prior to graduation in May) honors those students whose academic work in specific areas of study is meritorious. Department faculty nominate and select among high achieving students in academic content areas.
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