The School of Nursing subscribes to all of the general University Requirements for graduation as indicated in the Academic Policies Section of the current edition of the University Undergraduate Catalog. It is the responsibility of the degree applicant to file an application for degree on a form provided by the Registrar.

  • Specific School of Nursing requirements include:
  • Completion of required credits for degree and Nursing curriculum.
  • A minimum cumulative overall quality point average of 2.3.
  • Removal of all “F”, “I”, “X”, “N” or “LG” grades from the transcript.
  • Completion of the last 30 credits toward the degree at Duquesne University.
  • Degree application completed online in Self Service Banner by the deadline listed in the Academic Calendar

Eligibility for Recognition for Graduation with Honor

To be eligible for recognition, a student must have achieved the distinction of being awarded a Degree with Honors according to university criteria:

Cum Laude 3.50 to 3.74 QPA
Magna Cum Laude 3.75 to 3.89 QPA
Summa Cum laude 3.90 to 4.00 QPA

For a Degree with Honor, the Office for Student Affairs calculates the cumulative QPA of graduating
students as of the end of the previous semester before graduation. The names of eligible students are
then sent to the Registrar’s Office. If a student earns academic honors after the final semester is calculated into the GPA, it will be reflected on the student’s transcript and diploma. In accordance with University policy, academic honors will not be awarded for a second bachelor’s degree, therefore students in the Second Degree Track will not graduate with Latin Honors.

Eligibility to Walk at a Commencement Ceremony


To be eligible to walk at a University of School of Nursing commencement ceremony, a student
must have:

  •  A cumulative quality point of average of 2.3 or higher
  • Nine credits or less left to complete at the University and must be registered for these credits
    in the final semester

Please note the University may have additional requirements that must be met. Only names of students actually graduating in the semester of the commencement ceremony will be listed in the program. For example, a student graduating in August who wishes to walk in May will not be listed in the program per University policy