Credit Hours
Unlike high school, where courses are measured in units, college and university-level courses are measured in credit hours. Typically, most courses are three credit hours. To graduate from Lynchburg, you are required to complete 120 credit hours, which is approximately equivalent to 40 courses.
To graduate on time, you need to pursue at least 15.5 credit hours each semester, which roughly means taking five courses. To be a full-time student, you need to take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, while the maximum number of hours you can take without paying extra overload fees is 18. Keeping your credit hours between 15-18 each semester will ensure graduate on time!
General Education, Majors, and Minors
The 120 hours you need to graduate are divided into General Education, majors, minors, and elective credits.
All students complete the same general education courses (51 hours). General education courses give you the knowledge and skills to be a successful citizen and professional.
All students also declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. The major you choose determines whether you receive a BA (bachelor of arts) or a B.S. (bachelor of science) degree. Some students choose to complete joint or double majors, which include study in more than one academic field.
While not mandatory, many students choose a minor in addition to an academic major. A minor provides a less intensive study in one academic area. You can use a minor to pursue secondary interests or support your major with study in a related area.
Electives are courses that count toward the 120 credit hours needed for graduation but are neither general education nor from the chosen major or minor courses. Electives are used to build skills and follow interests.
The Academic Catalog
Academic rules, regulations, and procedures are contained in the catalog. You follow the catalog you are issued your freshman year, although in some circumstances you may use an earlier or later catalog. All entering students receive a catalog, and copies are housed on the registrar’s web page.
Changing Your Schedule
The registrar’s office also handles dropping and adding classes. You’ll need to get the appropriate form from the Registrar’s office, have it signed by your advisor and the course instructor, and turn it in on time.
Dates for adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes are part of the academic calendar.
Graduation
To earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Lynchburg, you must complete a minimum number of total semester hours and hours within your major at the University of Lynchburg. You must also complete all of the general education courses, earn a minimum quality point average overall and within your major, and comply with all University standards and regulations.
For specific graduation requirements, see the Academic Regulations section of the undergraduate catalog.
Second Degree Candidates
If you are a candidate for a second bachelor’s degree, you must have earned your first degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
For additional graduation requirements for second-degree students, see the Academic Regulations section of the undergraduate catalog.
