3341-3-2 Graduate Coursework for Advanced Undergraduate Students

1. Policy Statement and Purpose

   This policy describes the eligibility criteria and approval process for advanced undergraduate students to enroll in graduate-level coursework at BGSU and outlines the conditions under which graduate credit earned as an advanced undergraduate at BGSU may be applied toward a graduate degree or certificate.

2. Policy

   1. Graduate Courses for Advanced Undergraduates

      Undergraduate students may apply for advanced undergraduate status to take graduate-level courses prior to earning a baccalaureate degree. This status is term-specific and must be approved prior to the first day of the term.

      1. Eligibility
         1. Student eligibility:
            1. 75 semester hours of undergraduate work completed and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, or
            2. 90 semester hours of undergraduate work completed and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
         2. Course eligibility:
            1. Courses must be at the 5000- or 6000-level.
      2. Approval Process
         1. The student must:
            1. Submit an application to the Graduate College.
            2. Obtain approval from:
               1. The instructor of the requested graduate course.
               2. The Department Chair/School Director of the unit offering the course.
               3. The Graduate College.
         2. Courses added without prior Graduate College approval will be dropped from the student’s schedule.
      3. Enrollment Limits
         1. A student is eligible for a maximum of nine graduate credit hours as an advanced undergraduate.
         2. If total registration exceeds 18 credit hours, Registration and Records will consult with the student’s line college for final approval.
         3. The student is responsible for any excess credit hour fees.
      4. Additional Limits
         1. Advanced undergraduate status does not guarantee admission to a graduate degree program.
         2. Advanced undergraduates must apply separately for graduate program admission.
         3. To earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, students must complete a minimum number of credit hours in alignment with State of Ohio regulations.
         4. Graduate degrees or certificates cannot be awarded in the same semester as the bachelor's degree.

   2. Transfer of BGSU Graduate Credit Taken as an Advanced Undergraduate

      Students who are fully admitted to a graduate degree or certificate program may apply up to nine hours of graduate credit earned as a BGSU advanced undergraduate toward a BGSU graduate program, provided the following conditions are met:

      1. Grades earned must be A or B.
      2. Program approval:
         1. Specific graduate programs may have additional limitations on the number of credits and eligible courses.
         2. Students should refer to the specific graduate program description and consult with the graduate program coordinator to confirm applicability of courses and credits.

Registered Date: March 24, 2015
Amended Date: November 2, 2016; March 27, 2026