Understanding American University Diploma Types and Recognition

Navigating the world of American university diplomas can be complex. This article breaks down the different types of diplomas, the honors associated with them, and how foreign degrees are evaluated for equivalency in the United States.

Types of Diplomas and Graduation Honors

American University, like many other universities in the United States, awards different types of graduation honors. These honors recognize a student's academic achievements and are noted on both the diploma and the academic transcript, which are official documents.

Latin Honors

Latin honors are a system of Latin phrases used to indicate the level of distinction with which an academic degree has been earned. These designations acknowledge general excellence based on the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA). The three standard levels of Latin honors, listed in order of increasing merit, are:

Cum laude: Meaning "with praise."
Magna cum laude: Meaning "with great praise."
Summa cum laude: Meaning "with highest praise," typically awarded to graduates in the top 1-5% of their class, depending on the institution.

To be eligible for Latin Honors (3.67 cumulative GPA and 60 of 120 credits at AU) can pick up their gold honors cord during on-campus regalia pickup Mary Graydon Center. Latin Honors are subject to verification at the time of final degree clearance.

University Honors

Besides Latin honors, there are also university honors. Designations are summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude.

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Other Academic Distinctions and Traditions

Beyond academic distinctions, American universities often observe traditions during commencement ceremonies. These traditions add to the sense of accomplishment and formality.

The Mace: A symbol of authority dating back to ancient Rome, the mace originated as a weapon and evolved into a symbol of power. In the university setting, the mace heads the academic procession.
Academic Regalia: The traditional gowns and hoods used in academic ceremonies reflect their medieval origin. The various colors and styles signify the type of degree and institutional affiliation. Undergraduates wear the mortarboard cap with a white tassel, which, in keeping with tradition, is flipped from right to left at the close of the commencement ceremony. Graduate students wear the mortarboard plus a blue hood lined in red and white with velvet trim to signify their degree or academic field.
- Master of arts students wear a white-edged hood-with the exception of education graduates, who are identified by light blue, and international service graduates by peacock blue.
- Master of science degrees are signified by gold velvet trim.
- Master of business administration by tan.
- Master of fine arts by brown.
- Master of public administration by peacock blue.
- Juris doctor and master of laws students wear hoods trimmed with purple and a tam (cap).

Graduation Requirements at American University

To graduate from American University, students must meet specific requirements:

Students must complete at least 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better.
At least 45 of the last 60 credit hours must be completed in residence at American University.
Students may transfer a cumulative total of 60 credit hours from various sources, including four-year or two-year institutions, Advanced Placement (AP) credits, International Baccalaureate credits, CLEP subject examinations, or relevant work completed in college-level Armed Services School courses.
All students must complete the minimum graduation requirement of 120 credit hours and must satisfy all requirements for a major. Students matriculating before Academic Year 2018-2019 must also satisfy the requirements for the General Education program, the College Writing requirement, and the University Mathematics requirement.

Grading System at American University

Administrative Fail: Administrative fail is assigned by the instructor in lieu of a grade of “F” when a student never attended or ceased attending the class, rendering an assessment of academic performance impossible.
N: No grade or invalid grade submitted (assigned by the academic unit or appropriate administrative officer when an expected final grade has not been received before the grade posting deadline.
Pass: A grade of Pass indicates performance of no less than a 2.00 (“C”) on a conventional grading scale.
Incomplete: When possible, the student should initiate the request for an incomplete grade. In consultation with the student, instructors may, at their discretion, award an incomplete status grade for a student who is prevented from completing the course due to extenuating circumstances, but who is, at the time of the request for an incomplete grade, receiving a passing grade (“C” or better) in the course based on work due and evaluated by the instructor at the time of the request. To receive an Incomplete in a course, students must receive the permission of the instructor in advance of the assessment of final course assignments and agree on an incomplete contract before grades are posted.

Course Attempts and Grade Replacement

Students have a maximum of two attempts to pass a course with a grade of “C” or better before subsequent registrations require the student to meet with the academic unit to create an academic recovery plan for the course.
Once a student passes a course taken at American University, the student may repeat it one more time. Regardless of number of attempts, credit may only be earned once for a course, excluding any course appropriately designated as repeatable for credit.
Degree-seeking students may request a Course Grade Replacement for two eligible courses, taken at American University or through an AU approved program abroad where students receive institutional credit, at any time during their undergraduate study in which they have earned a grade of “C-“ or lower. In order to receive a Course Grade Replacement, a student must retake the same course that they intend to replace. Only the second grade is computed in American University’s cumulative average GPA.

Academic Standing and Warning

Undergraduate students (degree and non-degree) are in Good Academic Standing if they are not on Academic Warning and are enrolled in semester classes, or are eligible to enroll in subsequent semester classes.
The Academic Warning process (formerly known as “probation”) consists of two levels for students to utilize appropriate academic supports and plan for academic recovery when the cumulative GPA or other indicators from the academic unit shows that the student is not making adequate academic progress. Students will be placed on Initial Academic Warning for the conditions described in regulations section 5.7.1. If at the end of the Initial Academic Warning term, a student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.00 or other conditions from the academic unit for academic progress are not met, the student is placed on Final Academic Warning Before Dismissal. If at the end of the Final Academic Warning Before Dismissal term, a student’s cumulative GPA remains below 2.00 or other conditions from the academic unit for academic progress are not met, the student will undergo Academic Dismissal.
The university will dismiss students whose cumulative GPA after the completion of 24 attempted credits falls below 1.00 (“D”).

Credit Hour Definition

American University uses the Carnegie Classification definition of a credit hour. A credit hour is defined as at least 12.5 hours of direct instruction (in class or remote sites) with at least 25 hours of student work outside of that direct instruction, usually spread over 15 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The definition covers all types of courses, disciplines, programs, degree levels, formats, and modalities of instruction (including hybrid and online).

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Recognition of Online High School Diplomas

The rise of online education has led to questions about the validity and recognition of online high school diplomas. It's important to understand that a legitimate online high school diploma holds the same value as a diploma from a traditional brick-and-mortar school.

Validity of Online High School Diplomas

For a high school diploma to be valid, it must be issued by an institution that is recognized by a relevant educational authority. An approved online high school diploma is a reliable and effective way to secure a bright academic future.

Ensuring the Legitimacy of an Online High School

To ensure an online high school diploma is valid, consider the following:

Check the School’s Registration: Make sure the school is registered with a recognized educational authority. Approval confirms that the school meets specific academic standards.
Review the Curriculum Approval and Accreditation: Ensure the school uses a certified curriculum.

Opportunities for International Students

International students who hold a U.S. high school diploma often have better outcomes when applying to U.S. colleges.

Credential Evaluations for Foreign Degrees

For individuals with degrees earned outside the United States, credential evaluations play a crucial role in determining the equivalency of their education in the U.S. context.

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What is a Credential Evaluation?

A credential evaluation is a detailed report that explains how a foreign degree compares to a degree earned in the United States. This evaluation is often required when pursuing further education, seeking employment, or obtaining professional certification in the U.S. It helps to determine the U.S. equivalency of a foreign degree.

The Evaluation Process

The credential evaluation process can seem complex, but with the right support, it’s well within reach. Expert Evaluations are key to this process.

Importance of Accreditation and Curriculum

Ensure the school uses a certified curriculum.

The Role of Credential Evaluations in Licensure and Certification

While a credential evaluation is an important first step, it’s just one part of a larger licensure or certification process. Each state and licensing board sets its own rules for recognizing foreign education. That means the requirements for becoming a licensed nurse in one state, for example, may differ significantly from another. A credential evaluation can support an application by providing an official report of academic history that aligns with licensing or certification expectations.

Document Requirements and Flexibility

Document requirements vary by institution. If some documents are unavailable or incomplete, don’t give up. Some evaluation services may be able to offer document verification alternatives.

Alternative Career Paths

In some cases, applicants decide to pivot their career path entirely and pursue roles that may not require degree equivalency.

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