graduation requirements

Each student is solely responsible for satisfying all degree requirements listed below and as detailed in their individual program sheet. 

Each candidate for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree must:

1. Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. The procedure of academic probation is not allowed during the senior year.
2. Successfully complete a senior thesis. A thesis handbook outlining the policies and conditions for the thesis project is distributed to seniors prior to their thesis semester.
3. Successfully complete one of the degree curricula outlined in an official program sheet which was in effect from the year of matriculation, or later, at CVA. This presumes there has been no break in attendance exceeding three consecutive years and the student has filed no Change of Program form. If there is a break in attendance exceeding three consecutive years, the student is bound by any new curricular requirements. 
4. Successfully complete a minimum of 126 semester credits. The BFA program comprises 78 studio credits and 48 general education credits. All students must complete a minimum of 66 semester credits in residence at CVA.
5. File an Intent to Graduate form with the Registrar’s Office.
6. Satisfy all financial obligations to the college.

The registrar, in consultation with the department chairs, makes the final review to ensure that all course requirements have been successfully completed in each student’s intended curriculum. Students must be officially registered in their chosen curriculum for at least two semesters prior to graduation in order to be eligible for a degree in that discipline.

Students who are six credits or fewer short of completing graduation requirements after the spring semester may participate in the commencement ceremony only if these courses are not in their major concentration. The remaining course(s) must be completed during the summer or the next semester the courses are taught. Students who are short credits by graduation receive their diplomas at the end of the term in which all degree requirements listed above are met. Transcripts confirm graduation status when the missing requirements are completed.