Meadows School of Art - Degree Requirements

Meadows School of Art Catalog Contents

Requirements for Graduation

Students who are candidates for a degree in Meadows School of the Arts must submit a formal application for graduation to the Undergraduate Academic Services Office by the end of the first week of class for December and May graduation, and by the second day of summer school for August graduation. In addition to the requirements for general education and the major, candidates for graduation must also fulfill the following requirements:



A degree from Meadows School of the Arts is awarded by the faculty only in recognition of developed abilities, demonstrated knowledge of the student’s particular field of study, and the capacity to express an understanding of the art medium. Merely passing all courses is not necessarily sufficient.

Requirements for the Major
Candidates for undergraduate degrees must complete the requirements for an academic major in one of the divisions in Meadows. Students usually declare a major at the end of the first year. Students may major in more than one program within Meadows, or combine a major in Meadows with one in a different school. All course work counting toward a major must be taken for a letter grade, except for those courses that are routinely designated pass/fail. To change majors or to declare a second major, students must process appropriate forms in the Undergraduate Academic Services Office.

General Education Requirements
The general education requirements of the University must be met by all undergraduate students, regardless of degree program or major. All courses used to meet general education requirements must be taken for a letter grade. Questions concerning general education requirements may be directed to the Undergraduate Academic Services Office.

Double Majors
A student who wishes to double major (majors in two departmental areas or in two schools) must satisfy the requirements of each department or school.

Graduation Honors
There are three classes of graduation “Latin” honors: summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude. Eligibility for graduation honors will be based upon a student’s total academic program. All academic work attempted at other colleges or universities that is equivalent to SMU work will be included in the calculation of the G.P.A. For students who have transferred to SMU or who have transferred course work following matriculation at SMU, two grade-point averages will be calculated: that for all work attempted, and that for work completed at SMU. Latin Honors will be based on the lower of the two averages

Commencement Activities Prior to Completion of Degree Requirements
Participation in May graduation activities is allowed to students who are within six hours of completing graduation requirements and are enrolled to complete the required work during the summer following graduation activities. Students who meet the above requirements may petition to participate in commencement activities.