How GPA is calculated
GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total units taken. Semester GPA uses only that semester's units and grade points; cumulative GPA uses all units attempted at Academy of Art University for a career, regardless of a course's applicability to a degree, and determines Academic Standing, Graduation Eligibility, and Graduation Honors.
- A grade of "I" (Incomplete) is treated as in-progress and is factored into the GPA once the permanent grade is assigned.
- A grade of "W" (Withdrawal) is not used in calculating cumulative GPA. A grade of "WF" (Withdrawal Failure) is used in the GPA calculation.
- Grades from transferred courses are never factored into GPA — GPA is calculated using only units attempted at Academy of Art University.
- If a student completes both an undergraduate and a graduate career, undergraduate units do not factor into the graduate GPA.
Repeating a course (Grade Exclusion)
A course may count only once toward the major. A student may repeat a course to replace the grade only if the first attempt resulted in a grade of "C-" or lower; the second attempt's grade and units are used in the GPA calculation even if it is lower than the first. Grade Exclusion applies only where the first attempt was C-, D+, D, D-, F, or WF, and a course may be repeated for exclusion only once. All earned grades, including the excluded one, remain on the transcript.
Source: Catalog Supplement and Academic Policies (2026-08-20), Grade Point Average section
Academic standing categories
Academic Standing is calculated when final grades post for a semester and results in one of four statuses:
- Good Standing — cumulative record meets the minimum GPA requirement.
- Academic Probation — cumulative record fails the minimum GPA requirement after a semester of Good Standing.
- Extended Academic Probation — cumulative GPA still below the minimum following a semester of Academic Probation; continues as long as semester GPA is at least 2.0.
- Academic Dismissal — semester GPA fails to meet a 2.0 minimum after a semester of Extended Academic Probation.
Minimum GPA to remain in good standing
Minimum cumulative GPA by units earned and program:
- Associate of Arts / Certificate: 1.7 (early units) rising to 1.85, then 2.0 at the highest tier.
- Bachelor's (BA, BFA, BS): 1.7 (0-30 units), 1.85 (31-60 units), 2.0 (61+ units).
- Art Teaching Credential: 2.7 (0-9 units), 3.0 (10-33 units).
- Master's (MA, MFA, M.Arch): 2.0 at every tier.
Source: Catalog Supplement and Academic Policies (2026-08-20), Academic Standing section
Minimum GPA to graduate
Students must achieve a final overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to receive their degree. Art Teaching Credential students must achieve at least 3.0 to receive their credential.
Source: Catalog Supplement and Academic Policies (2026-08-20), Minimum GPA Requirement section
Graduation honors and President's Honor Roll
- Summa Cum Laude — 4.00 cumulative GPA.
- Magna Cum Laude — 3.90 to 3.99 cumulative GPA.
- Cum Laude — 3.70 to 3.89 cumulative GPA.
- President's Honor Roll — undergraduate or graduate students registered for 12 units who maintain a 3.7 semester GPA; noted on the official transcript.
Transfer credit and GPA
Coursework from accredited post-secondary institutions is considered for transfer only if it carries equivalent credit, prerequisites, content, and level of instruction; remedial or pre-college courses are not eligible. Transfer coursework must have been completed with a letter grade of "C" or above, or a grade of "pass" in a pass/fail course. Grades of transferred courses are never factored into the GPA — GPA is calculated using only units attempted at Academy of Art University.
Source: Catalog Supplement and Academic Policies (2026-08-20), transfer credit evaluation section
