Grading Scale
Murray State University uses a 4.0 grading scale (a 3.0 scale was used prior to fall 1956). The cumulative grade point average is the total quality points earned divided by the total GPA hours attempted, truncated -- not rounded -- to two decimal places.
Source: Academic Records - Grading System section — verified Sep 2026
GPA Calculation, Repeats, and Academic Second Chance
To calculate a cumulative grade point average, total quality points earned is divided by total hours attempted. Transfer credit is included in the cumulative GPA. Grades of AU, CR, P, R, W, or WP do not affect GPA calculations.
An undergraduate student may enroll in a course for credit no more than three times to raise a grade, unless otherwise noted in the course description; only the last attempt is calculated in the GPA and counts toward hours earned.
Academic Second Chance (ASC) lets an undergraduate who has been separated from higher education for at least two consecutive calendar years petition to have grades below a C excluded from the GPA for one or more semesters. ASC may be declared only once and applies only to a student's first baccalaureate degree.
Source: Academic Records - GPA, Course Repeat, and Academic Second Chance sections — verified Sep 2026
Academic Warning, Probation, and Suspension
A student is on academic warning when the cumulative GPA is below 2.0 but at or above the probation threshold for hours attempted, and may enroll in a maximum of 16 credit hours that term.
| Hours Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| 1-32 | 1.5 |
| 33-64 | 1.7 |
| 65-79 | 1.9 |
| 80 or more | 2.0 |
A student on academic probation may register for a maximum of 16 hours in a regular semester. Reaching the listed threshold removes probation; earning a term GPA of at least 2.0 without reaching it results in continued probation. Missing both leads to academic suspension. A first suspension bars re-enrollment for one succeeding fall or spring term; a second bars re-enrollment for two calendar years; a third results in indefinite dismissal from the university.
Source: Academic Regulations - Academic Warning, Probation, Suspension sections — verified Sep 2026
Dean's List and President's List
Full-time undergraduate students with a semester GPA of 3.50 or above in a fall or spring semester are placed on the Dean's List for that semester. Full-time undergraduate students with a semester GPA of 4.00 in a fall or spring semester, with no grades of I, are placed on the President's List. Grades changed after the initial posting of grades are not used for either honor, and a student is awarded only the highest honor for which they qualify.
Source: Academic Regulations - Dean's List / President's List sections — verified Sep 2026
Transfer Credit and GPA
Transfer work from a regionally accredited institution is posted using Murray State's equivalent prefix and course number, unless stamped "Legacy Academic Record." Transfer hours and quality points are computed into the student's cumulative GPA using semester hours, Murray State's 4.0 grading scale, and Murray State's repeat policy.
Source: Academic Records - Transfer section — verified Sep 2026
Frequently asked questions
What grading scheme does Murray State University (MSU) use?
Where does this MSU grade scale come from?
Do I have to be present at the academic suspension appeal hearing?
No. You have the right to be present, but you are not required to attend. The committee will base its decision on the information you submit plus any additional information supplied by the Office of the Registrar. Attending is to your advantage so you can provide additional information and answer questions if necessary.
Source: Academic Regulations - Academic Appeal FAQ — verified Sep 2026
When and where are academic suspension appeal hearings held?
Hearings are normally held the week before the semester begins. Once a hearing is scheduled, the student is notified of the date, time, and location.
Source: Academic Regulations - Academic Appeal FAQ — verified Sep 2026
What documentation is needed for an academic suspension appeal?
A student may provide any information relevant to the case -- for example, if grades are low due to frequent absences, additional information about the reason for the absences.
Source: Academic Regulations - Academic Appeal FAQ — verified Sep 2026
Can a denied May appeal be resubmitted for the August hearing?
No. Students appealing for fall-term reinstatement may go before the committee in May or August, but not both.
Source: Academic Regulations - Academic Appeal FAQ — verified Sep 2026
