Stanford University, one of the world's leading private research institutions, located in Stanford, California, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its various schools. The university's registrar plays a crucial role in overseeing the degree requirements for all students, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards to graduate. In this article, we will delve into the degree requirements for undergraduate and graduate students at Stanford University, highlighting the key aspects of the university's academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Stanford University’s undergraduate degree requirements are designed to provide students with a broad-based education that includes a strong foundation in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in over 50 fields of study. To graduate, undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 180 units of credit, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. The degree requirements include:
- Completion of a minimum of 12 units of credit in a single quarter
- Fulfillment of the Writing and Rhetoric requirement, which includes a first-year writing course and a second-year writing course
- Satisfaction of the Language requirement, which includes proficiency in a language other than English
- Completion of a minimum of 24 units of credit in the major field of study
- Fulfillment of the General Education requirements, which include courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
Major Requirements
The major requirements at Stanford University vary depending on the field of study. Students are required to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year and must complete a minimum of 24 units of credit in the major field of study. The major requirements may include:
| Major | Required Courses | Elective Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | CS 106A, CS 106B, CS 107 | CS 110, CS 140, CS 155 |
| Biology | BIO 80, BIO 81, BIO 82 | BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 103 |
| English | ENGL 100, ENGL 101, ENGL 102 | ENGL 110, ENGL 120, ENGL 130 |
Graduate Degree Requirements
Stanford University’s graduate degree requirements vary depending on the program and field of study. The university offers Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in over 100 fields of study. To graduate, graduate students must complete the required coursework, pass the qualifying exams, and defend their thesis or dissertation. The degree requirements include:
- Completion of a minimum of 45 units of credit for Master's students
- Passing the qualifying exams, which are designed to test the student's knowledge and research skills
- Defense of the thesis or dissertation, which is an original contribution to the field of study
- Satisfaction of the Residency requirement, which includes a minimum of two years of study at Stanford University
Ph.D. Requirements
The Ph.D. requirements at Stanford University are designed to provide students with advanced training in their field of study. The Ph.D. program typically takes 4-6 years to complete and includes:
| Field of Study | Required Courses | Elective Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | CS 300, CS 301, CS 302 | CS 310, CS 320, CS 330 |
| Biology | BIO 300, BIO 301, BIO 302 | BIO 310, BIO 320, BIO 330 |
| English | ENGL 300, ENGL 301, ENGL 302 | ENGL 310, ENGL 320, ENGL 330 |
What are the minimum GPA requirements for undergraduate students at Stanford University?
+The minimum cumulative GPA requirement for undergraduate students at Stanford University is 2.0.
How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. program at Stanford University?
+The Ph.D. program at Stanford University typically takes 4-6 years to complete.
What is the residency requirement for graduate students at Stanford University?
+The residency requirement for graduate students at Stanford University includes a minimum of two years of study at the university.
