The Nuts and Bolts of Academic Success

Requirements for Graduation

• 120 credits are required for graduation, of which 60 must be completed at Goucher College
• The minimum grade point average (GPA) to remain in good standing is 2.0
• Completion of a major – a student is required to declare a major by the second semester of their sophomore year
• Completion of all Goucher Commons Requirements (GCRs)

Typical Course Load
A typical course load is 24-32 credit hours per year. Fourteen to 16 credit hours per semester are considered typical. However, a full-time student may take as few as 12 or as many as 18 credits in a semester. Any student who takes less than 12 credit hours in a semester is considered to be a part-time student.

Sample Schedules
Typically, a first-year first semester student would have between 4 – 5 courses on their schedule. Two are mandatory (First Year Seminar (FYS 100) and FYE 134) for all students. Many students will be assigned a writing course. If you are interested in a highly structured major (one of the sciences or dance), you will select courses that will help move you along the path designed for these majors. Students will also register for courses that fulfill Goucher Commons Requirements (GCRs) and help them explore their interests. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire so that we can learn more about your academic talents and interests. Your success advisor will use this questionnaire to guide you in creating your first semester class schedule. Your fall semester course schedule will likely have between 14 – 16 credits.