Attending St. John Fisher College After Degree Completion
Earning a Second Degree
Individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College or from another institution may apply for admission to pursue a second degree. This second degree must be in a discipline that is distinct from the major of the first degree. For example: a first degree in English with a second degree in History would be appropriate. A first degree in English with a second degree in English with Adolescence Education would not be appropriate. Pursuit of a second degree qualifies for matriculated status, and the student is eligible for federal and state financial aid.
Completion of the requirements for the second degree requires that the student:
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits beyond the credits earned for the first degree.*
- Complete at least half of the credits for the major at St. John Fisher College.
- Satisfy the residency requirement for the second degree.**
- Satisfy the liberal arts and science requirements (90 credits for the B.A., 60 credits for the B.S.) for the second degree.***
If the first degree was a B.S. from Fisher or any degree from another institution, and the second degree is a B.A., the student must satisfy the requirement of completing a minor in another discipline. This minor may not be in the same field as the first major or a minor that was part of the first degree. The coursework to complete the minor may be coursework taken as part of the first degree.
*Example: If the first degree was awarded with 126 credits, the minimum necessary for awarding the second degree is 156.
**If only 30 credits are required for the second degree, all 30 must be taken at St. John Fisher College. If more than 30 additional credits are required, then 30 of the last 36 credits for the second degree must be completed at St. John Fisher College.
***Students pursuing a second degree are exempted from the College Core.
When the requirements are completed, the second degree is awarded and noted on the official transcript with a distinct award date. If qualified, based on the cumulative GPA, the second degree may be awarded with honors. The student must apply for graduation according to the published deadlines. A second diploma is issued and payment of a second graduation fee is required.
Earning an Additional Major after Graduation
Individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree at St. John Fisher College may return to complete the requirements for a second major. Pursuit of a second major does not qualify for matriculated status and therefore the student is not eligible for any financial aid. The decision to pursue a second undergraduate major should be carefully weighed against the benefits of pursuing this new field of study at the graduate level.
Completion of the requirements for an additional major requires that students complete at least half of the credits for the major at St. John Fisher College and as outlined in the catalog in force at the time they return to the College. When the requirements are completed, the second major is noted on the official transcript with a statement indicating the date on which the requirements were completed.
At the point in time when the requirements are completed, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the Registrar’s Office so that completion may be noted on the student’s transcript.