Degree audit is an automated or manual evaluation that compares a student’s completed and in-progress coursework against the requirements of a specific degree or certificate.
How it works
The student selects or is assigned a catalog year and program. The degree-audit system pulls transcript data, transfer credit, and exam credit and matches them to requirements. The resulting report lists satisfied and outstanding items. Advisors review exceptions or substitutions. When all requirements show as met and the student has applied for graduation, the registrar performs a final review.
Example: an online student’s degree audit shows 102 of 120 credits completed, all general-education requirements satisfied, and 12 major credits still needed, including one course that also meets the 30-credit residency rule. The student registers for those four courses in the final two terms.
How it differs
A transcript is the official record of courses and grades. An academic plan for SAP is a set of aid-eligibility conditions, not a degree checklist. A what-if audit tests the effect of changing majors but does not change the student’s official program.
Common errors
Relying on an outdated catalog year. Assuming transfer credit has been applied when it is still awaiting evaluation. Treating a degree audit that shows all requirements met as final clearance before the registrar’s official certification.
References
- 1. Institutional degree-audit systemsAutomated requirement checking
- 2. Registrar best practicesUse in advising
Degree audit is an automated or manual evaluation that compares a student’s completed and in-progress coursework against the requirements of a specific degree or certificate.