Associate Degree
Certificate of Achievement
Department Certificate
An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with
a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) in degree applicable coursework and
a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units, including:
- Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or IGETC;
- Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.
A Certificate of Achievement is granted upon successful completion of a program of
study with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a designated minimum number of units, including:
- Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
- Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.
A Department Certificate is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a designated minimum number of units, including:
- Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
- Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.
Note: Department Certificates are not noted on student transcripts. Students must submit a petition to the relevant academic department to be awarded a Department Certificate.
A student may satisfy the requirements of a degree that were in effect at any time of the student’s continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment means attendance in at least one semester (Fall or Spring) in each academic year.