The University of Massachusetts Amherst determines Latin honors for students graduating in 2025 based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA). The university awards Latin honors to undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 45 semester hours of coursework at UMass Amherst, with the exception of students in the Isenberg School of Management, who must complete a minimum of 54 semester hours. The cumulative GPA is calculated based on all coursework completed at UMass Amherst, including any repeated courses.
Latin Honors Criteria
The criteria for determining Latin honors at UMass Amherst are as follows: - Summa Cum Laude: awarded to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or higher - Magna Cum Laude: awarded to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 to 3.89 - Cum Laude: awarded to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.69 These GPA ranges are based on the university’s Latin honors policy, which is subject to change, but the current policy applies to students graduating in 2025.
GPA Calculation
The cumulative GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. Grade points are assigned to each letter grade as follows: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, F = 0.0. For example, a student who earns an A in a 3-credit course will receive 12 grade points (4.0 x 3), while a student who earns a B in a 3-credit course will receive 9 grade points (3.0 x 3).
| GPA Range | Latin Honors |
|---|---|
| 3.9 or higher | Summa Cum Laude |
| 3.7 to 3.89 | Magna Cum Laude |
| 3.5 to 3.69 | Cum Laude |
Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting the GPA requirements, students must also complete all degree requirements, including any general education and major-specific coursework. Students who have not completed all degree requirements will not be eligible for Latin honors, regardless of their cumulative GPA.
Exceptions and Appeals
In some cases, students may be eligible for Latin honors despite not meeting the standard GPA requirements. For example, students who have experienced extenuating circumstances, such as a serious illness or family emergency, may be eligible for an appeal. Students who believe they are eligible for an appeal should consult with their academic advisor or the university’s Latin honors committee.
What is the minimum number of semester hours required to be eligible for Latin honors?
+The minimum number of semester hours required to be eligible for Latin honors is 45, with the exception of students in the Isenberg School of Management, who must complete a minimum of 54 semester hours.
How is the cumulative GPA calculated for Latin honors?
+The cumulative GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted.
In summary, UMass Amherst determines Latin honors for students graduating in 2025 based on their cumulative GPA, with specific GPA ranges corresponding to each level of Latin honors. Students must also complete all degree requirements and meet any additional exceptions or appeals. By understanding the criteria and requirements for Latin honors, students can work towards achieving this prestigious academic recognition.
