Pass/Fail Courses

Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher and who have successfully completed 45 hours, with at least 12 hours at UNCW, may take up to 9 hours of elective courses on a pass/fail basis. The intent of this option is to encourage students to explore areas of interest beyond their major or minor without concern about compromising their academic record. Students should be selective in choosing such courses. A change of major might mean that a course taken on a pass/fail basis must later be retaken for a grade. In addition, graduate and professional schools and future employers may evaluate such course work differently from graded courses. The following restrictions apply:

• A student may enroll in a course on a pass/fail basis only with the permission of the instructor.
• No more than one course may be taken on a pass/fail basis in a semester or summer session.
• Courses used to fulfill university studies requirements or the requirements of the student’s major, minor, or certificate program may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Courses repeated to replace a grade may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
• Students may not change the designation (from graded to pass/fail or from pass/fail to graded) after the drop/add period.
• Pass/fail students are required to complete all course work and examinations and are graded as if they were taking the course for a grade. Students who achieve a passing average receive a grade of “P” for the course. A “P” grade is equivalent to a “D-” or better.
• Credit hours in courses for which a student has earned a “P” are counted toward the hours required for graduation, but are excluded in the computation of the student’s grade point average. Grades of “F” are included in the computation of the grade point average.
• Internships do not count in these elective pass/fail courses.
• Students should be aware of the ramifications which could result from using the pass/fail option:

1. Many graduate schools will not consider “P” grades for entry into a program.
2. Many institutions do not award transfer credit for “P” grades.
3. Pass/fail hours will not be used in the calculation of Dean’s List.