What Is a Degree Audit?
A degree audit is a report that compares the courses you have taken with the requirements of your degree program and shows what you have completed, what is in progress and what remains. Many US colleges offer it online through a system that students and advisors can both see. It is one of the most useful tools for planning your path to graduation.
What it shows
- Requirements by category: general education, major, minor, electives and university requirements.
- Courses applied: which of your courses count toward each requirement, including transfer and AP credit.
- Credits and GPA: total credits earned, credits needed and GPA, overall and in the major.
- In-progress and planned courses.
- Unmet requirements, with suggestions or lists of courses that would satisfy them.
- Alerts, such as a minimum GPA not met or residency requirements.
How to read it
Look for a summary at the top, and then each section. Complete items are usually marked in green or with a check, in-progress in another color and unmet requirements in red or an empty box. Click on an unmet requirement to see eligible courses.
Using it well
- Check it each term before registering, and after you register.
- Plan ahead to see when courses are offered and what prerequisites you need.
- Use the what-if feature to explore a new major or minor.
- Look for mistakes, such as a course placed in the wrong category or missing transfer credit, and report them to the registrar or advisor.
- Bring it to advising meetings.
- Keep records of any exceptions or substitutions approved in writing.
Limits
A degree audit depends on the data in the system and the program rules in effect. It may not reflect recent catalog changes, special permissions or courses still being evaluated. Be sure to confirm with your advisor, and ask for a formal graduation check a year before you plan to finish.
Why students overlook it
Students may rely on advice from friends or assume that courses will count. A quick review of the audit can prevent surprises, such as discovering in your final semester that you need another course.
Related terms
See major, general education requirements, elective, prerequisite and registrar.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my degree audit?
In your student portal, often under academics, advising or degree progress. Systems have names such as DegreeWorks or similar.
Is a degree audit official?
It is a planning tool, and the registrar makes the final decision on graduation. Always confirm questions with an advisor, especially if the audit seems wrong.
What is a what-if audit?
A version that shows how your completed courses would apply if you changed your major or minor, helping you see the effect on requirements and timing.