Read all steps below

If you are applying for graduation, please meet with an
undergraduate advisor for review of your GE and University Graduation requirements.

Step 1: Complete both the Biology and University Survey

• All Biology Major graduation applicants MUST complete an ONLINE SURVEY before the Department will approve the graduation application.
  
  Fall 2019 Graduating Biology Major Survey
  
  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGMZ7CG
  

University Survey
Registrar's Office links for graduation

• The University requires graduation applicants to complete an online exit survey in order to access the graduation application. This is a SEPARATE survey from the Department of Biology Major Survey.(Link to survey on this page http://registrar.sfsu.edu/graduation#Apply

• Graduation & Diplomas http://registrar.sfsu.edu/graduation
• Graduation Application FAQs http://registrar.sfsu.edu/content/graduation-application-faqs
   

Step 2: Major Specific Graduation Checklist

• Download the Graduation Checklist for YOUR major.
  
  Or

• Pick up the checklist from the Department of Biology (Hensill Hall 534).
   
• Make sure the checklist is correct for your bulletin year. If you are following requirements for your major from a previous bulletin, please come by the Biology Department Office (HH 534) to obtain a copy of the major requirements from the bulletin year that you are following.

How to fill out the Graduation Checklist:

• Make sure you check off each course you've completed and list the correct number of units.
   
• If you are using a transfer course, check off that you have the approved Department Equivalency Form on your Checklist. A Biology Department-approved Equivalency form must be attached to your application for any/all non-SF State classes used in your major and taken at another institution.
   
• All upper division electives should be listed in the table available at the end of the Checklist. All elective courses should be listed on the approved Department Substitution Form on your Checklist. Use a Department Substitution form or memo (from an advisor) identifying classes used to meet Lower Division or Upper Division electives required that are not listed in your major concentration.

Step 3: Fill out the Graduation Application

• Download the online Baccalaureate Degree Application for Graduation here
   
• Make sure you list the courses in the same order they appear on the Graduation Checklist.
   
• If the course is a transfer course, make sure you write the course name and number from the transfer campus.

• Make sure you are following the requirements for your major for the correct Bulletin year.
   
• Attach all approved Equivalency forms to your application for all non-SF State classes used in your Major and taken at another institution, if required.
   
• Attach all approved Substitution forms identifying classes used to meet Lower or Upper Division electives required that are not listed in your major concentration – this is required.
   

Step 4: Meet with your Advisor for approval of your Graduation Application

The student should bring to the meeting with the Biology Advisor:

• a Department of Biology Major-specific Graduation Checklist filled out prior to meeting with the advisor.
   
• the Graduation Application, with the Majors course work listed in the same order that the classes appear in the Major-specific Graduation Checklist
   
• a copy of his/her unofficial SF State transcript
• a copy of his/her Degree Progress Report (DPR) and Transfer Credit Report (TCR) are required.  An Advanced Standing Evaluation (ASE), if available, and Degree Audit Report (DARS), should be provided if no DPR or TCR is available - but the information on the ASE and DARS is NOT UPDATED beyond Summer 2014.
   
• current course enrollment (required if courses are in progress for the major, and not listed on the SF State transcript)
   
• Department of Biology Equivalency and Substitution Forms that have ALREADY BEEN APPROVED by the advisor and Department.
   

Step 5: Submitting your Graduation Application (and additional forms) to the Department of Biology for approval

• After your application has been reviewed and signed by your Major Advisor, bring it to the Biology Department Office and leave the application for the Chair to review.
  
  
• You do not need to meet with the Chair of the Department.
   
• Allow one week for review of your application before picking it up from the Biology Department Office.

Turn in:

-Graduation application filled out (in pen), signed by student and advisor
-Graduation Checklist filled out completely
-Print out of current course enrollment, if not listed on SF State transcript
-Equivalency and Substitution forms approved by Department
 

Step 6: Pay the graduation application fee and submit your Graduation Application to the University

(One Stop Center)

• After your application has been approved by the Department, you MUST pick up the application and pay the graduation application fee at the Bursar's Office in the Student Service Building 101.
   

Notes:

• Courses transferred into the major must be listed as they appear on the transcript from the transfer institution (both original course number and name).
   
• Upper division GE courses are not generally allowed as upper division electives. In some cases, one course can be used if it is appropriate to the student's career/educational goals, with advisor approval on the substitution form.
   
• All students should meet with an advisor at the University Undergraduate Advising Center (ADM211) or at the COSE Student Success Center (SCI 214) to confirm that all GE and University Graduation requirements have been completed.
  
  
• Note that the transcripts and Department forms must accompany the application. Typically, it is best to allow one week for review of your application before picking it up from the Biology Department Office. The graduation application will not be returned until the student completes the online survey.
   
• After the petition has been reviewed and approved, the student is responsible for picking up the petition from the Department Office. The student pays the graduation application fee at the Bursar's Office in the Administration Building. After the student pays the fee, the student may submit the graduation application (and the accompanying forms) to the One Stop Student Services Center.

Back to Undergraduate Advising for Biology Students