General Requirements:
* Credit Hours/Units: Degrees require a certain number of credit hours or units to be completed. This is a measure of coursework completed, typically accumulated through classes. A Bachelor's degree might require 120 credit hours, while a Master's could require 30-60.
* GPA (Grade Point Average): Most institutions have a minimum GPA requirement for graduation, usually a 2.0 (C average) or higher. Some programs or scholarships may require a higher GPA.
* Coursework: Students must complete a specified set of courses within their chosen major or field of study. This often includes core courses, required electives, and specialized courses.
* Residency Requirements: Many institutions require students to complete a certain number of credit hours at their institution to earn a degree. This prevents students from essentially "buying" a degree by transferring in all their credits.
* General Education Requirements: Many degree programs include general education requirements designed to provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge across various disciplines (e.g., humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics).
Specific Requirements Vary by:
* Type of Degree: A Bachelor's degree will have different, and generally more extensive, requirements than an Associate's degree.
* Major/Field of Study: A degree in engineering will have drastically different course requirements than a degree in art history.
* Institution: Each university and college sets its own requirements, so a Bachelor's degree in Biology from University A might differ from a Bachelor's degree in Biology from University B.
* Individual Circumstances: Some programs may have special requirements for students with prior learning experience, transfer credits, or specific career goals. There might also be additional requirements for students pursuing honors or special distinctions within a degree.
To find the specific degree requirements, you should:
* Check the university's or college's website: The catalog or undergraduate/graduate bulletin usually contains detailed information on degree requirements for each program.
* Contact the department: Reach out to the academic department offering the specific degree you are interested in.
* Meet with an academic advisor: Academic advisors at the institution can help you understand and plan your course of study to meet the requirements.
In short, "degree requirements" is a broad term encompassing numerous specific rules and regulations. Always consult the official sources at the specific institution and program you're interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.