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- Graduation & Transcripts
- Graduation Requirements
- Commencement & Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Non-Traditional Credit
Graduation & Transcripts
Graduation Requirements
To earn an associate degree or certificate, students must meet the requirements of the catalog edition current at the time of their first credit at TBCC.
- Catalog Continuity: You must earn at least one TBCC credit each academic year to maintain the right to your original catalog. If enrollment is not consecutive, you must meet the requirements of the most current catalog.
- Catalog Validity: An edition of the TBCC catalog is valid for six academic years.
- Institutional Awarding: TBCC automatically grants degrees and certificates once requirements for your recorded program of study are met. You may opt-out of an institutional award by contacting Student Services.
Commencement & Diplomas
- Commencement: A formal ceremony is held at the end of the spring term. All students graduating within the current academic year are eligible to participate if they apply by the deadline.
- Diplomas: Diplomas are mailed to your address of record eight to ten weeks after the award date.
- Financial Hold: All college debts must be cleared before a degree or certificate will be officially awarded.
Transcripts
Official transcripts include the college seal and Registrar’s signature.
- Ordering: Request official transcripts online at or in person at Student Services.
- Submission: Most institutions require transcripts to remain in the original sealed envelope or be sent via secure electronic exchange to be considered "official."
Non-Traditional Credit
TBCC awards credit for learning and experience gained outside of the traditional academic setting.
| Credit Type | Description | Best For... |
|---|---|---|
| Cooperative Education | Internships, clinicals, and work experience defined in the catalog. | Hands-on experience in your field of study. |
| Credit by Exam | Standardized testing such as AP, IB, or CLEP/DPTTS. | Students with high scores on national proficiency exams. |
| Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) | Faculty assessment of your professional documents, tests, or portfolios. | Professionals with significant work history or certifications. |
Important Notes on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL):
- Not Graded: CPL is an assessment of documentation and is not a graded process. If you need a letter grade, you should take the course or use Credit by Exam.
- Transferability: CPL is noted on your transcript. If you plan to transfer, check with your future university to see if they accept CPL credits.
- Standard: Credit is awarded course-by-course for college-level learning that balances theory and practical application.