To insure that our academically talented graduating seniors are recognized for their scholarship, we have established a number of programs to honor their achievements:
Baccalaureate students qualify for three levels of Latin Honors
- Summa Cum Laude (with highest distinction), awarded to students whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.9
- Magna Cum Laude (with great distinction), awarded to students whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.75
- Cum Laude (with distinction), awarded to students whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.5
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This distinction will be noted on the student’s transcript.
To be eligible for graduation with honors, you must complete at least 56 credits at the College. If you entered with an associate degree, you qualify for these honors with a minimum of 52 credits earned. All courses and grades earned at John Jay, including failing grades, enter into the computation.
The eligibility of students who transfer into John Jay from other college(s) for such important academic recognition as Latin Honors (summa, magna, cum laude); valedictorian and salutatorian status; and other graduation awards shall include their cumulative GPA at their previous college(s), which shall be averaged in with the grades they have earned at John Jay.
To qualify for honors in the major, you must have completed the credit requirements for the major and have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA in courses above the 100-level in the major. Credit for courses required as prerequisites for major courses and transfer credits applied to the major will not be calculated into the major cumulative GPA. Students must have also earned at least a 3.2 overall cumulative GPA. This honor will be noted on your transcript.
- Honors in the Major
- To qualify for honors in the major, you must have completed the credit requirements for the major and have earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA in courses above the 100-level in the major. Credit for courses required as prerequisites for major courses and transfer credits applied to the major will not be calculated into the major cumulative GPA. Students must have also earned at least a 3.2 overall cumulative GPA. This honor will be noted on your transcript.
- Valedictorian and Salutatorian
- Commencement Awards
- Induction into Honor Societies
Several national honor societies have chapters at John Jay College. For more information about these societies, please contact the Academic Department in charge of the Honor Society.
Chi Alpha Epsilon-National Honor Society for SEEK Students
SEEK students may be elected to the Alpha Xi and Alpha Xi Omega chapters of Chi Alpha Epsilon when they have completed two semesters of full-time, non-developmental work with a 3.0 average GPA.
Phi Eta Sigma-National Freshman Honorary Society
In 1999, John Jay College established a chapter of Phi Eta Sigma. As the oldest and largest national freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma encourages and rewards academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher learning. Membership is open to individuals who have earned GPAs of 3.5 or better during one or both semesters of their freshman year as full-time students, have passed or been exempted from all three placement exams, and have not been registered for any remedial or developmental courses during the freshman year.
Pi Alpha Alpha-National Honorary Society for Public Affairs and Administration
In 1977, John Jay College established a chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honorary Society for Public Affairs and Administration. Under the auspices of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), this honorary society: Encourages and rewards scholarship and accomplishment among students and practitioners of public affairs and administration. Promotes advancement of education and scholarship in the art and science of public affairs and administration. Fosters integrity and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service operations.
Psi Chi-National Honorary Society for Psychology
A chapter of Psi Chi was established at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in May 1974. Selection for membership is based upon the student’s academic record in psychology (with a minimum of 12 credits), as well as the overall class standing. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to faculty members in the Department of Psychology.
For more information on our application process please click here.