Academic Residency Credit Requirement

Scope of Policy & Rationale

This policy defines the minimum number of credits that must be successfully completed at Temple for a student to earn a Temple University undergraduate degree. (Policy # 02.10.20)

Policy Statement

Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 30 credits at Temple University to satisfy the academic residency requirement to earn a degree. In all cases, the awarding of a degree is subject to satisfaction of all applicable degree requirements.

The academic residency requirement can be satisfied with credits earned or awarded:

  • While enrolled at Temple in a degree program,
  • At Temple prior to leaving the university and re-enrolling,
  • While enrolled at Temple as a non-matriculated student,
  • Through Temple-sponsored or Temple-approved domestic and international university exchange programs,
  • Through independent learning, Credit for Prior Learning, or the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

For compelling reasons, schools/colleges can seek approval from the Provost or their designee to establish additional academic residency requirements within an academic program or school/college, as long as such requirements do not significantly differ from the university requirement.

Exceptions to the academic residency requirement may be granted by the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education in consultation with the Dean or Dean's designees of the school/college in which the student is matriculated. Students receiving an exception must complete remaining required credits within three years of the time of the waiver.

Teach-out agreements, approved by the Office of the Provost in consultation with appropriate university offices, may result in an exception to the academic residency policy.

Notes

  1. Dates of official enactment and amendments
    Adopted by the President on May 27, 2026. Effective August 8, 2026.
  2. History
    Prior to 2026, guidelines and protocols were published in the Undergraduate Bulletin in the section entitled "Academic Residency Requirements."
  3. Cross References
    Policy # 02.10.18 Transfer Credit Policy for Matriculated Undergraduate Students