A 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation from the university. However, some bachelor's degrees require a higher GPA, including those within the College of Health Sciences. Professional schools require high GPAs from their applicants.
*BCPM refers to your science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math).
Each letter grade carries a grade point value computed as the total credit hours earned in the course times the point value of the letter grade earned. For example, a student earning an A (point value of 4) in a 3-credit class would earn 12 grade points for the course. In its easiest form, an A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0.
The semester GPA is the sum of all grade points earned in a semester or term divided by credit hours earned.
Credit hours in courses with marks of X, W, S, or U are excluded from the GPA.
The average of all grades earned by a student is termed the cumulative grade point average.
For more information, see the UW Catalog or consult your advisor.
Example: Let's calculate the GPA for the following report card.
Class |
Credits |
Grade |
ENGL 1010 |
3 |
A |
LIFE 1010 |
4 |
B |
ECON 1010 |
3 |
C |
CHEM 1000 |
4 |
D |
Step 1:
Class |
Credits |
Grade |
Points |
ENGL 1010 |
3 |
A |
3 credits X 4 points = 12 |
LIFE 1010 |
4 |
B |
4 credits X 3 points = 12 |
ECON 1010 |
3 |
C |
3 credits X 2 points = 6 |
CHEM 1000 |
4 |
D |
4 credits X 1 points = 4 |
Total credits = 14 |
Total points = 34 |
Step 2:
Divide the total points by total number of credit hours. In this case, that is 34 points divided by 14 hours. 34÷14=2.4. The student has a 2.4 GPA for the semester.