Medals of Academic Merit
Medals of Academic Merit for academic excellence are awarded each year to those students nominated by the teaching faculty and having a minimum 3.5 GPA in degree-applicable courses. Breadth, depth, and rigor of coursework are considered. Recipients are awarded with a medal that may be worn at commencement. It is the college’s highest academic honor. These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program, receive a medal, their MiraCosta College transcript is notated.
MiraCosta College 4.0 Graduates
This is awarded to students who achieved a 4.0 degree applicable GPA during their academic career at MiraCosta. These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program.
President's Permanent Honor Roll
Students become members of the President’s Permanent Honor Roll when they are in good standing and have completed a minimum of 60 units of college work, qualified for placement on the President’s List for at least three semesters with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and received no grade lower than a “C." These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program and their MiraCosta College transcript is notated.
President's List
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 total units within a given semester and earn a GPA of at least 3.5 in the courses taken within that semester. These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program and their MiraCosta College transcript is notated.
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges offering associate in arts degree programs. The society bases all programs on its four hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. Standard membership, conferred by invitation only, is available to students who have completed at least 12 units of degree-applicable work and have a GPA of 3.5 or better. All members are eligible to wear the gold stole and tassel, and optional blue cord worn over the stole. These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program and their MiraCosta College transcript is notated.
Honors Program
The Honors Program consists of academically enriched courses specifically designed to develop and stimulate exceptional ability in highly motivated students and provides opportunities for civic engagement. To graduate as a Certified Honors Scholar, a student must maintain a 3.25 GPA, complete 15 unites of honors coursework, and engage in a minimum two semesters of active participation in the Honors Program, maintaininng all behaviors required of the Standards of Student Conduct (BP 5500 and AP 5500). Certified Honors Scholars receive an orange stole with blue trim. These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program and their MiraCosta College transcript is notated.
Latin Honors (Biomanufacturing Bachelor’s Degree Program only)
A student with high academic achievement throughout their MiraCosta College baccalaureate career may graduate with Latin Honors. The distinction is pending at the time of the graduation ceremony and the GPA will be calculated based upon all MiraCosta College baccalaureate (300 and 400 level) coursework for the degree through the fall semester. The final distinction will be determined upon the completion of all coursework completed through the fall semester for fall graduates the spring semester for spring graduates, or the summer semester for summer graduates. These students are acknowledged in the Commencement Program, Latin Honors is reflected on the degree, and their MiraCosta College transcripts is notated.
Summa Cum Laude: 3.85 and above
Magna Cum Laude: 3.75 to 3.84
Cum Laude: 3.5 to 3.74
