The Colorado School of Mines classifies students based on the total number of semester credit hours they have earned. These classifications help define a student's academic standing as they progress toward their degree.
Understanding Student Classification by Credit Hours
At the Colorado School of Mines, your classification (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) is determined by the cumulative number of semester credit hours you have successfully completed. This system provides a clear pathway for students to understand their academic progress and the general stage of their undergraduate journey.
The breakdown of classifications based on earned credit hours is as follows:
| Undergraduate Year | Semester Credit Hours Earned |
|---|---|
| Freshman | 0 to 29.9 semester credit hours |
| Sophomore | 30 to 59.9 semester credit hours |
| Junior | 60 to 89.9 semester credit hours |
| Senior | 90 or more semester credit hours |
For example:
- A student who has just started their first semester would be classified as a Freshman.
- Once a student completes 30 semester credit hours, they transition to a Sophomore standing.
- Upon reaching 60 semester credit hours, they are considered a Junior.
- Finally, achieving 90 or more semester credit hours designates a student as a Senior, typically in their final year of study.
These classifications are primarily for administrative and academic tracking purposes, indicating a student's progress through their undergraduate program. While this outlines how students are classified by credits, specific admission requirements or the total credits needed for graduation (e.g., typically 120-130+ credits for a bachelor's degree at an engineering school) involve additional criteria.
