How GPA Works at the University of Oklahoma
At the University of Oklahoma, GPA stands for Grade Point Average—a way of summarizing your academic performance using a 4.0 scale. OU uses this to determine things like class rank, academic standing, honors eligibility, and graduation status.
GPA is calculated by multiplying the credit hours for each course by the numerical value of the grade you received, then dividing the total grade points by the total credit hours attempted.
OU calculates both a Cumulative GPA (all college-level coursework at OU) and a Retention GPA, which is used to determine whether you’re in good academic standing.
OU Grade Scale
Here’s how letter grades at OU translate into GPA points:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A− | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B− | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C− | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D− | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
| W, I, S, U | Not counted in GPA |
Note: OU uses plus-minus grading, so even slight variations in grades can affect your GPA. Be strategic!
GPA Calculation Example
Let’s say you took the following classes in one semester:
- English Comp (3 credits) — B+ (3.3)
- Biology (4 credits) — A (4.0)
- Algebra (3 credits) — C− (1.7)
Grade Points:
- English Comp: 3 × 3.3 = 9.9
- Biology: 4 × 4.0 = 16.0
- Algebra: 3 × 1.7 = 5.1
Total Grade Points: 9.9 + 16.0 + 5.1 = 31.0
Total Credit Hours: 3 + 4 + 3 = 10
GPA: 31.0 ÷ 10 = 3.10
Department-Specific Grading Policies
OU’s academic departments generally follow the same grading scale, but some programs—especially in Engineering, Law, Health Sciences, or Education—may have higher minimum GPA requirements for continued enrollment, progression, or graduation. For example:
| Program | Minimum GPA Requirements |
|---|---|
| College of Engineering | 2.50 retention GPA for progression |
| College of Education | 2.75 cumulative GPA for certification |
| OU Law School | 2.00 GPA required to remain in good standing |
Check your specific college’s student handbook for the most accurate and detailed requirements.
Repeated Courses and GPA
OU allows grade replacement under certain conditions. If you repeat a course, the most recent grade is used in your GPA calculation, even if it’s lower than the original. But this policy has limits—usually only four courses, not exceeding 18 hours total, can be replaced.
Honors and Academic Standing
Here’s how GPA ties into honors at OU:
- Dean’s Honor Roll: Semester GPA of 3.50 or higher (must be full-time)
- Graduation with Distinction: Cumulative GPA of 3.60–3.79
- Graduation with Special Distinction: GPA of 3.80–4.00
To remain in good academic standing, undergraduates must maintain a Retention GPA of at least 2.00.