Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance, typically calculated on a scale from 0.0 to 4.0. It reflects the average of all grades earned in courses, weighted by the credit hours of each course. The GPA (grade point average) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of credits the student has attempted in A-F letter-graded courses taken at Bethel. 

NOTE: Grade points are determined by multiplying the number of credits times the points assigned to the actual grade (see section on grades). 

When a course is repeated, the highest attempt is used in computing the GPA. The exception is when a course is designated as repeatable, in which case it can be taken for a grade for a prescribed number of times, with each occurrence factoring into the GPA. 

The GPA is calculated for two different time periods. The Term GPA only takes in account all A-F grades earned in a specific term. The cumulative GPA includes all A-F Grades taken at Bethel at a particular level (undergraduate, master’s or doctoral). The Cumulative GPA is used in determining academic standing.  

Coursework included in the GPA calculation meet all the following criteria:

• Completed.
• Given a letter grade of A-F.
• Taken at the level of the student's degree/credential of pursuit at that time (undergraduate, master’s, doctoral).

Coursework not included in the GPA calculation are:

• Non-A-F letter graded courses. These courses are graded as: AU, CR, I (Incomplete for A-F letter graded courses), IN (Incomplete for S/U courses), IP, N, NR, P (pass), S/U, W and WZ. 
• Courses taken at a level other than the student's degree/credential of pursuit at that time (undergraduate, masters, doctoral). 

NOTE: Some programs/departments take into consideration grades from transfer credits for select GPA calculations.