Article V, Section E

Eligibility Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Students

Link to NAIA Bylaws

Who is a Post-Baccalaureate Student?

A post-baccalaureate student is someone who has already earned a bachelor’s degree and is now:

• Pursuing another bachelor's degree or second major area of study,

• Enrolled in graduate or professional coursework,

• Or completing a post-baccalaureate teacher education or certification program.

Key Rule Changes from the Bylaw Change

• New Structure: Post-baccalaureate eligibility now has its own section (no longer treated as an “exception”).

• Transfers Allowed: Students can now transfer to another NAIA school for a second degree and still be eligible.

• No Progress Rule for Grad Students: Graduate students don’t need to meet the 24/36-Hour Rule or the Progress Rule’s accumulated credit standards.

• Senior Exception Still Stands: Students can still use the senior exception in their final undergrad term.

• Definition Clarified: “Post-baccalaureate” now includes second bachelor’s degrees and additional majors—not just graduate degrees.

✅ General Eligibility Requirements for ALL Post-Baccalaureate Students

To be eligible, the student must:

• Be officially enrolled and identified with the institution.

• Meet institutional and conference eligibility standards.

• Follow NAIA rules for repeat coursework.

• Meet enrollment timing and certification deadlines.

• Be recertified within 30 days after a term ends, unless they’ve graduated or hit the 10-semester limit.

• Complete a 2-week residency if they enroll late.

If Pursuing a Second Bachelor’s Degree or Major

To compete, the student must:

1. Enroll in at least 12 institutional credits.

2. Meet the 24/36-Hour Rule (unless using the senior exception).

3. Make normal academic progress and meet institutional GPA standards.

4. Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.

✅ The registrar must verify these requirements before the student competes.

If Pursuing Graduate, Professional, or Certification Work

To compete, the student must:

1. Be enrolled in a full-time graduate load (as defined by the institution).

   • Exception: In the final term, students may enroll in fewer credits if they're graduating.

   • See also: Undergraduate Courses for Graduate Identification

2. Successfully complete the full-time graduate course load each term.

3. Maintain required GPA per institutional and NAIA standards.

4. Hold a cumulative 2.0 GPA (calculated using graduate-level coursework).

✅ The registrar must verify all eligibility conditions before the student competes.

Important Guidance: For students moving between undergraduate program and graduate program, see: How to Certify After Post-Bacc Degree

Quick FAQs & Clarifications

Q: Does graduating end a student’s eligibility?
A: No. Graduation no longer automatically ends eligibility. Students can continue competing if all requirements are met.

Q: What counts as a second major?
A: It must be a new academic path that leads to a baccalaureate degree—not a minor or concentration.

Q: Can grad students take undergrad prerequisite courses?
A: Yes, if certified by the registrar as required for the grad program. However, they must meet the 12-hour minimum if undergrad credits are used.

Q: What if a grad student fails a class required for their program?
A: They will be ineligible for the next term, even if they completed the credit hours, if their program considers a D or F a failure.

Registrar’s Role

The Eligibility Certification Process (ECP) requires registrars to verify:

• Program enrollment (2nd bachelor's or graduate),

• Full-time status,

• GPA requirements,

• Successful course completion,

• And all relevant academic rules.

Their signature on the ECP confirms this.

 See also: https://interpretations.naia.org/2023-bylaw-update-graduate-student-eligibility/