The institutional "39-hour rule" mandated by the Georgia Institute of Technology requires all undergraduate degree candidates to successfully complete a minimum of thirty-nine credit hours of upper-division coursework classified at the 3000-level or higher. These advanced credits can fulfill various components of the student's degree program, including major-specific requirements, minor courses, or upper-level free electives, ensuring that every graduating student achieves a high level of academic rigor and depth before earning their bachelor's degree.