Dean: Dr. Selina J. Ganopole
Science Building I, 104
(661) 664-2231
(661) 664-3342 (fax)
email: klsmith@csub.edu
http://www.csub.edu/Graduate.htx

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), as part of the 23-campus California State University system, is committed to the development of quality graduate programs to meet important student and regional needs. These graduate programs may culminate in a master’s degree, an advanced teaching credential, a special post-baccalaureate certificate, or a post-master’s certificate. Through its five-year program review process, CSUB systematically assesses all graduate programs to ensure high quality standards. All academic programs at CSUB are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, many of the individual graduate programs have been fully accredited by their respective accrediting associations:
• The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

• The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

 
• The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the National League of Nursing (NLN).

 
• The Master of Arts in Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and all education credential programs are certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

 
• CSUB is also a member of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS).

GRADUATE PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each graduate program establishes its own specific requirements and standards for admission. Students must contact the appropriate graduate program coordinator for these program-specific requirements and standards.

As a general guide, students applying for admission to a graduate program must meet the following minimum requirements:

MA (Anthropology, Education, English, Psychology, or Sociology) or MS (Counseling, Geology, or Nursing):

• Baccalaureate degree from a four-year college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association or completion of equivalent academic preparation as determined by the graduate program coordinator in consultation with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

 
• Overall 2.50 GPA (A = 4.00) in the last 90 quarter units (60 semester units) or last two (2) years of college or university coursework. Each graduate program may require a higher GPA and/or specific prerequisite courses.

 
• Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.

MBA (Business Administration), MPA (Public Administration), or MS (Administration: Health Care Management):

• Baccalaureate degree from a four-year college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association or completion of equivalent academic preparation as determined by the graduate program coordinator in consultation with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

 
• Overall 2.75 GPA (A = 4.00) for all upper division course work.

 
• Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) score of 500 or higher, with a score in the 35th percentile or higher on each of the two subtests--analytic and verbal; OR Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 900 or higher, with a score of 450 or higher on each of the following two subtests--quantitative and verbal.

 
• Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.

Admission Requirements for Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified -- Admission to the University as a post-baccalaureate student does not constitute admission to any graduate degree program.

The requirements for admission to the University for admission as a post-baccalaureate unclassified student are:

• Completion of a four-year college or university course of study and the award of an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or completion of equivalent academic preparation as determined by the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research or other appropriate campus authorities.

 
• Overall 2.50 GPA (A = 4.00) in the last 90 quarter units (60 semester units) of college or university coursework.

 
• Be in good standing at the last college or university attended.

Admission by Special Action -- An applicant who does not qualify for admission to the University as specified above may be admitted as a post-baccalaureate unclassified student by special action. Such action will be based on the review of acceptable evidence provided by the applicant. The acceptability of the evidence and its review will be determined by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research or other appropriate campus authorities. Admission by special action will be based upon the judgment that the evidence clearly supports sufficient academic, professional, and other potential pertinent to the applicant’s educational objectives.
 

GRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

General Application Procedures -- Students wishing to pursue graduate studies culminating in a master’s degree must formally file an application for admission to the specific master’s degree program, as listed above, as well as filing an application for admission to the University as a post-baccalaureate student. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, or the appropriate graduate program coordinator to discuss admission requirements for the specific graduate program and the application process for admission to the graduate program prior to submitting any application materials for admission to either the graduate program or the University. Admission to the University as a post-baccalaureate student does not constitute admission to a graduate program. In addition, admission to one graduate program does not automatically qualify the student for admission to another graduate program. The student must apply for formal admission to each specific graduate program.

Students who wish to pursue an advanced credential or a post-baccalaureate certificate are generally required to file only an application for admission to the University. However, students are encouraged to contact as early as possible the School of Education for any of the advanced credential programs or the appropriate office responsible for each of the post-baccalaureate certificate programs to obtain specific information on any prerequisite requirements and/or supplementary materials which may be required for admission.

The Intensive English Language Center (IELC) offers a language immersion program into American English. The non-credit program offers daily instruction in reading/vocabulary, writing/grammar, and listening/speaking. TOEFL preparation is available (see IELC, page 80).

Applications from Currently-Enrolled CSUB Undergraduate Students -- Students who are completing their undergraduate major at CSUB and wish to apply for a masters degree program at CSUB are required to submit applications for admission as specified above. Specifically, students must submit an application for admission to the masters degree program, to submit an application for admission to the University, and to pay the nonrefundable application fee.

Graduate-level courses which are taken by students during the quarter in which their baccalaureate degree is earned and which are not needed to fulfill any requirements for their baccalaureate degree may be recorded as provisional post-baccalaureate credit. However, request for this credit must be made at the time the student files the Application for the Baccalaureate Degree; the request for provisional post-baccalaureate credit can not be made retroactively. Students should consult with the appropriate graduate program coordinator if they plan to use provisional post-baccalaureate credit to meet any of the requirements for the master’s degree program.

Applications from Students Who Are Enrolled at Other Campuses -- Students who are enrolled as a graduate student at another campus may be admitted to CSUB at the discretion of the appropriate graduate program coordinators at the student’s "home campus" and at CSUB, in consultation with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. The student must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be formally admitted to an authorized graduate program at the student’s "home campus."

 
• Have completed at least one academic term at the student’s "home campus" as a matriculated student and will be enrolled concurrently in such status.

 
• Be in good standing at the "home campus" and at any subsequent college or university attended.

Applications from Former CSUB Graduate or Post-Baccalaureate Students Who Have "Stopped-Out" -- A former student returning to the University after an absence of more than two (2) consecutive quarters must submit an application for admission to the master’s degree program, submit an application for admission to the University, and pay the nonrefundable application fee.

Graduate-level courses which the student completed prior to "stopping-out" will be re-assessed by the graduate program coordinator as to their application to the plan of study being proposed to meet the requirements in the master’s degree program. Previous course work will not automatically be accepted for credit in the graduate program. In some cases, additional supporting documentation, including qualifying examinations, may be required.

Applications from International (Foreign) Students -- All graduate program and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English, both in spoken and written forms. The minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) required for admission is 550 (or 213 on the new conversation scale for the computer-based TOEFL exam). Documentation must be provided in original form by the testing institution; copies submitted by the applicant are not acceptable. Exceptions to the 550 or 213 minimum score may be granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research or other appropriate campus authorities when there is convincing evidence that the applicant’s competence in English is at a level which will allow satisfactory participation in and benefit from graduate study.

Students considering graduate study at CSUB are strongly urged to contact the Office of the Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, or the appropriate graduate program coordinator prior to submitting any application materials for admission to either the graduate program or the University. These early contacts will provide the student the opportunity to discuss with appropriate graduate program faculty the admission requirements for the specific graduate program, the application process for admission to the graduate program, program prerequisites and requirements, equivalency of courses taken at the foreign university, academic and career goals, passport and visa requirements, required fees and general cost of living matters, and general student and community characteristics.

All applicants must submit two (2) official copies of transcripts from all colleges/universities attended with proof of award of the baccalaureate degree when sending their applications for admission to the University and the graduate program. If students have completed previous graduate course work in the United States or a foreign country, the evaluation for the transfer of any course credit to the graduate program will be evaluated by the respective graduate program coordinator. For additional details, consult also the section, "Application Procedures," on page 27.

All international (foreign) students upon their arrival at CSUB must present themselves to the Dean for Admissions and Records with their passport and visa. Each student should then contact the Office of the Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, and the appropriate graduate program coordinator to review and verify the records in his/her applicant file and to discuss the development of a plan of study for the completion of requirements for the master’s degree.

Each international (foreign) student must enroll in 10 or more credit units of courses applicable to his/her graduate program to comply with immigration laws. Students who wish to enroll through Extended Studies must have formal permission from the appropriate graduate program coordinator, the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, and the Dean for Admissions and Records.

Applications from Students with Degrees from Non-Accredited Colleges or Universities -- Applicants who have received their baccalaureate degree from a non-accredited college or university should contact the appropriate graduate program coordinator to discuss the equivalency of their degree and coursework required for admission to the master’s degree program. Additional supporting documentation, including qualifying examinations, may be required as part of the application for admission to the graduate program.

Immigration Requirements for Licensure -- On August 27, 1996, Governor Pete Wilson issued Executive Order W-135-96 which requested that the CSU and other state agencies implement "as expeditiously as reasonably practicable" the provision of The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRAWORA) of 1996 (P.L. 104-193). The Act, also known as the Welfare Reform Act, included provisions to eliminate eligibility for federal and state public benefits for certain categories of lawful immigrants as well as benefits for all illegal immigrants.

Students who will require a professional or commercial license provided by a local, state, or federal government agency in order to engage in an occupation for which the CSU may be training them must meet the immigration requirements of the new Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act to achieve licensure.
 

GRADUATE AND POST-BACCALAUREATE STUDENT STANDINGS

Graduate Classified -- A student may be formally admitted to a graduate program in this category (or advanced to this category from "Graduate Conditionally Classified") if the student fulfills all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the graduate program. Graduate classified standing may be required for enrollment in 600-level coursework.

Graduate Conditionally Classified -- A student may be formally admitted to a graduate program in this category if, in the judgment of the graduate program coordinator, the student has deficiencies in prerequisite preparation and can remedy those deficiencies by completing appropriate course work and/or qualifying examinations at a satisfactory level.

Post-Baccalaureate Student Standings -- Admission to the University as a post-baccalaureate student does not constitute admission to any graduate degree program.

Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified -- A student may be admitted to the University in this category so that he/she can enroll in advanced courses for professional or personal growth.

Post-baccalaureate unclassified students are expected to meet with the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research for academic advising.

Post-Baccalaureate Classified -- A student may be admitted to the University in this category so that he/she may enroll in an advanced credential program or a post-baccalaureate certificate program. The student may be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, as a condition for admission as a post-baccalaureate classified student.

Non-Active Graduate or Post-Baccalaureate Student Standing -- A graduate student or post-baccalaureate student who has been absent from his/her respective program for more than two (2) consecutive quarters without an approved Planned Educational Leave, or without Continuous Enrollment status (page 332) will be reclassified in a non-active student status. All students who have been reclassified in a non-active student status must submit an application for admission to the University and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Graduate students wishing to return must also submit an application for admission to the respective graduate program. (See also the section on "Applications from Former CSUB Graduate or Post-Baccalaureate Students Who Have `Stopped-Out’ " on page 328.)
 

ACADEMIC ISSUES FOR GRADUATE AND POST-BACCALAUREATE STUDENTS

Academic Advising -- All graduate students formally admitted to a master’s degree program will work closely with the graduate program coordinator and an assigned faculty advisor in the development of a plan of study which will specify the courses each student will complete to fulfill the requirements of the master’s degree program. If necessary, the plan of study will also specify appropriate course work and/or qualifying examinations needed to remedy any deficiencies in prerequisite preparation. All advancements in graduate standing will be based upon satisfactory progress through the plan of study which has been developed for each graduate student.

A post-baccalaureate classified student enrolled in an advanced credential program or a post-baccalaureate certificate program will work closely with the appropriate faculty advisor in selecting courses required for the completion of the requirements of the respective program.

A post-baccalaureate unclassified student will consult with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for academic advising. If the student finds a faculty member who is willing to work closely with the student, then the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research can formally transfer the advising responsibilities. Graduate-level course work completed while a post-baccalaureate unclassified student will be accepted in the fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree program only if approval from the appropriate graduate program coordinator has been obtained in advance. Normally, a limit of 15 units taken while a post-baccalaureate unclassified student will be accepted towards a graduate program. The course work must average "B" (3.00 GPA) or better to be accepted, and no course with a grade lower than "C" (2.00) will be accepted.

Academic Course Load -- The normal academic course load for graduate and post-baccalaureate students is 8-16 units per academic term. Eight (8) quarter units of graduate course work per academic term is considered the minimum unit load for full-time graduate or post-baccalaureate status. The maximum unit load for graduate and post-baccalaureate students is 19 quarter units. It is strongly recommended that all graduate and post-baccalaureate students assess carefully their personal and professional circumstances and discuss their circumstances regularly with their respective graduate program coordinator, faculty advisor, or the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

Planned Educational Leave for Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students -- Graduate students who have been formally admitted to a master’s degree program and who are making satisfactory progress in the completion of their plan of study may qualify for a planned educational leave of absence for periods of up to two (2) years and still maintain continuing student status. Post-baccalaureate classified students satisfactorily progressing in the completion of the requirements for an advanced credential or a post-baccalaureate certificate may also qualify for a planned educational leave for the same duration. All planned educational leaves of absence must be formally approved by the appropriate graduate program coordinator or faculty advisor and the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

Change of Address or Name -- All graduate and post-baccalaureate students who have a change in address or name must report the change to the Office of the Registrar by submitting the appropriate form with the new name or address. All changes should also be reported to the appropriate graduate program coordinator or faculty advisor and the Office of the Dean, Graduate Studies and Research.

Scholastic Probation and Academic Disqualification

1. Scholastic Probation for Graduate Students -- In general, a graduate student shall be subject to scholastic probation at the end of any academic term where the student’s grade point average for all course work that is in the plan of study falls below a "B" average (3.00 GPA). However, students admitted to a graduate program may be subject to scholastic probation when their performance is judged to be unsatisfactory with respect to the scholastic and/or professional standards established by the individual graduate program; this judgment on performance will be based upon a review by the graduate program coordinator and the approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. All graduate students are encouraged to consult with their respective graduate program coordinators regarding acceptable scholastic and/or professional standards established by the graduate program.

 
2. Academic Disqualification for Graduate Students -- A graduate student shall be subject to academic disqualification if, while on scholastic probation, the student fails to earn sufficient grade points necessary to be removed from scholastic probation status and attain a 3.00 GPA. Academic disqualification will be based upon the review and recommendation by the graduate program coordinator and the approval of the appropriate school dean and the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

 
3. Scholastic Probation for Post-Baccalaureate Students -- A post-baccalaureate classified or unclassified student shall be subject to scholastic probation at the end of any academic term where the student’s grade point average for all course work attempted at CSUB, subsequent to admission as a post-baccalaureate student, falls below 2.50 GPA. (Students enrolled in a second baccalaureate degree program are governed by the academic standards for undergraduate students.)

 
4. Academic Disqualification for Post-Baccalaureate Students -- A post-baccalaureate classified or unclassified student shall be subject to academic disqualification if, while on scholastic probation, the student fails to earn sufficient grade points necessary to be removed from scholastic probation status and attain a 2.50 GPA. Academic disqualification for post-baccalaureate classified students will be based upon review by the appropriate faculty advisor and the approval of the school dean. Academic disqualification for post-baccalaureate unclassified students will be based upon review by the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

 
5. Petition for Readmission by Students on Academic Disqualification -- Graduate students who have been placed on academic disqualification status may be readmitted through formal written petition addressed to the graduate program coordinator, school dean, and Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. Post-baccalaureate classified students who have been placed on academic disqualification status may be readmitted through formal written petition addressed to the appropriate department chair and school dean responsible for the advanced credential program or post-baccalaureate certificate program. Post-baccalaureate unclassified students who have been placed on academic disqualification status may be readmitted through formal written petition addressed to the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

Classified post-baccalaureate students (e.g., students officially admitted to credential programs) may also be permitted to repeat one course taken for post-baccalaureate credit, directly related to their program, at CSUB one time only by petition to and approval of the Program Coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Although both grades will remain on the transcript, only the new grade will be used in computing the student’s graduate grade point average.

Unclassified post-baccalaureate students who take courses which are not part of a graduate program and who are not pursuing a degree may repeat one or more courses more than once. However, all grades will be considered in computing the grade point average.

Appeals and Grievances -- A graduate student who experiences difficulties arising from course evaluation, judgment of performance, master’s degree requirements, advancement to candidacy, general regulations, and/or grievance situations should discuss the issues first with the graduate program coordinator. If the student wishes to review further the problem or to appeal a decision, the student should then consult, in sequential order, with the appropriate department chair, school dean, the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, and, finally, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE

Each graduate program establishes its own specific requirements and standards. Students must contact the appropriate graduate program coordinator for these program-specific requirements and standards.

Specified Plan of Study -- Each graduate student, in consultation with the graduate program coordinator will complete a Plan of Study appropriate for the master’s degree and the student’s academic and/or professional goals. This Plan of Study should be completed at the time the student achieves Graduate Classified Standing (normally, at the time of admission to the program). The graduate program coordinator will certify officially the completion of the student’s Plan of Study at the time of application for graduation.

Credit Unit Requirements -- All of the master’s degree programs at CSUB require a minimum of 45 quarter units, with a few having a 90-quarter unit requirement. At least one-half of the units required for the master’s degree shall be in courses organized specifically for graduate students (500- and 600-level courses). For each master’s degree program, a minimum of 32 quarter units (64 quarter units for the 90-unit programs) shall be completed in residence at CSUB. No more than 9 quarter units shall be allowed for a thesis or project (see culminating experience requirements). Each graduate student should discuss with the graduate program coordinator of his/her respective master’s degree program regarding the details of the credit unit requirements.

Advancement to Graduate Candidacy -- Classified graduate students may be advanced to candidacy upon completion of a significant portion of the plan of study approved by the graduate program. Advancement to candidacy is based upon a formal review and recommendation by the graduate program coordinator and approval by the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. Advancement to candidacy may be required for enrollment in the required culminating experience for the graduate program and is required for graduation.

Culminating Experience Requirement -- All graduate students must satisfactorily complete a culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination) to qualify for the master’s degree. The specific type of experience will depend upon the requirements of each master’s degree program. Satisfactory completion of a culminating experience will be in compliance with Title 5, Part V, Chapter 1, Subchapter 2, Article 7 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 50510, paragraph (3):

Satisfactory completion of a culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination) is defined as follows:

1. A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation(s). The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.

 
2. A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and conclusion or recommendation(s). An oral defense of the project may be required.

 
3. A comprehensive examination is an assessment of the student’s ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The results of the examination evidences independent thinking, appropriate organization, critical analysis, and accuracy of documentation. A record of the examination questions and responses shall be maintained.

Academic Performance Requirement -- All graduate students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0, or grade of "B," or better in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the degree as specified in each student’s Plan of Study. A course in which no letter grade is assigned shall not be used in computing the grade point average. Most graduate programs do not allow any course with a grade lower than "C" (2.0 GPA) to count in the Plan of Study.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement -- All graduate students in the CSU must satisfy the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement as soon as possible in their graduate study, unless they have already done so as undergraduates or graduates at CSUB or at another California State University. Individual graduate programs have the option of stating when this requirement must be met. Graduate students who have not met this requirement may do so by passing the regularly scheduled examination (offered once a quarter) or by earning a "C" or better in one of the following courses: English/Communications 304: Technical and Report Writing; English 305: Modes of Writing; Communications 306: News Writing and Reporting; English 310: Advanced Writing; Communications 311: Feature Writing; or History 300: Historical Writing.

Students from campuses other than the CSU who believe they have met this requirement must submit a transcript and a syllabus from that course to their graduate coordinator for evaluation.

Time Limits for Completing Graduate Program Requirements -- The California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Education, specifies that all the requirements for a master’s degree shall be completed within a seven-year (7) period. This time limit requirement means that no more than seven (7) years may elapse between the start of the term for the earliest dated course approved for the plan of study and the date the application for graduation is formally approved. Graduate students should check with the appropriate graduate program coordinator to discuss the specific time limit requirements of the respective master’s degree program, since some programs may have more stringent requirements.

If the student is unable to complete all graduate program requirements (generally course work) within the time limits specified by the master’s degree program, the student may formally petition the graduate program coordinator for an extension of the time limit or for the substitution of other appropriate course work. All petitions for extension of time limits must be approved also by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Transfer Credits to a Graduate Program -- If accepted by the faculty of the respective master’s degree program, graduate credit from another accredited college or university may be applied toward the fulfillment of requirements in the student’s graduate program at CSUB. In addition, graduate-level course work taken through Extended Studies may be used to satisfy prerequisite requirements or specific degree requirements when such work is approved in advance by the appropriate graduate program coordinator.

A maximum of 13 quarter units (9 semester units) from another college or university or from Extended Studies may be accepted toward a master’s degree program, and all such units must satisfy the time limit requirements specified by the graduate program.

Credit, No-Credit Grading for Graduate Courses -- A graduate student admitted to a master’s degree program with a 45-quarter unit requirement may complete a maximum of 10 quarter units of course work on a non-optional credit, no-credit grading basis. A graduate student in a master’s degree program with a 90-quarter unit requirement may complete a maximum of 24 quarter units of course work on a non-optional credit, no-credit grading basis.

Graduate students are not allowed to complete any course work for a master’s degree program with an optional credit, no-credit grading basis.

For all graduate level courses graded on a non-optional credit, no-credit basis, the grade "CR" shall be awarded for the grades "B" (3.0) or higher, and the grade "NC" shall be awarded for the grades "B-" (2.7) or lower.

Continuous Enrollment for Graduate Candidacy Standing -- Graduate students who have been advanced to candidacy and have completed all course work required by the master’s degree program, but have not completed the culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination), may enroll in a special course available for each graduate program for the purpose of maintaining continuous enrollment at CSUB. The student will continue to register for this course each academic term until the culminating experience requirement for the master’s degree is completed. If the student is unable to complete the culminating experience requirement within the maximum units allowed by the graduate program, then the student may register for a special 700 course, at zero (0) credit units, through the Extended University to maintain "continuous enrollment" for purposes of using University facilities, in particular the library. Call 664-2441 for the current fee.

Application for Graduation -- All graduate students are encouraged to file an application for graduation at least one full academic term before they plan to graduate because a response to the application from the Evaluations Office may take 6-8 weeks. If the Evaluations Office notifies the student of any deficiencies in graduation requirements for the master’s degree program, the student must make-up the deficiencies and re-apply for graduation.

Candidates for the master’s degree to be awarded at the end of a regular academic term must file an application for graduation with the Evaluations Office no later than the end of the second week of instruction in the quarter in which they expect to complete all requirements of their plan of study. Candidates planning to graduate at the end of Summer Session (August) must file their application for graduation before the end of the previous spring term.

Graduate students are eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies held each June at CSUB only if all requirements, including the culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination), have been completed prior to the date of commencement.
 

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

A variety of financial aid programs are available for graduate students at CSUB. Graduate students wishing information on financial aid programs should contact the CSUB Financial Aid Office for specific programs and their eligibility requirements. A partial listing of financial aid programs available for graduate students is as follows:

California Pre-Doctoral Scholars -- The California State University makes competitively-based awards to resident students who are qualified to be admitted to a graduate degree program and who are qualified to continue their graduate studies at the doctoral level and to become eligible for a faculty position in a college or university. Eligible students are from various disadvantaged groups and those with disabilities. Pre-Doctoral Scholars will work closely with a faculty sponsor in developing an overall plan which will lead ultimately to enrollment in a doctoral program. The award provides funds for travel to doctoral-granting institutions and professional meetings appropriate to the student’s development, funds to cover costs of journal subscriptions and/or membership in appropriate professional associations, and an opportunity to participate in a summer research internship under the advisement of the faculty sponsor.

CSU Forgivable Loan Program -- The CSU Forgivable Loan Program provides financial assistance to graduate students. It is a competitive program directed by the California State University, but open to doctoral students at accredited universities across the country. Through the Forgivable Loan Program, the CSU offers loans and faculty sponsorship to full-time students pursuing doctoral degrees who are interested in a teaching career at a CSU campus. Specifically, the program provides loans of up to $10,000 per year for a total of $30,000 within five years; twenty percent of which is forgiven for each year of full-time postdoctoral teaching at a CSU campus (10% each year for faculty teaching half-time).

CSU Graduate Equity Fellowships -- State-funded awards are made to resident students with demonstrated financial need who are admitted to a graduate degree program. Eligible students are from various disadvanteged groups and those with disabilities. Graduate equity fellowships may be awarded for six (6) consecutive academic terms as long as the student maintains satisfactory scholastic performance and progress to the completion of the requirements for the master’s degree.

Federal Work-Study -- This program provides a variety of positions on campus through which a student can earn money to pay for his/her educational expenses. The student can adjust the work schedule to confrom to their class load. A student must qualify for financial aid to be placed in a work-study position.

Graduate Fellowships -- The California Student Aid Commission awards state-funded fellowships to resident students who are admitted to a graduate degree program and who intend to become faculty members in a public college or university in the State of California.

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships -- Depending upon the graduate program, graduate teaching assistantships and graduate research assistantships may be available to eligible graduate students. Some of the assistantships are on a stipend basis, while others are for course credit which may be applicable to the student’s plan of study. Graduate students should contact the appropriate graduate program coordinator for details regarding graduate assistantships.

Scholarships -- Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and/or financial need, in addition to other criteria specified by the donor(s) of each scholarship.

State University Grants -- The California State University awards grants that cover a portion of the state university fees for eligible graduate students who are residents of the State of California.

Student Assistant (on-campus) & Part-time (off-campus) Employment -- Student Assistant employment is availabe on campus and eligibility is not based on financial need. Part-time, off-campus employment is available to all students as well. Positions are advertised in the Career Planning and Placement Center located in the Student Center, phone 661-664-3033.

Student Loans -- Various long-term, low-interest student loans are available to eligible applicants.

Other Available Assistance Programs -- Other assistance programs such as Aid to Families and Dependent Children (AFDC), Food Stamps, Social Security and Veterans Benefits may also be available to eligible students. Interested parties should contact local agency offices for information and assistance about these programs.
 

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Division of Graduate Studies and Research works closely with the School Deans and the Graduate Council (comprised of faculty from the graduate field of study) in reviewing, developing and monitoring the policies and procedures pertaining to graduate courses, programs and the progress of graduate students from application to graduation.

The University offers the following graduate programs, culminating in graduate degrees: