C A L I F O R N I A   S T A T E   U N I V E R S I T Y   B A K E R S F I E L D 2001-2003 Catalog

Interim Dean:  Dr. David H. Ost

Dorothy Donahoe Hall, D100
(661) 664-2231
(661) 664-3342 (fax)
email:  lgrode@csubak.edu
http://www.csubak.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).

Students must formally apply for admission to a graduate program and must be formally admitted to the graduate program prior to beginning a plan of study to complete the requirements for the master’s degree. Admission as a post-baccalaureate student to CSUB does not constitute admission to a graduate program. Students wishing information about any of the graduate programs should contact the respective graduate program coordinator, or the Office of the Dean, Graduate Studies and Research.

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

1. 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.

2. 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 course work. Each graduate program may require a higher GPA and/or specific prerequisite courses.

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

 

1. 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;

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

3. 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) (with a combined score of 900 or higher, with scores of 450 or higher on each of the two subtests–quantitative and verbal); and,

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

 

In addition to meeting the above minimum requirements for admission to a master’s degree program, applicants whose preparatory education is principally in a language other than English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or higher (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.

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:

1. 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.

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

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

 

Students whose preparatory education is principally in a language other than English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or higher (or 213 on the new conversation scale for the computer-based TOEFL exam) before applying to any graduate program offered by the University. Documentation must be provided in original form by the testing institution; copies submitted by the applicant are not acceptable.

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 to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research or other appropriate campus authorities. Admission by special action will be based upon evidence that clearly supports the applicant’s request relative to his/her educational objectives.

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 prior to sending in any materials. 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 the office of the Dean of Education concerning any of the advanced credential programs. Similarly, students interested in a post-baccalaureate certificate program should contact the appropriate office responsible for each certificate program 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 noncredit program offers daily instruction in reading/vocabulary, writing/grammar, and listening/speaking. TOEFL preparation is available (see IELC, page 129).

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.

Visiting Graduate Students – Students who are enrolled as a graduate student at another campus may be allowed to take CSUB courses. Prior approval must be obtained from 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 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; and, be in good standing at the "home campus" and at any subsequent college or university attended.

Since graduate programs at CSUB may require the applicant to submit additional information for consideration of admission. Admission may be for a specified period of time or purpose to be determined by the graduate program coordinator at CSUB, in consultation with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Applications from International (Foreign) Students – All graduate program 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 of 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 their career objectives with appropriate graduate program faculty.

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 will be evaluated by the respective graduate program coordinator. For additional details, consult also the section "Application Procedures" on page 30.

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 quarter units of courses applicable to his/her graduate program to comply with immigration laws. Students who wish to enroll through the Extended University must have formal permission from 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 nonaccredited college or university should contact the appropriate graduate program coordinator to discuss the equivalency of their degree and course work 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 Student Standing - 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 course work.

Graduate Student Standing - Conditionally Classified – A student is 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.

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 encouraged to meet with the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research for academic advising.

 

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 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 353) will be reclassified as a nonactive student status. All students who have been reclassified to a nonactive student status must reapply to the University and to the respective graduate program and pay all relevant fees.

Academic Advising – All formally admitted graduate students will work closely with the graduate program coordinator and an assigned faculty advisor in the development of a plan of study. The plan of study will specify the courses that 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 – 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 request 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. The appropriate graduate program coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research must formally approve all educational leaves of absence of graduate students.

Unauthorized Leave of Absence – 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 that the student completed prior to "stopping-out" will be reassessed by the graduate program coordinator as to their application to the new 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.

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.

Change of Educational Objective – The acceptance of a student to graduate studies at the University is based upon the educational objective indicated on the application for admission. Students desiring a change in graduate objective to a program different from that indicated on the original application must reapply to the new program. The proposed new graduate program will review the application and notify the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research of its decision. Students who are admitted to a new program must then seek approval of their proposed program using the procedures of that program. Students seeking to change a concentration or track within a given master’s program are exempt from this requirement.

Scholastic Probation and Academic Disqualification

Students should be aware of the following regulations concerning scholastic probation and academic disqualification.

A. 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 of performance will be based upon a review by the graduate program coordinator and 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.

 

B. 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 academic dean and the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

 

C. 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.)

 

D. 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 academic dean. Academic disqualification of post-baccalaureate unclassified students will be determined by review of the student’s performance by the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

 

E. 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, academic 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 academic 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.

 

Repeat of Course With Forgiveness – Classified graduate students may be permitted to repeat one course that was taken at CSUB for graduate credit (i.e., applied towards a master’s degree) one time only by petition to and approval of the Graduate Coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Upon approval, the petition will be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. Although both grades will remain on the transcript, only the new grade will be used in computing the student’s graduate grade point average.

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 challenge any decision, the student must appeal to, in sequential order, the appropriate department chair, the academic 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 awarded for a thesis or project. 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. The student’s advancement to candidacy is based upon a formal review and recommendation by the graduate program coordinator and the approval of the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. Advancement to candidacy may be required prior to the enrollment in the culminating experience 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:

A. 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.

 

B. A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the professional fields as well as to fine and applied arts. It demonstrates originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and an academic 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.

 

C. 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.

 

Graduate students must be at Graduate Classified level prior to enrolling in the required culminating experience course for the respective graduate program. Some graduate programs may require Graduate Candidacy status prior to enrollment in the required culminating experience. Certification for the completion of the culminating experience must be provided to the Evaluations Office and the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, prior to graduation and the award of the master’s degree.

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. Petitions to extend the time limit for completing requirements for the degree must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Transfer Credits – Graduate credit from another accredited college or university may be applied toward the fulfillment of requirements in the student’s graduate program at CSUB, if accepted by the faculty of the respective master’s degree program. In addition, graduate-level course work taken through the Extended University 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 the Extended University’s nonresident 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 nonoptional 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 but have not completed the culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination), may enroll in a special course 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. Also, the student may register for a special low-cost 700 course, at zero (0) credit units, through the Extended University (664-2441) to maintain "continuous enrollment." Such students will be allowed to use all university facilities, in particular the library.

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 remove the deficiencies and then reapply for graduation.

Candidates for the master’s degree 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 degree requirements. 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 degree requirements including the culminating experience (thesis, project, or comprehensive examination) have been completed prior to the date of commencement.