Nov 07, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog

Graduate Degree Information

Graduate Study in International Programs
University Regulations Governing the Master’s Degree
Academic Warning and Disqualification

Graduate Equity Fellowship
Academic Credit
Honors for Graduate Students

Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at California State University, Long Beach is committed to academic excellence and inclusivity through our high-quality, affordable graduate programs. We provide our diverse student body with a graduate education that leads to upward mobility and the opportunity for advancement to fulfill workforce demands, create, innovate, and serve the public good.

Persons who plan to become a student for a master’s or doctoral degree must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or have completed equivalent academic preparation at a foreign university as determined by the appropriate campus authority. The person must have completed undergraduate course work substantially equivalent to that required at California State University, Long Beach in the discipline of intended graduate study or be prepared to undertake additional work. Most graduate degree programs are based upon preparation in the discipline at the undergraduate level. Undergraduate preparation is considered adequate if a candidate has met the upper division requirements of this University for a bachelor’s degree in the subject matter area of the graduate degree program. Refer to specific departments for detailed requirements of each degree program. The following graduate degrees are offered:

Beach EDGE Programs at CSULB

Master of Arts Degree in:

Anthropology, M.A.

Anthropology, Applied Anthropology Option, M.A.

Art History, M.A.

Asian Studies, M.A.

Asian Studies, Japanese Language and Pedagogy (JLP) Option, M.A.

Asian Studies, Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Option, M.A.

Communication Studies, M.A.

Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education, M.A.

Dance, M.A. (via CPaCE)*

Economics, M.A.

Early Childhood Education, M.A.

Education, Dual Language Development Option, M.A.E.

Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education Option, M.A.E.

Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary Education Option, M.A.E.

Education, Mathematics Education, M.A.E.

Equity, Education, and Social Justice, M.A.

Educational Administration, M.A.

English, M.A.

Equity, Education, and Social Justice, M.A.

French and Francophone Studies, M.A.

Geography, M.A.

German, M.A.

History, M.A.

Human Experience Design Interactions, M.A. **

International Affairs, M.A. (via CPaCE)*

Italian Studies, M.A.

Linguistics, General Linguistics Option, M.A.

Linguistics, Language and Culture Option, M.A.

Linguistics, Special Concentration, M.A.

Philosophy, M.A.

Political Science, M.A.

Psychological Research, M.A. **

Religious Studies, M.A.

Spanish, M.A.

Speech-Language Pathology, M.A.

Sport Management, M.A. (via CPaCE)*

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, M.A.

* CPaCE: With additional delivery options available via the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE).

Master of Fine Arts Degree in:

Art, M.F.A.

Dance, M.F.A.

English, Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre/Design Option, M.F.A.

Master of Music Degree in:

Music, Composition Concentration, M.M.

Music, Composition with Interactive Technology Concentration, M.M.

Music, Conducting - Choral Concentration, M.M.

Music, Conducting - Instrumental Concentration, M.M.

Music, Instrumental Performance Concentration, M.M.

Music, Jazz Studies Concentration, M.M.

Music, Opera Performance Concentration, M.M.

Music, Piano Performance Concentration, M.M.

Music, Vocal Performance Concentration, M.M.

Master’s Degree in:

Business Administration, M.B.A. With additional delivery options available via the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE).

Business Administration, M.B.A./Theatre Management, M.F.A.

Public Administration, M.P.A.

Public Administration, M.P.A. (via CPaCE)*

Public Health, Community Health Education Option, M.P.H.

Social Work, M.S.W.

Master of Science Degree in:

Accountancy, M.S.

Aerospace Engineering, M.S. **

Applied Nutrition and Dietetics, M.S. **

Applied Statistics, M.S. **

Athletic Training, M.S.

Biochemistry, M.S. **

Biology, M.S. **

Chemical Engineering, M.S. **

Chemistry, M.S. **

Civil Engineering, M.S. **

Computational and Applied Mathematics, M.S. **

Computer Science, M.S. **

Construction Management, M.S.

Counseling Psychology, M.S.

Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE), M.S.

Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.S.

Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.S. (via CPaCE)*

Educational Technology and Media Leadership, M.S. **

Electrical Engineering, M.S.E.E. **

Electrical Engineering, M.S.E.E. (Interdisciplinary)

Emergency Services Administration, M.S.

Engineering, M.S. **

Exercise Science, M.S.

Financial Analytics, M.S. **

Geographic Information Science, M.S. **

Geographic Information Science, M.S. ** (via CPaCE)*

Geology, M.S. **

Gerontology, M.S.

Health Care Administration, M.S. (via CPaCE)*

Information Systems, M.S. **

Information Systems, M.S. ** (via CPaCE)*

Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Option, M.S.

Marketing Analytics, M.S. **

Mathematics, M.S. **

Mathematics for Educators, M.S. **

Mechanical Engineering, M.S. **

Microbiology, M.S. **

Physics, M.S. **

Physics, Applied Physics Option, M.S. **

Physics, Computational Physics Option, M.S. **

Professional Physics, M.S. **

Psychology, Human Factors, M.S. **

Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, M.S. **

Recreation Administration, M.S.

School Counseling, M.S.

Science Education, Informal Science Education Option, M.S.

Science Education, TK-12 Science Education Option, M.S.

Special Education, M.S.

Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, M.S.

Sustainability Management and Policy, M.S. **

Doctoral Degrees in:

Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

Engineering and Computational Mathematics, Ph.D. (awarded jointly with Claremont Graduate University)

Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

Physical Therapy, D.P.T.

Public Health, Dr.P.H.

Education Specialist Degree:

School Psychology, EdS

* Denotes programs offered through CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE). CPaCE offers a diverse range of degrees, professional development certificates, and international education options by offering new and innovative pathways for students to achieve success. More information on CPaCE’s offerings is available.

** Denotes STEM-Eligible degrees

Certificate Programs and Graduate Study

Students, whether graduates of CSULB or of another accredited institution, may complete the requirements for and be awarded certificates while in graduate standing. Certificate programs are of two types: baccalaureate certificates, which may be taken concurrently with or following the award of the baccalaureate degree, and graduate certificates which require post-baccalaureate standing. The graduate certificates are listed below.

Graduate certificate programs require at least 12 units of coursework, of which at least 9 units must be at the graduate level. Courses taken to fulfill the requirements for the master’s degree may also be applied to certificate requirements, if the certificate program permits, but such overlap may not exceed 15 units. Courses in directed research, directed reading, internship, and independent study may comprise no more than 3 units of a graduate certificate program. Thesis and student teaching may not be used in the program. No more than 25% of the units required for the Academic Certificate program shall be transfer units. A grade-point average of at least 3.00 must be maintained in the graduate certificate program’s coursework. All credit courses in the Academic Certificate program shall be graded in the traditional manner (i.e., A through F), except for those courses that are offered only on a Credit/No Credit basis. All courses used to complete the requirements of a graduate certificate must be completed within a five-year period from the date of the initial coursework.

Those seeking to pursue a graduate certificate program should review the course requirements given in the department course listings of this Catalog and notify the relevant department of their intent to pursue a certificate program as early as possible to receive early advisement on the program.

Certificates

Requirements for Master’s Degree

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree may gain admission to CSULB as graduate students with either conditionally classified or classified status. Once admitted to CSULB in a graduate degree program, a student retains catalog rights for the term and year of admission for both the general university requirements and the specific requirements of the degree program unless the student breaks continuous enrollment. Breaking continuous enrollment severs catalog rights for both the university and program.

Earning a master’s degree involves several major steps:

A. Admission to CSULB and the academic unit granting the degree (department, program, etc.) as either a conditionally classified or classified graduate student;
B. If admitted in conditionally classified status, completion of the requirements to achieve classified status;
C. Preparation and successful completion of a program of study;
D. Advancement to candidacy;
E. Successful completion of the coursework and culminating activity in the program of study; and
F. If applicable, fulfillment of all remaining requirements for the degree and option.

For more information, please see CSULB PS 25-11, the Policy on Master’s Degrees.

Graduate Study in International Programs

Students planning to participate and receive unit credit toward a graduate degree in an International Program should consult with their graduate advisor and college dean or director of graduate studies before entering the degree program.

Matriculated graduate students who plan to participate in the International Program of Studies must obtain permission prior to beginning their study abroad, to have units earned abroad applied toward satisfaction of their degree requirements. A candidate’s petition to apply units earned abroad must be reviewed and recommended by the department offering the degree. The specific courses to be taken on the foreign campus, thesis research, which is to be done abroad, or any other requirements such as examinations to be taken upon the student’s return must be listed on the official student program. Usually, no more than six units of credit earned in the International Program of Studies may be transferred to apply toward the minimum 30 units for an advanced degree. A maximum of 12 units may be allowed by the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee.

A copy of the candidate’s graduate student program must be forwarded to the Resident Director for the foreign area, who must certify that any credit earned abroad is appropriate to meet graduate degree requirements.

Pending the faculty’s evaluation of the student’s work, a Report Delayed (RD) grade will be assigned in all courses in which work was completed abroad and which are offered to satisfy requirements toward an advanced degree.

Graduate students who have not been admitted and who participate in the International Programs may, upon their return to California State University, Long Beach, petition to have six units earned as resident credit in the International Programs included on their official student program for the degree. In no case may excess grade points earned in the International Programs be used to bring a grade-point deficiency at California State University, Long Beach to the required 3.00 (B) average. 

Transfer Credit

At the option of the program offering a master’s degree, a graduate student may use credit taken at CSULB in non-matriculated status or approved transfer credit toward up to thirty percent (30%) of the units of the program of study. More than 30% requires an exception approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee). Courses completed for academic credit via CPaCE or Open University are transfer courses for stateside programs.

Units already applied towards completion of a previous degree (e.g., undergraduate or graduate) cannot be transferred for credit towards a master’s degree. Units reserved for graduate study outside of CSULB that are not used toward the completion of a degree may be transferred. Evidence regarding the units not being used for a degree may include a notation on the transcript or a letter from the degree-granting institution.

For students who seek to use undergraduate units earned at CSULB towards their graduate degree, see the Policy on Graduate Units Earned as a Senior (PS 11-02).

Acceptable transfer coursework must be completed:

A. At either a domestic institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or an International Academic Institution recognized by the body that verifies international degrees;
B. No more than seven years before the student’s anticipated program completion date at CSULB, unless revalidated by the Dean of Graduate Studies; and
C. With a minimum equivalent grade of ‘C’ or better (Note: Students and advisors should be mindful of minimum GPA requirements for satisfactory degree progress and conferring the degree).

It is at the discretion of the program to review, accept, and submit transfer credit requests for graduate students.

To accept transfer credit for graduate students:

A. Students must be matriculated as graduate students; and
B. Programs must review the course to determine equivalency, appropriateness, and articulation prospect; courses completed at International Academic Institutions must also be reviewed and approved by the Center for International Education.

Programs may choose to implement an assessment of competency (e.g., written or oral examination or portfolio) in transfer decision-making.

Programs may have additional requirements for accepting transfer credit.

For Transfer Agreements with Academic or other Institutions (e.g. University Extension), an articulation agreement or an MOU shall be created and approved by the following:

A. The lead (e.g., Program Coordinator or Department Chair, or Graduate Advisor if appropriate) of the academic unit offering the degree;
B. The Dean (or designee) of the College;
C. The Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee);
D. The Dean (or designee) of the partner institution; and

E. When the partner institution is international, the CSULB President.

When the partner institution is International, the Associate Vice President of International Education and Global Engagement should be consulted.

Change Program of Study

Students wishing to change degree programs must file a new application for admission. If admitted to the new discipline, the student must then follow all the steps for obtaining approval of a new program of study and advancement to candidacy. Students who are not admitted to a new discipline have the option of continuing to pursue their original objective.

Once a student is advanced to candidacy with an approved program of study, the program of study may not be changed without the consent of the academic unit and graduate student, except for changing the type of culminating activity. Changing culminating activities requires special approvals (see Policy Statement 25-12: Policy on Master’s Level Program Culminating Activities). Prior to advancement to candidacy, the student may change program degree options within the same degree with the Graduate Advisor’s approval. After advancement to candidacy, the student may change program degree options within the same degree with the approval from all of the following: Graduate Advisor, college Associate Dean, Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee).

Withdrawal from the Degree Program

If a student withdraws from a graduate degree program and wishes to resume graduate study after withdrawal, the student must reapply to the University and to the graduate program. If admitted, the student must be re-advanced to candidacy. The student’s graduate program will follow the catalog of the most recent admission.

University Regulations Governing the Master’s Degree

General

In addition to the specific requirements a particular degree program has, all candidates for a master’s degree must complete the requirements listed below:

Maintain at least a 3.00 average in all the courses listed on the program of study, as per Title 5.
Obtain a minimum grade of C for a course to count in a program of study. Academic unit(s) granting the degree(s) may require higher minimum grades for specifically indicated courses.
- Master’s students may repeat one (1) course taken at California State University, Long Beach for grade forgiveness when they are in a 59 or fewer unit master’s degree program and earn a grade below the minimum grade required for the course (e.g., D, F, or WU). Master’s students may repeat two (2) courses taken at California State University, Long Beach for grade forgiveness when they are in a 60 or greater unit master’s program and earn a grade below the minimum grade required for the course (e.g., D, F, or WU).
- Courses in which the master’s student earned a C can only be repeated for grade forgiveness when the required minimum grade for the course is higher than a C. Courses in which the original grade was the result of a finding of academic dishonesty cannot be repeated for grade forgiveness. Culminating activity courses can never be repeated for grade forgiveness.
- For a course’s grade to be forgiven, the Graduate Advisor will notify Enrollment Services of which course and grade to be forgiven. A course grade can only be forgiven once, regardless of the number of attempts. All grades will remain on the student’s academic record, however, the grade and grade points of the forgiven course will not count toward the grade point averages and units earned.
Make progress towards timely completion of the degree as determined by any milestones that the academic unit granting the degree may have established in writing and communicated to its students.
- According to Title 5, students failing to (a) make satisfactory progress or (b) maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (grade of B) in all units attempted subsequent to admission to the program may be placed on academic warning or administrative academic warning. If these students fail to earn grades of sufficient quality and/or fail to complete other requirements as specified by the academic unit to move into Good Standing, they may be disqualified. As per Title 5, disqualification can bar the student from any further enrollment at CSULB.
- Graduate students may appeal disqualification. For more information on the appeals process, please see the Policy on Academic Warning and Disqualification.
Complete all required courses on the program of study, which, as per Title 5, must contain a minimum of 30 units. Some degree programs require additional units. For a graduate degree, the coursework must be upper-division and above. Courses used to fulfill a post-baccalaureate certificate may also be used towards a graduate degree upon approval of the degree program and within adherence to the Policy on Certificates and Micro-credentials (PS 24-17). Courses completed for a post- baccalaureate teaching credential may also be used towards a graduate degree in Education for up to a maximum of 12 units earned at an accredited academic institution with advisor approval, even if this is more than 30% of the total units for the degree. Student teaching units for a credential may not be included in any master’s degree program.
Complete at least seventy percent (70%) of the required units in the degree program at CSULB in matriculated status, as per Title 5, or as approved graduate credit reserved as a senior. The academic unit granting the degree may waive units and course requirements provided the minimum 30-unit requirement is met in accordance with Title 5.
Complete at least seventy percent (70%) of the minimum units required for the program of study in courses at the 500 and 600 levels, including double-numbered courses (400/500). Not less than one-half of the units required for the degree shall be in courses organized primarily for graduate students. For double-numbered courses that are offered to both undergraduate and graduate students the standard course outline and syllabus will specify how the course will engage and evaluate graduate students to ensure that the curriculum aligns to graduate-level student outcomes.
Complete a culminating activity or culminating activities (see Policy Statement: 25-12- Policy on Master’s Level Program Culminating Activities).
Complete all requirements of the degree program within seven (7) years (the maximum allowed by Title 5) of the date the student initiated the program (i.e., the date [semester] when the student first completed a course appearing on the student’s program of study). Programs may choose a more stringent program completion period, so long as it is not fewer than 5 years (the minimum permitted by Title 5).
- The Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee) may grant an exception to this requirement if warranted by individual circumstances and if the student revalidates the outdated work by re-taking the course, passing a comprehensive examination in the relevant course or subject field work, or fulfilling such other demonstrations of competence as may be prescribed by the department in its approved policy on revalidation.
Maintain continuous enrollment every fall and spring semester by registering in a course or in GS 700 (see Policy Statement 18-03: Policy on Graduate Studies 700) or having received an approved educational leave. Registration in a course or in GS 700 is required in winter or summer session if that is when a student plans to graduate or if the program is year-round and winter and/or summer are considered semesters. If a thesis is submitted to the Thesis and Dissertation Office by the fall or spring deadline, but the student is required to complete only thesis formatting edits after submission, the student is not required to register for GS 700 in winter or summer session.
- Although no unit credit is added to the student’s program or transcript, GS 700 is considered as one unit of concurrent enrollment credit for fee payment purposes. Registration for GS 700 constitutes enrollment in the university, including for scholarship eligibility purposes and graduate assistantships (see Policy Statement 21- 03: Policy on Employment of Graduate Students as Student Assistants, Instructional Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants and Teaching Associates).
- Students entering military service maintain continuous enrollment while serving, provided they:
  - A. Are enlisted or called to active duty during a semester in which they are enrolled or not more than one semester thereafter; and
  - B. Enroll in courses toward their degree within one calendar year of the date of their release from service.

Concurrent Enrollment in CSULB Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Currently matriculated master’s students may enroll concurrently in a master’s and credential program under the advisement of both programs.

In this case, the student is required to have a plan of study that is approved by representatives from both programs.

Currently matriculated teaching credential students may enroll concurrently in a master’s degree program under the advisement of representatives from both programs.

Credential students seeking to concurrently enroll in a master’s program are required to formally apply to the master’s program.
Once admitted, the student is required to have a plan of study that is approved by representatives from both programs.

Currently matriculated master’s students interested in enrolling concurrently in a certificate program shall review the Policy on Certificates and Micro-credentials.

Currently matriculated master’s students may enroll concurrently in a second master’s degree program with approval of representatives from both programs.

To protect the integrity of the university’s master’s degrees, the following conditions must be satisfied to award concurrent master’s degrees:
- (1) Students must complete all prerequisites for the concurrent master’s degree prior to seeking approval to declare that concurrent master’s degree;
- (2) Students must first seek the approval of the graduate academic unit granting the student’s first master’s degree program to declare the additional master’s program;
- (3) Students must meet the 30-unique-unit minimum for each degree in the concurrent programs. Units beyond the 30-unique-unit minimum may be shared between concurrent degrees;
- (4) Students must complete distinct culminating activities for each degree (e.g., a comprehensive exam for each of the two degrees; two different theses or projects; one comprehensive exam and one thesis or project).
If the student’s current master’s program agrees that the additional master’s may be appropriate and feasible, the academic unit(s) granting the degrees must collaborate to develop a plan to allow completion of both degrees. The plan must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee) both before the student can begin work on the additional master’s degree and while still enrolled in the initial degree program. The decision whether to approve the student’s request should be based on:
- (1) The extent to which the additional master’s program would form a coherent intellectual whole (i.e. academically and practically complementary) with the initial program;
- (2) The number of units already completed in the initial master’s degree program and student’s academic performance in that coursework;
- (3) The feasibility of the plan to complete the degrees in a timely manner (i.e., without violating either the “seven-year rule” or any timely completion policies of individual master’s degree programs); and
- (4) Any additional criteria the Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee) finds relevant to the decision in any particular case.
Students completing concurrent degrees are considered formally admitted only to the initial master’s degree program.
Students wishing to discontinue the initial master’s program in favor of the added master’s program must reapply to the university, and the plan to complete both degrees would no longer be valid.

The two postbaccalaureate programs in which a student may concurrently enroll may reside in separate academic units or the same academic unit.

Academic units may establish a formal cooperation agreement that includes completion plans for both programs and streamlines the process for entering the additional program. This formal cooperation agreement requires the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies (or designee).

Concurrently enrolling in two postbaccalaureate programs could have financial aid implications, and students considering such concurrent enrollment should review relevant financial aid policies.

Second Master’s Degree

Students who have graduated with or who are about to graduate with a master’s degree from CSULB or any other regionally accredited university may apply for a second master’s degree in a different program.

All candidates for a second master’s degree must:

A. Meet admission requirements of CSULB and the academic unit granting the degree;
B. Complete all general requirements for a master’s degree at CSULB not already completed as well as all specific requirements for the new degree program; and
C. Earn, after the awarding of the first master’s degree, a minimum of 70% units of graduate residence credit at CSULB, including the minimum of 500- and 600-level course units mandated by the academic unit in which the student is earning the second master’s degree.

Units applied towards a previously completed degree cannot be transferred for credit towards a second master’s degree.

The academic unit(s) granting the degrees may waive units and course requirements provided the minimum 30-unique-unit requirement is met.

The Program

If a program of study as outlined in the University Catalog allows for multiple course options, then the student must develop a program of study in collaboration with their graduate advisor or designee.

An approved program of study, either as outlined in the University Catalog or developed in collaboration with the program graduate advisor, remains in effect so long as a candidate is making satisfactory progress, does not withdraw from CSULB, and maintains continuous enrollment.

Advancement to Candidacy

The requirements for advancement to candidacy are:

A. Attainment of classified status as a student in a graduate program at CSULB;
B. Approval by the student’s academic unit of a program of study (see above);
C. Completion with a minimum GPA of 3.0 of at least six units in residence of courses required on the student’s program of study;
D. At least 3.0 average GPA in courses completed in program of study; and
E. Satisfactory completion of any assessments of competence that the academic unit may require.

Advancement to candidacy should occur as soon as possible after the above requirements have been met and must occur prior to the student applying to graduate.

Students can advance to candidacy and graduate in the same semester or session.

All students need to consult with their Graduate Advisor regarding advancement to candidacy as well as to determine any program requirements to graduate from CSULB.

Election of Regulations

Graduate students will be held responsible for the regulations governing master’s degrees in effect at the time of admission. A change in master’s degree objective or readmission to a graduate degree program following withdrawal requires that a new student program be filed under the current graduate policies as published in the latest edition of the catalog.

Teaching Associateships and Graduate Assistantships

Many CSULB departments have Teaching Associate (TA) and/or Graduate Assistant (GA) positions available for qualified graduate students. Students should check in department offices or on the campus website for more information. Graduate students seeking to be or are employed in these positions are strongly advised to review the Policy on Employment of Graduate Students as Student Assistants, Instructional Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Associates.

Culminating Activity

Culminating activities-theses, projects, and comprehensive exams-completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s level degree at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) shall meet the following definitions outlined in Section 40510, Title 5, the policy herein stated, and the policy presented within the academic unit, when applicable. This policy presents the minimum guidelines and regulations outlined in Title 5 and CSULB to award a master’s degree. Academic units are encouraged to create more comprehensive policies and procedures on master’s level culminating activities to ensure student, faculty, and advising expectations are clear and highly-valued degrees are awarded.

Students shall formally engage (e.g., enroll in units, where applicable) in the culminating activity only when they have attained candidacy status for the degree or in the term when advancement to candidacy will occur.

Students shall be responsible for understanding the definition of a master’s thesis, project, and comprehensive exam as outlined below. Students shall be responsible for initiating, preparing, and completing their culminating activity in accordance with the guidelines (where applicable) established by the academic unit (i.e., College, Department, Program, or School) in which the culminating activity is completed and must follow CSULB’s formatting (where applicable) guidelines.

The preparation and acceptance of graduate theses, projects, and culminating exams shall be governed by the applicable academic unit. Each academic unit shall ensure that culminating activities adhere to the Policy on Academic Integrity Regarding Cheating and Plagiarism (PS 21- 01). Students shall not receive a grade on their culminating activities until their activity has officially been submitted per university and/or academic unit guidelines, as applicable. When assigning a final grade, faculty shall adhere to the Policy on Final Course Grades, Grading Procedures, and Final Assessments (PS 22-02).

Theses

According to Title 5, “A thesis is the written product of the 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. 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.”

A thesis shall be undertaken by an individual student. CSULB will award a minimum of three and a maximum of six semester units for the successful completion of a thesis. The academic unit must specify all thesis units as either credit/no credit only or letter grade only.

Where applicable, students, under the supervision of their thesis chair or director, shall obtain and maintain institutional (e.g., IRB; IACUC) approval for their theses. Students shall consult CSULB’s thesis reviewer for information, advice, and assistance on the mechanics of preparing and submitting a completed thesis, under University guidelines; students shall also consult their academic unit guidelines, as applicable. Prior to submission to their thesis committees and the University Thesis and Dissertation Office, students shall ensure that their thesis meets University Thesis and Dissertation Office and applicable academic unit guidelines.

Once the thesis is submitted to the University Thesis and Dissertation Office, students shall ensure all revisions required by the University Thesis and Dissertation Office are made by the deadline set by the Office.

Thesis committees shall consist of at least three members qualified in the thesis area. Only CSULB tenured or tenure-track faculty members shall serve as committee chairs, and typically the committee chair shall be from the unit offering the degree. The Department Chair or designee from both the Department granting the degree and the home Department of the Thesis Chair must approve thesis chairs from outside the department. Each committee must have at least two members from the unit offering the degree.

Responsibilities of Thesis Chairs and Committees

The chair of the thesis committee directs the thesis and performs supervisory duties, which shall include:
1. Informing the student of campus resources and materials (e.g., space, equipment, facilities, and qualified faculty) that exist and are reasonably available to the student to support their thesis;
2. Advising the student on their thesis work;
3. Being the major contact point for the student;
4. Overseeing the other committee members’ work with the student;
5. Assuring that the student has addressed editorial and format standards appropriate to the preparation of the thesis document as dictated by the academic unit and the University Thesis and Dissertation Office;
6. Establishing guidelines and timetables, and encouraging the student to adhere to them, in order to facilitate timely completion of the thesis.
7. Arranging for the oral defense of the thesis, or discipline-specific alternative;
8. Ensuring the thesis follows academic integrity rules and guidelines; and
9. Submitting the final thesis grade upon submission of the thesis to the University Thesis and Dissertation Office.
Thesis committees shall be approved by the designated body (e.g., Graduate Advisor or Graduate Committee) from the academic unit. This designated body is responsible for reviewing the justification for, and approving, any change in the composition of the committee. Aside from the minimum requirements outlined in this policy, the size and the composition of the committee are at the discretion of the academic unit.
The duties of the thesis committee members shall include:
1. Delineating the roles and responsibilities of each member;
2. Guiding students for the full duration of the thesis research;
3. Participating in the oral defense or discipline-specific alternative;
4. Ensuring that the thesis meets the standards and definition of a thesis outlined in Title 5 and this policy; and
5. Signing the thesis signature page.
In signing the thesis signature page, each committee member certifies that:
1. They have read and reviewed the thesis, and
2. The thesis meets the standards of scholarship and formatting required for a graduate degree.
Following the committee signatures, the thesis approval page shall show:

Accepted and Approved on Behalf of the University

(Name of College Dean or Designee, Highest Degree Earned) (Dean, School of (as appropriate))

Responsibilities of College Deans

Each College Dean or designee shall ensure that each academic unit has policies and procedures, establishing the necessary components of the thesis and processes for appeal and grievance issues.

College Deans or designees may elect to review and approve theses prior to submission to the University Thesis and Dissertation Office.

Responsibilities of the Academic Unit

Academic units shall
1. Develop a procedure to monitor thesis progress each semester; and
2. Be responsive to any extraordinary circumstance that may develop during the thesis effort over which the student, Thesis Chair, thesis committee, or academic unit have no control, such as reduction in funding, equipment failures, unobtainable supplies, departure of qualified faculty, denial of access to needed data, et cetera. In most cases, an amended program of study, a redesigned thesis, or a reassignment of faculty to the thesis committee will be sufficient to alleviate the circumstances.

Responsibilities of Thesis and Dissertation Office’s Thesis Reviewer

The University Thesis and Dissertation Office’s Thesis Reviewer
1. Verifies that the thesis meets the format regulations prescribed by the University;
2. Verifies that the thesis meets all procedural requirements for theses imposed by the University; and
3. Clears the thesis for publication.

Projects

According to Title 5, “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, objective, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required.”

A project shall be undertaken by an individual student or group, each member of which makes an individually distinct contribution that meets Title 5 requirements as a project culminating activity. Students may not earn more than six units of project-designated courses, where applicable. Students may not enroll in such courses, where applicable, unless they have been advanced to candidacy for the master’s degree or unless advancement to candidacy will occur in the semester in which the enrollment takes place. The academic unit must specify all project course units, where applicable, as either credit/no credit only or letter grade only.

Projects must be supervised by at least one faculty member from CSULB qualified in the project area. The decision to require a committee for project oversight and evaluation will be at the discretion of the program.

Each academic unit shall establish and communicate to students the format, processes, procedures, and other guidelines for completing the project in the relevant discipline. The academic unit shall inform the student of campus resources and materials (e.g., space, equipment, facilities, and qualified faculty) that exist and are reasonably available to the student to support their project. The academic unit shall ensure that the project meets the standards as outlined in Title 5, this policy, and academic unit policies and/or guidelines. The academic unit shall also ensure that the project obtains and maintains institutional (e.g., IRB; IACUC) approval, where applicable.

The academic unit shall be responsive to any extraordinary circumstance, such as reduction in funding, equipment failures, unobtainable supplies, departure of qualified faculty, denial of access to needed data, et cetera. In most cases, an amended program of study, a redesigned project, or a reassignment of faculty will be sufficient to alleviate the circumstances.

For CSULB to award a candidate the master’s degree for a particular semester, the academic unit must report project completion to Enrollment Services prior to the end of that semester; grades submitted for courses that involve projects do not constitute notification to Enrollment Services that the culminating activity is complete.

Project reports are not typically submitted to the University Thesis and Dissertation Office. However, academic units may require students, or students may elect, to submit their project reports to the University Thesis and Dissertation Office for publication in ProQuest, in which case they shall follow the deadlines and formatting guidelines from University Thesis and Dissertation Office. They may also elect to submit their project to the University Library for publication in ScholarWorks via the academic unit’s designee.

Comprehensive Exams

Each academic unit granting degrees requiring a comprehensive examination for its culminating activity determines the content of the examination. Such examinations may be written or oral or both. A faculty committee shall represent the academic unit granting the degree in preparing the questions, administering the examination, and scoring the results. Through the comprehensive examination, the faculty provides an opportunity for the master’s degree candidate to demonstrate analytic ability and knowledge of the discipline. Students may not enroll in courses in preparation for the comprehensive examination or take the comprehensive examination unless they have been advanced to candidacy for the master’s degree or unless advancement to candidacy will occur in the semester in which the examination takes place.

An academic unit granting the degree may allow a candidate who has failed the final, comprehensive examination to take it a second time, and the student should contact the program graduate advisor for specific procedures for the second attempt. In order for CSULB to award a candidate the master’s degree for a particular semester, programs must report the results of the comprehensive examination to Enrollment Services prior to the end of that semester.

Thesis and Dissertation Office

All theses and dissertations must be publishable and meet University formatting requirements. The Thesis and Dissertation Office (located in the University Library) verifies that each thesis and dissertation meets the format criteria prescribed by the department or degree program and by the University, and that it meets all University procedural requirements for theses. Students should consult the University Thesis and Dissertation Office for information, advice, and assistance on the mechanics of preparing a completed thesis and should go to the Thesis and Dissertation Office website for guidelines on University Thesis and Dissertation formatting. The Thesis and Dissertation Office conducts periodic workshops on how to prepare a thesis or dissertation for publication and accepts presubmissions for feedback.

Academic Warning and Disqualification

Graduate Students

For purposes of determining eligibility to remain at the University, both quality of performance and progress toward the student’s objective will be considered. Eligibility will be determined by use of grade points and grade‑point average.

Students who are enrolled in a graduate degree program in conditionally classified or classified standing will be subject to academic warning if they fail to maintain a cumulative grade‑point average of at least 3.00 in all units attempted subsequent to admission to the degree program.

Every graduate student who has been advanced to candidacy must maintain a cumulative grade‑point average of 3.00 and a grade‑point average of 3.00 in all courses applicable to the degree. Candidacy for an advanced degree may be revoked if a student’s cumulative grade‑point average falls below 3.00 at any time. Students who become subject to dismissal from an advanced degree program will be notified of the action taken by the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee.

To be reinstated to their program, disqualified graduate students must take graduate courses in their discipline to demonstrate competency and ability, reapply to the program via Cal State Apply, be admitted by their program faculty, and receive approval from the Dean of Graduate Studies or designee.

Academic Credit

Credit/No Credit Grading

A graduate student may take courses at the 100/200/300/400 levels under the Credit/No Credit grading policy; however, no course in which a grade of “CR” has been assigned may be used to fulfill the requirements for a master’s degree, except that the grade of “CR” may be permitted for master’s theses or projects to a maximum of six units when the individual department has specifically designated Credit/No Credit grading for the thesis/project course in the department and for field work, practicum, research, and/or internship courses.

For graduate students, courses at the 300/400/500/600/700 levels require “B” level proficiency to merit award of the “CR” grade.

The option of Credit/No Credit grading for graduate students on 100/200/300/400‑level courses is subject to specific regulations of the individual departments regarding their graduate students and regarding the authorization for this option intrinsic to the approved course. Otherwise, no limitation exists as to the number of courses taken under this policy.

Waiver of Course Requirement and Credit by Examination

No waiver of course requirements or credit by examination may be used to satisfy master’s degree requirements. However, the following rules govern course waivers or credit by examination in satisfying prerequisites for advancement to candidacy in any master’s degree program.

Any candidate for a master’s degree who believes that previous training has provided adequate preparation in a certain area may request a waiver from the department concerned or seek credit for prior learning.

A candidate may also apply for course credit by examination, but only for prerequisite courses and not to satisfy any of the requirements for the master’s degree. Requests for such examinations must be made to the department concerned and approved by the department chair. Credit by examination is restricted to courses published in the current CSULB Catalog. Please see Credit by Examination in the General Regulations section of this catalog.

All course credit by examination will be recorded as CR (Credit) and will not be included in calculation of grade‑point averages; such credit may not be used to remove a grade of “D” or “F” in a course already attempted, nor may course credit by examination be granted for any course which is a prerequisite to one for which credit has already been received.

Graduate Studies 700

Graduate students who have advanced to candidacy and completed all other coursework but who need to complete the culminating activity for their program (thesis, project or comprehensive exam) must maintain continuous enrollment every spring and fall semester by registering in a course or in GS 700 or having received an approved educational leave.

Registration in a course or in GS 700 is required in winter or summer session if that is when a student plans to graduate. Although no unit credit is added to the student’s program or transcript, GS 700 is considered as one unit of concurrent enrollment credit for fee payment purposes, payable online within the first 2 weeks of the semester, or at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) after the first 2 weeks of the semester. Registration for GS 700 constitutes enrollment in the university, including for scholarship eligibility purposes.

Graduate student enrollment in GS 700 must be approved by department graduate advisors, chairs, or when they are not available the Associate Dean or the Graduate Director for the College. Each college has a designated GS700 course for its students (G S 700A, G S 700B, G S 700C, G S 700D, G S 700E, G S 700F, G S 700G). After registering for four semesters of GS 700, students will be subject to a registration hold. Prior to registering for any subsequent semester of GS 700, the department graduate advisor must confer with the student and with the Associate Dean of the College about an appropriate course of action for the graduate student. Colleges/departments may hold students to a stricter timeline than outlined here.

Students who wish to enroll in additional semesters of GS 700 will be required to obtain the approval of their department and the Associate Dean of their college.

Academic Load

For financial aid purposes, eight units per semester is the academic load for a full‑time graduate student engaged in study toward a master’s degree. Full-time tuition is assessed at over 6.0 units. The maximum load for graduate students working toward a master’s degree is 18 units per semester. Students who are employed full‑time may struggle if they exceed six units per semester.

Graduate Fellowship

The Graduate Fellowship (GF) provides financial support to master’s and doctoral students who promote/contribute to the public good in their field of study either via scholarship, research, and creative efforts or via active engagement in programs or activities. Interested students should contact their graduate advisor or the office of their College Dean for information on the nomination process.

Honors for Graduate Students

Graduate Dean’s List

The Graduate Dean’s List provides for university recognition of its most outstanding graduate students. Candidates for this honor will normally have completed all the coursework applicable to their graduate student programs at this university. The annual list is limited to one percent of the university’s graduate enrollment. Those honored will be named in the Commencement Program and will receive a certificate from the administrator in charge of graduate programs or designee.

Departmental Graduate Student Honors

In recognition of outstanding graduate student achievements, departments may honor graduating master’s and doctoral degree candidates by special recognition in the annual commencement ceremonies. The number of honors awarded by a department shall be limited to three students or five percent of graduates, whichever is larger. Departmental honors are usually restricted to students not otherwise recognized by university or college awards. These honors are normally conferred for excellence in and contributions to the discipline, including outstanding seminar papers, artistic exhibitions, special achievements in fieldwork, and in university committees and functions, as well as participation in scholarly and professional organizations resulting from student research.

Outstanding Thesis, Project, and/or Dissertation

Master’s and doctoral programs are strongly encouraged to confer Outstanding Thesis, Project, and Dissertation Awards to their graduates. Typically, one award per category is given based on scores via a rubric.