Policies and Procedures

*Refer to the Graduate Regulations section of the University CatalogOpens in new window for additional policies.

Academic Standards

Grade Point Average Requirements

A grade-point average (grade points divided by units attempted) of at least 3.0 is required for graduation with a graduate degree. This grade-point average applies to 1) all 400-, 500- and 600-level units attempted subsequent to admission to a degree program; and 2) all units required on the graduate Study Plan including transfer courses. Each course on the:

  • Master’s Study Plan must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better;
  • DNP and Ed.D. Study Plan must be completed with a grade of B- (2.7) or better;
  • DNP with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia Study Plan must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

Some programs require higher minimum grades for specific courses.

A master’s degree student may request a change in the Study Plan in order to raise the Study Plan grade-point average by:

  1. adding no more than six units of approved coursework, or
  2. repeating no more than six units of coursework in which a B- (2.7) or lower was earned, or
  3. a combination of the above, not to exceed six units.

Requests to add courses to the Study Plan, repeat courses or add courses to raise the overall grade-point average, must be approved by the graduate program adviser and the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies prior to registration. When a course is added or repeated, the original course remains on the Study Plan and on the student’s transcript and both grades are used in calculating the student’s grade-point average.

A grade-point average of at least 2.5 is required for continuing status as a credential, certificate or undeclared post-baccalaureate student.

Repeated Courses

For master’s degree students, if a grade less than C (2.0) is received in a Study Plan course, the course must be repeated and passed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. For DNP* and Ed.D. students, if a grade less than B- (2.7) is received in a Study Plan course, the course must be repeated and passed with a grade of B- (2.7) or better. Some programs require higher minimum grades for specific courses.

A Study Plan course may be repeated only once. If a course is repeated, both grades are included when computing the student’s Study Plan and cumulative Cal State Fullerton grade-point average. Repetition of a course carries no additional unit credit toward the degree; however, the additional units are included in the cumulative units shown on the Cal State Fullerton transcript.

In extenuating circumstances, the student may petition the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies to add another course to the approved program with the unit value equivalent to that of the course in which the unsatisfactory grade was received.

*For students in the DNP with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia program, all Study Plan courses must be passed with a B (3.0) or better on the first enrollment. There is no option to repeat a course.

Academic Notice

A student enrolled in a graduate degree program will be placed on academic notice if either the graduate grade-point average (all graduate classes) or the Study Plan grade-point average (counting only classes on the Study Plan) falls below 3.0.

  • Master’s degree and DNP* students will be allowed two further semesters on academic notice before being subject to disqualification.
  • Ed.D. students may not have a grade-point average below 3.0 in two successive terms. The student will be placed on notice the first term in which their grade-point average drops below 3.0; a grade-point average below 3.0 following completion of the next term is grounds for disqualification from the Ed.D. program.

*For students in the DNP with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia program, academic notice is not an option as all Study Plan courses must be passed with a B (3.0) or better on the first enrollment.

A graduate student may also be placed on notice for reasons other than graduate and/or Study Plan grade-point average. This is known as administrative-academic notice. The reasons for this may include repeated withdrawal, failure to progress toward an educational objective, non-compliance with an academic requirement, failure to demonstrate a level of professional competence or fitness commensurate with the standards of the student’s discipline, or inappropriate behavior as defined in the Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and in the Academic Dishonesty sections of this catalog (see “University RegulationsOpens in new window ”).

Students will remain on administrative-academic notice contingent upon conditions required for their continuing in the program. The Office of Graduate Studies maintains a list of students on notice and subject to disqualification.

Click on the link to watch our tutorial on What To Do When on Academic Notice.

Disqualification

The Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies, in consultation with the student’s graduate program adviser, will disqualify a:

  • master’s student who is on probation if the student does not, or cannot, raise the Study Plan and graduate grade-point average to 3.0 by the completion of the second regular semester following the semester in which the grade-point average fell below the minimum 3.0 standard.
  • DNP* student who is on probation if the student does not, or cannot, raise the Study Plan and graduate grade-point average to 3.0 by the completion of the second regular semester following the semester in which the grade-point average fell below the minimum 3.0 standard. Additionally, a grade of less than B- in six or more units will result in dismissal from the DNP program.
  • Ed.D. student if the grade-point average is not raised to 3.0 the term immediately following the term the student’s grade-point average fell below 3.0.

If a student’s grade-point average becomes so low that it cannot be raised to 3.0 within the prescribed limits of coursework, the student will be disqualified from the graduate degree program.

*Students in the DNP with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia program will be disqualified if a grade of B- or below is earned in a Study Plan course.

Students placed on probation for reasons other than grade-point average will be disqualified if:

  1. the conditions for removal of administrative-academic probation are not met within the period specified;
  2. the student becomes subject to academic probation while on administrative-academic probation; or
  3. the student is removed from administrative-academic probation and subsequently becomes subject to administrative-academic probation for the same or similar reasons as originally placed on probation.

Disqualification removes a student from graduate standing and prevents further enrollment in university courses (except through Extension). A student who has been disqualified from a master’s degree program may not apply for readmission to that program for one calendar year. A student who has been disqualified from a specific degree program may apply for readmission to a different degree program. A readmitted student must file a new Study Plan that meets current requirements and policies. Any disqualified student who wishes to use previous coursework must have it approved by the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies.

Appeals related to graduate degree probation or disqualification should first be directed to the departmental graduate program adviser. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies for further information and procedures.

Notice and Disqualification for Credential, Unclassified or Undeclared Postbaccalaureate Students

A post-baccalaureate student (credential, unclassified or undeclared status) will be subject to academic notice if after completing 12 or more units, the cumulative grade-point average falls below a 2.5 average or the minimum set by the program.

A post-baccalaureate student (i.e., credential or certificate objective) on notice will be subject to disqualification if the cumulative grade-point average is not raised to 2.5, or the minimum set by the program, the semester after being placed on notice.

Student Responsibility

Each student has a responsibility to understand and apply the information contained within the University Catalog. This includes following all processes and policies contained in this chapter on “Graduate Regulations.” For example, key policies include (but are not limited to) making certain that students are properly admitted to the degree program, meet or complete all academic prerequisites and grading standards, file an official Study Plan in a timely manner, meet the program requirements of the specific degree they are seeking, and apply for graduation according to the published deadlines. In order to be eligible to register and eventually to graduate with a degree, a student must maintain continuous enrollment status until the award of the degree (see “Continuous Enrollment”).

All master's students must apply for graduation through the Student Center in Titan Online and pay SFS a graduation processing and diploma fee of $115. How to apply for a grad check.

If you need to change your projected date of graduation, you must inform the Graduate Studies Office as soon as possible by filing a Change of Graduation Date form and paying a $10 fee to the university cashier.

Graduate Studies Enrollment Policies

Continuous Enrollment Requirement

From the beginning of the program of study until the award of the degree, a graduate degree student is required to maintain continuous enrollment in every fall and spring semester, if a master’s or DNP student; or every fall, spring and summer, if an Ed.D. student. This policy is designed to eliminate the need for readmission to the university, provide opportunity for continuous use of facilities, including the library, and assure the development of an integrated program, which is adequately supervised and effectively completed within the time limitations allowed by regulations. Continuous enrollment further permits degree students to elect the catalog graduation requirements for their degree programs which were in force at the time of admission to the program.

Unless granted an approved leave of absence, a graduate student who fails to register in a given semester has discontinued enrollment in the graduate degree program. In order to resume study, the student needs to reapply for admission to the university and to the degree program, and meet any changed or additional requirements approved in the interim.

Students who may have enrolled in all Study Plan coursework, but who may not have satisfactorily completed a comprehensive examination or other requirement, are expected to maintain continuous enrollment until award of the degree.

A master’s student near the end of the degree program may be eligible to enroll in Graduate Studies 700 (called GRAD 700 or GS 700) via Extension. It carries no unit credit and doesn’t require attendance. Registration in this course will be necessary each semester until award of the degree when no other coursework is taken.

Credential Studies 701 (CRED 701) is available for students with a credential-only objective who find it impossible to enroll in coursework and are not eligible for a leave of absence.

Leave of Absence

In order to maintain continuous enrollment, graduate degree or credential students may request a leave of absence for a semester, with total leave requests not exceeding more than one year throughout the student’s academic career. Leaves may be granted to graduate students (conditionally classified, classified, or credential only) who have completed at least one semester of coursework. Students may request a leave using the Leave of Absence FormOpens in new window . Leaves due to medical reasons require valid documentation that will be reviewed by the Student Health Center. Students are required to submit requests for a leave of absence prior to the first day of classes in the semester for which the leave is being requested.

Leaves are not granted to take coursework outside of CSUF or continue work on a culminating experience. A leave can be requested for any of the following reasons:

  1. Illness or disability (permanent or temporary) or similar personal exigencies, including pregnancy, which make it impossible or inadvisable for a student to register for classes.
  2. Activities that enhance a student’s professional career objectives.
  3. Active duty in the armed forces of the United States.
  4. Severe financial hardship
  5. Other reasons at the discretion of the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies.

A leave of absence is not normally granted for more than one semester. Students requesting a subsequent leave, or a leave longer than one semester are required to provide appropriate substantial documentation (e.g., doctor’s recommendation, verification of employment). Requests longer than one semester or a subsequent leave must also be endorsed by the appropriate degree program authority (normally the graduate program adviser).

A leave granted preserves the election of curriculum rights regarding catalog requirements. However, leaves of absence do not change the time limit for completion of the degree. For credential students, a leave granted by the university does not exempt them from new requirements imposed by the state regardless of the catalog year and also does not extend time limitation imposed by the state for completing specific teaching credential requirements. Non-approved breaks in enrollment require the student to reapply for admission to the university.

After a leave is reviewed by the Office of Graduate Studies and the Registrar’s Office, a response is emailed to the student. Students on an approved leave are not required to pay fees, therefore services provided in whole or in part by fees (such as student health center services) are not available to students on approved leaves of absence.

Transfer Credit Policy

Graduate students may request to apply a limited (nine units or less) amount of transfer coursework toward unit requirements for a graduate degree. The use of transfer coursework on a student’s Study Plan is subject to the following provisions.

  1. Each course being transferred must:
         a. have been taken at an accredited college or university;
         b. be acceptable for credit toward a graduate degree at the institution where the coursework was taken; in the case of transfer work for the Ed.D. and DNP, the course must be acceptable for doctoral credit at the institution where it was taken;
         c. have been completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better;
         d. not have been used in meeting the requirements for another earned degree (either graduate or undergraduate); and
         e. have been completed within the student’s five-year time period which is required for completion of the requirements for the graduate degree at CSUF.
  2. For the master’s degree, an absolute minimum of 21 semester units or half the units required by the program, whichever is larger, must be taken in residence at this university. A minimum of 48 units must be taken in residence for the Ed.D. program. A minimum of 30 units must be taken in residence for the DNP (a minimum of 88 units fo the Nurse Anesthesia concentration). Residence units are granted for courses taken at the university during regular sessions of fall, spring, summer and any special session.
  3. Use of transfer work on a student’s Study Plan is subject to all other policies concerning Study Plan coursework.
  4. In all cases, the use of transfer coursework on a student’s Study Plan is subject to the acceptance and approval of the academic unit’s graduate program adviser and the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies. Coursework taken at another institution after admission to CSUF as a graduate student is rarely accepted for credit toward a graduate degree and can only be accepted if the student has received prior approval of both the graduate program adviser and the Assistant Vice President for Graduate Studies.
  5. A unit of coursework taken at a college or university on the quarter system will be considered as equivalent to two-thirds of a unit when such coursework is considered acceptable as transfer work.

Degree Posting Timeline

Degree Posting and Diplomas

DEGREE POSTING (8-10 WEEKS)

All graduate students must apply for a graduation check prior to the beginning of his/her final semester. Specific deadlines are listed in the current Registration Guide and are also posted under the Important Dates and Deadlines page on the Graduate Studies website.

Applying for a grad check is completed through the Student Center in Titan Online. A graduation processing and diploma fee of $115 will need to be paid with the application for graduation (within 5 days after applying), either online or at Student Business Services (UH-180). For detailed instructions check how to apply for a grad check.

Posting of degrees is completed within 8-10 weeks after final grades have posted for the semester. During this time, our Graduate Evaluators will be checking each student's Advancement to Candidacy file to make sure they have completed all requirements for the degree.

Once the degree has been posted, official transcripts can be ordered from the Admissions & Records Office. Forms are available at the Admissions and Records Information Counter (LH-114) or you may print out the request form.

Tip: It is recommended that students ordering official transcripts during the degree posting period check the request form option that reads “Hold for Degree Posting” so that transcripts are mailed out until the degree has been posted.

Please note that the degree posting process is separate from participation in the commencement ceremonies. Participating in the commencement ceremonies does not guarantee the degree posting. Please see the commencement website for detailed, updated information about the graduation ceremonies.

DIPLOMAS (4 MONTHS)

Diplomas, considered the ceremonial document, are mailed to students approximately 4 months after the last day of the semester.

Changes to Graduation Date

Any change to your graduation date requires that you file a Request for Change of Graduation Date form. This form is available at the Graduate Studies Office (CP-950). A $10 fee will be charged for changing the graduation date.

General Study Plan Regulations

Study Plan Requirements (Master's Degree, Ed.D, and DNP)

Requirements for Master’s Degree

General requirements for all master’s degree Study Plans include the following:

  1. a minimum of 30 approved semester units (some programs require more);
  2. at least 21 semester units must be taken in residence (for programs requiring 42 or more units, at least half the units must be taken in residence. Transfer credits and Cal State Fullerton extension credits are not residence units);
  3. only 400- and 500-level courses may be used on the Study Plans (not all 400-level courses are approved for Study Plans). A graduate student enrolled in a 400-level course that has been approved for graduate credit will be required to complete additional assignments as determined by the instructor. University policy does not allow 300-level courses on graduate Study Plans;
  4. normally 70 percent of all Study Plan courses will be at the 500-level (with prior approval, upon the recommendation of the Graduate Education Committee, programs may permit students to include up to 50 percent of coursework at the 400-level);
  5. no more than nine units of post-baccalaureate work taken at Cal State Fullerton prior to admission to an approved graduate program;
  6. no more than six semester units shall be allowed for a thesis or project;
  7. maximum of six semester units of independent study;
  8. no courses taken to satisfy prerequisite requirements;
  9. no correspondence courses and/or credit by examination;
  10. no courses with non-traditional grades (e.g., CR, S, P, AU) unless the course has been approved for such grading;
  11. each course on the Study Plan must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better; some programs require a grade higher than C (2.0) in specific coursework;
  12. a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (B) in all courses attempted to satisfy requirements for the degree;
  13. completion of all Study Plan courses within 10 consecutive semesters (five years) or 14 consecutive semesters (seven years) with approved extension (the time limit starts with the earliest course listed on the Study Plan);
  14. all courses must be taken after completion of the baccalaureate (or postgraduate credit granted);
  15. no courses credited toward another degree; and
  16. a final evaluation, which may be a thesis, a project, a comprehensive examination, a combination of project and exam, or a combination of thesis and exam.

Requirements for Ed.D.

General requirements for all Study Plans for the Ed.D. include the following:

  1. a minimum of 60 approved semester units;
  2. at least 48 units must be taken in residence (transfer credits and Cal State Fullerton extension credits are not residence units);
  3. only 600-level courses may be used on the Study Plan;
  4. no more than 12 semester units shall be allowed for a dissertation;
  5. maximum of six semester units of independent study;
  6. no courses taken to satisfy prerequisite requirements;
  7. no correspondence courses and/or credit by examination;
  8. no courses with non-traditional grades (e.g., CR, S, P, AU) unless the course has been approved for such grading;
  9. each course on the Study Plan must be completed with a grade of B- or better;
  10. a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (B) in all courses attempted to satisfy requirements for the degree;
  11. completion of all Study Plan courses within 10 consecutive semesters (five years) or 14 consecutive semesters (seven years) with approved extension (the time limit starts with the earliest course listed on the Study Plan);
  12. no courses credited toward another degree; and
  13. a dissertation as a final evaluation.

Requirements for DNP

General requirements for all Study Plans for the DNP include the following:

  1. from 36 to 48 approved semester units, with 36 being the minimum. For the Nurse Anesthesia concentration, 110 units are required;
  2. at least 30 units must be taken in residence. For the Nurse Anesthesia concentration, at least 88 units must be taken in residence (transfer credits and Cal State Fullerton extension credits are not residence units);
  3. only 500- or 600-level courses may be used on the Study Plan;
  4. no more than nine semester units shall be used for the doctoral project;
  5. maximum of six semester units of independent study;
  6. no courses taken to satisfy prerequisite requirements;
  7. no correspondence courses and/or credit by examination;
  8. no courses with non-traditional grades (e.g., CR, S, P, AU) unless the course has been approved for such grading;
  9. each course on the Study Plan must be completed with a grade of B- (2.7) or higher. A higher minimum grade may be required for some specific courses. For the Nurse Anesthesia concentration, all Study Plan courses must be completed with a  grade of B (3.0) or higher;
  10. a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (B) in all courses attempted to satisfy requirements for the degree;
  11. completion of all Study Plan courses within 10 consecutive semesters (five years) or 14 consecutive semesters (seven years) with approved extension (the limit starts with the earliest course listed on the Study Plan);
  12. no courses credited toward another degree; and
  13. a doctoral project as final evaluation.

The approved Study Plan is valid as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment in regular semesters at the university; otherwise it is necessary to reapply and meet any changes or additional requirements approved in the interim.

Culminating Experience Guidelines

Each master’s program requires a final evaluation (culminating experience) that marks the end of the graduate program: a thesis, a project, a comprehensive examination or a combination of project and exam, or a combination of thesis and exam. An oral presentation is strongly encouraged. Ed.D. students are required to write a dissertation and complete an oral defense. DNP students are required to write a doctoral project and complete an oral defense.

Through culminating experiences, individual students demonstrate mastery of disciplinary materials. Because these demonstrations of mastery are specific to individual students, dissertations, theses, projects, performances, exhibitions and comprehensive examinations shall be composed of individual student work, unless more than one culminating experience is required in the program.

Individual student work shall include exhibitions in which individual work is clearly identified but displayed alongside the work of others. Individual student work shall also include accompanied artistic performances, or performances rendered in ensemble, in which individual student performances are clearly identifiable. In programs that require more than one culminating experience, at least one culminating experience must be based on individual student work.

Students whose programs require a culminating experience that is undertaken in groups (e.g., for the MBA) shall receive an individual assessment based on a component of the work identifiable as authored or created by each individual student.

 

Election of Curriculum

A student remaining in continuous attendance in regular semesters and continuing in the same curriculum may elect to meet the degree requirements in effect either at the time of entering the curriculum or at the time of completion of degree requirements, except that substitution for discontinued courses may be approved by the graduate program adviser.

Changes In Study Plan

If a classified graduate student needs to make a change in the approved Study Plan, a request should be made to the student’s departmental graduate program adviser. Requests must be made prior to registration for any coursework to be substituted or added. No course may be removed from the Study Plan after a student has taken it. 

Changes in Study Plans may also be required because of outdated coursework or grade-point average deficiencies (see “Time Limit for Completion” and “Graduate Academic Standards”).

Other Requirements

Time Limit for Completion & Outdated Courses

All requirements for the graduate degree, including all coursework on the student’s Study Plan, normally should be completed within five years. This time limit begins with the semester of the earliest course used on the student’s Study Plan and consists of a total of 10 consecutive semesters. When individual circumstances warrant, this time limit may be extended for up to two years (four additional consecutive semesters).

A student may request an extension of the 10-semester time limit by filing a petition with the Office of Graduate Studies. The petition must contain a full explanation of the circumstances that prevented completion of the degree requirements within the normal five-year limit and must be approved (signed) by the graduate program adviser, the chair of the appropriate graduate committee and the associate vice president for academic programs (or designee). Approvals for extension must be obtained prior to the expiration of the five-year limit.

Outdated Master’s Degree Courses

Outdated coursework (coursework older than the student’s approved time limit; i.e., five or seven years for the master’s degree) must be repeated. However, a maximum of nine units of coursework may be exempt from repetition if the course content can be validated. Validation is allowed at the discretion of the graduate program adviser, the academic unit offering the subject course and the associate vice president for academic programs (or designee). Copies of the “Petition for Validating Outdated Coursework” may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies or website.

Validation must be accomplished by passing a written comprehensive test of the materials covered by the course being validated or by some equivalent method with prior approval of both the graduate program adviser and the associate vice president for academic programs (or designee). Courses completed more than 10 years prior to the completion of requirements for the degree are not eligible for validation. Any outdated coursework that cannot be validated either because of a denial of the petition or because it is in excess of the nine units allowed for validation must be repeated or updated through enrollment in additional Study Plan coursework. If coursework is repeated or additional coursework is required, those units and grades will be added to the Study Plan.

Outdated transfer coursework cannot be validated.

 

Advisers and Committees

University policy provides that each student’s program for the master’s degree shall be under the guidance of an adviser and for some programs, a thesis or project committee as well. Each doctoral student will have a dissertation committee. A graduate program adviser is designated in each department or program to give overall supervision for the graduate program. In some departments, the graduate program adviser also serves as the individual student’s adviser. 

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange appointments for advisement and other information in the office of the academic unit offering the degree program. As a minimum, the student should obtain advisement 1) either prior to or during the first semester of attendance, 2) when requesting classified standing and 3) when applying for a graduation check prior to the final semester.

It is advisable that students regularly run their TDA and review their course plan with their graduate adviser.

List of current Graduate Program Advisers.

Graduation

A student who has been granted classified standing becomes a candidate for graduation after a graduation check request is submitted and the fee is paid for graduation by the student and an affirmative recommendation is made by the graduate program adviser. An overall minimum graduate grade-point average of 3.0 (B) for all 400-, 500- and 600-level coursework attempted subsequent to admission to a degree program, including all transfer work and previous coursework approved for use in the graduate career, and an overall minimum grade-point average of 3.0 for all Study Plan coursework is required. Other scholastic, professional and personal standards, the passing of examinations, and other qualifications, may be required.

Graduation check filing instructions

Completion of Requirements and Award of Degree

Deadlines

All coursework for the degree, except final course examinations, must be submitted by the last day of classes, in order to assure granting of the degree by the end of the semester or session. The degree is awarded upon the satisfactory completion of all state and university requirements, as well as the specific requirements approved on the student’s graduate Study Plan. Award of the degree also requires the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program adviser and committee, the approval of the faculty, and the approval of the associate vice president for academic programs (or designee).

If a dissertation or thesis is required, it must be completed according to instructions shown under the ”Dissertations, Theses and Projects” section. Specific deadlines are listed each semester on the Office of Graduate Studies website.

Applying for Graduation

Students must apply for a graduation check and pay the graduation and diploma fee prior to the deadline.

The last date to file the application is listed in the Registration Guide for each regular semester and is posted on the Office of Graduate Studies website.

Students who fail to complete requirements as planned must update the application for a graduation check and do so by the appropriate deadline. A fee is required to change the graduation date.

Forms for changing the graduation date are available at the Office of Graduate Studies.

Graduation and Commencement

The effective date of graduation will be the last day of the specific term in which requirements are completed.

Commencement ceremonies are held only at the end of the spring semester. Once students have completed the graduation check process, i.e., filed for graduation check and paid the graduation fee, they are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremonies appropriate to their graduate date. Students completing requirements at the end of the fall and spring semesters and during the following summer may participate in those ceremonies.

Information concerning commencement activities is sent to students by college dean’s offices usually in April of each year. Check the university’s website (fullerton.edu/commencementOpens in new window ) for further details about commencement events and procedures. Arrangements for cap, gown and hood purchase are made in the campus bookstore, Titan Shops.