 | |  | |  | |  |
Graduate Studies: Masters, Credentials and Certificates
1. |
What is the nature of graduate education?
The master's degree is awarded for completion of a planned and integrated program of advanced study. It recognizes that a student has mastered a particular field sufficiently to pursue creative or applied projects in that field.
When you complete your graduate degree, you will have acquired a mastery of a particular area of knowledge; an ability to relate that knowledge to knowledge in other disciplines; an ability to deal systematically with the concepts, theory, and principles in new situations; an ability to formulate and deal with problems on an advanced level; methodological, technical, and communication skills essential for advanced study; an ability to undertake independent investigation and research; abilities characteristic of professional performance; and attitudes conducive to continuous intellectual and professional development.
Every master's degree program includes what is termed a capstone experience. This may include a thesis or its equivalent, a comprehensive examination, a specialized internship, a project, or case study report, a musical recital, gallery showing, or other comparable achievement. Your completion of the capstone experience demonstrates that you have successfully integrated the various elements of the graduate learning experience and have gained an in-depth knowledge of your discipline.
2. |
Who is a graduate student?
You are considered a Graduate Student at Cal State East Bay if you have been admitted to a specific master's degree program as a "Conditionally Classified" or "Classified" student, or to an advanced credential program which can be earned in conjunction with a master's degree. Basic teacher credential programs constitute a separate area of post-baccalaureate work, and students in these programs are defined as "Classified Post-Baccalaureate" students.
You will find information regarding master's degrees and credentials under the appropriate department's listing in the graduate section of this catalog.
3. |
How do I apply for admission to graduate or post-baccalaureate studies?
Admission to the University
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (e.g., Ed.D., joint Ph.D. and Ed.D. applicants, master's degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials, and holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials at www.csumentor.edu. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduated the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $55 nonrefundable application fee. (Note: Applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree should submit an undergraduate application for admission unless specifically requested to do otherwise.) Since applicants for post-baccalaureate programs may be limited to the choice of a single campus on each application, re-routing to alternate campuses or later changes of campus choice are guaranteed. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each.
Applications submitted by way of www.csumentor.edu are expected unless submission of an electronic application is impossible. An electronic version of the CSU graduate application is available on the World Wide Web at www.csumentor.edu. If you cannot apply online, you may pick up a paper application in the Student Information Lobby of Warren Hall, the Academic Programs and Graduate Studies Student Services Office (WA 877), or from the Graduate Studies Office of any California State University campus. You can also send an e-mail request for an application to the Cal State East Bay Academic Programs and Graduate Studies Office at: gradprograms@csueastbay.edu.
Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, Cal State East Bay will consider an application for admission as follows:
General Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post-baccalaureate studies at Cal State East Bay are in accordance with California State University regulations as well as Title 5, chapter 1, subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, a student shall at the time of enrollment:
| 1. | have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities; | ||||
| 2. | be in good academic standing at the last college or university you attended; | ||||
| 3. | have earned a GPA of at least 2.5 ("A" = 4.0) in the last 90 quarter (60 semester) units you attempted or have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate; and | ||||
| 4. | satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study (including qualifying examinations) established by your department. You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation. Refer to the appropriate graduate department chapter in this catalog for information. | ||||
| Only in unusual circumstances does the university make exceptions to these criteria. Application Filing Periods The application filing periods for graduate and unclassified post-baccalaureate applicants are the same as for undergraduate applicants. See the "When should I apply?" section in the Admissions/Undergraduate chapter of this catalog. You should also contact Enrollment Management at 510-885-2784 or check the university website for up-to-date information on application filing periods and deadlines for the term of entry you are considering. | |||||
Most graduate degree programs at Cal State East Bay also require that you complete a separate departmental application. These programs may require that you meet additional admission requirements above and beyond those required for admission to the university. Contact the department offering the program to obtain a departmental application form and information on departmental application deadlines and admission requirements. Also see the chapter describing the graduate program in this catalog.
If you wish to pursue a graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Major, contact the Academic Programs and Graduate Studies Student Services Office (WA 877, 510-885-3286) as soon as possible, preferably before you submit your admission application. You cannot be admitted as an Interdisciplinary Studies Major until your program of study has been approved.
For information on changing major, degree, or credential objectives after you have been admitted, see the section "How can I change my educational objective?" near the end of this chapter.
Admission Categories
Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:
Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate
Applicants admitted as an "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate," may be able to take courses applicable to a graduate degree (even if not yet admitted to the degree program), up to a maximum of 13 units, or may enroll in courses for personal or professional growth. Because of accreditation restrictions and/or heavy enrollment pressure, some registration restrictions may be applied to some courses for students in this category. Please contact the graduate department for information on registration restrictions for graduate-level courses.
As an "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate," you are not assured of admission to any master's degree or credential program and no more than 13 quarter units earned in this status may be applied to a master's degree. Therefore, if a master's degree is your goal, you should seek admission to your chosen program as soon as possible. Admission as an "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate" student does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program. (Some CSU campuses do not offer admission to unclassified post-baccalaureate students.)
Classified Post-Baccalaureate
When you are admitted to a credential or post-baccalaureate certificate program you are placed in the "Classified Post-Baccalaureate" category. In addition to the general requirements outlined above, you are required to satisfy any additional criteria established by your department.
For information on admission to the credential programs in teacher education, administrative services, special education, and pupil personnel services, contact the College of Education and Allied Studies. For information on admission to certificate programs, contact the appropriate department.
Conditionally Classified Graduate
If you are admitted conditionally to your master's degree program for one or more of the following reasons, you are placed in the "Conditionally Classified Graduate" category:
| 1. | You must complete specific courses (usually undergraduate). | ||||
| 2. | Your program of study and thesis/project committee must be determined and approved. | ||||
| 3. | You must pass certain qualifying examinations. | ||||
| 4. | Your GPA does not quite meet expected standards, and you must demonstrate your ability to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. | ||||
| 5. | You have not satisfied the University Writing Skills Requirement. | ||||
Classified Graduate
If you are admitted to a specific master's degree program, you are placed in the "Classified Graduate" category. To be admitted as a "Classified Graduate" you must satisfy the general university admission requirements, all additional criteria established by your department, and the University Writing Skills Requirement.
(These and other CSU admissions requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website, www.calstate.edu, and the CSU admissions portal, www.csumentor.edu, are good sources of the most up-to-date information.)
4. |
What are the graduate admission requirements for international students?
Cal State East Bay must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, "international students" include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, and those in other non-immigrant classifications. California residents and U.S. citizens with international transcripts are also classified as "international students" for admission evaluation purposes. Graduate applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree obtained from a recognized university. You must also have the equivalent of a 2.50 grade point average, or higher, in your last two years of college-level courses.
There are separate requirements and application filing dates for the admission of international students. Verification of your English proficiency (see below), financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations in your admission.
Application Filing Periods and Deadlines for International Students
The university has established deadlines to ensure that all application materials will be processed in time to allow you to make the necessary passport, visa, travel and other arrangements to reach the campus before the start of the quarter of admission. Current deadlines applicable to international student admission can be found on the university website or by contacting the International Admissions Office (iao@csueastbay.edu).
Each applicant must have a declared educational objective when the application is filed. International students on F-1 student visas may be admitted as "Conditionally Classified Graduate," "Classified Graduate," or "Classified Post-Baccalaureate" students. They may not be admitted as "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate" students, unless they have an approved course of study acceptable to the Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies.
Note: Some graduate programs may require admission tests such as the GMAT or GRE and a supplemental application. Please consult the individual graduate department for any additional application or admission requirements.
Academic Records
Certificates, diplomas, mark sheets, transcripts, and test scores must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the International Admissions Office to be considered official. The International Admissions Office reserves the right to determine what constitutes an official document. Certified English translations must accompany all non-English original documents. Documents submitted are the property of Cal State East Bay and will not be returned.
English Proficiency Requirement for Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Applicants
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, must demonstrate competence in English by presenting one of the following:
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Graduate: 550 (paper-based); 213 (computer-based); 79 (internet-based) IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Graduate: 6.5 | |||||
Note: All test scores must be sent directly from the testing institution.
The English proficiency requirement for post-baccalaureate and graduate applicants may be waived by presenting the following: an official transcript showing graduation with a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university, or an official transcript from an international college or university indicating English is the principal language of instruction, or an official letter from the college or university certifying that English was the language of instruction.
Financial Certification
International students who wish to apply for a student visa must demonstrate financial support before a letter of admission or an "I-20" or "DS-2019" form will be issued. The following forms must be submitted: I-20 Letter of Consent, Declaration of Finances, Verification of Finances, and Health Insurance Compliance. These forms can be downloaded from the "Apply Online" option on the university website.
Enrollment Requirements for F-1/J-1 Visa Students
If you are a graduate on a student visa, you are required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to take a minimum 8 quarter units per quarter that will count towards your degree as a "Graduate" student, a "Classified Post-Baccalaureate" student, or an "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate" student with an approved course of study. For additional information, see "What determines my post-baccalaureate classification at Cal State East Bay" later in this chapter. Enrollment in courses through Open University in the Division of Continuing and International Education may not count for visa certification purposes.
International Students should contact the Center for International Education (cie@csueastbay.edu) for information on matters affecting visa status, eligibility for employment, and any special academic requirements for international students.
5. |
What are the enrollment requirements for transitory (visiting) students?
Graduate students are eligible for Intrasystem Concurrent Enrollment, Intrasystem Visitor Enrollment, and Cross-Registration with the University of California, Berkeley, and selected other East Bay colleges.
Intrasystem Concurrent Enrollment
If you are enrolled at any campus of the California State University, you may apply to attend another campus while concurrently enrolled at your home campus.
Eligibility Requirements: (1) You have completed at least one term at the home campus as a matriculated student, or will be enrolled concurrently in such status, (2) you are, or have been, enrolled in an authorized graduate program at your home campus, and (3) you are in good standing at the last college attended.
Intrasystem Visitor Enrollment
If you are a student of any campus of The California State University, you may apply for admission as a visiting student at another campus for a period of one term.
Eligibility Requirements: (1) You have completed at least one term at the home campus as a matriculated student, (2) you are, or have been, enrolled in an authorized graduate program at the home campus, and (3) you are in good standing at the last college attended.
For additional information on Intrasystem Concurrent Enrollment and Intrasystem Visitor Enrollment, as well as information on the Cross-registration program with the University of California, Berkeley, and selected other East Bay colleges, see "What Are the Enrollment Requirements for Transitory (Visiting) Students" in the Undergraduate Admission chapter.
6. |
What fees do I pay when I register as a graduate or post-baccalaureate student?
The California State University is one of the most economical public universities in the nation and Cal State East Bay's fees are among the lowest in the California State University system. Resident students currently pay only 25% of the total cost of their education. All fees are subject to revision by the Board of Trustees without notice. If revisions occur, they will be published in the Class Schedule. Legal residents of California are not charged tuition, only fees.
Schedule of Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate
Registration Fees, 2009-2010
Any student who holds a bachelor's degree, which includes students pursuing a second bachelor's degree, and all categories of graduate and post-baccalaureate students (except qualified students pursuing a teaching credential, see the next section) pay the following fees when registering at Cal State East Bay. (Legal residents of California are not charged tuition.)
Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate Registration Fees |
| 0.1 to 6.0 Units | 6.1 or More Units | |
| State University Fee* | $960 | $1,654 |
| Student Body Fee | 43 | 43 |
| Facilities Fee | 2 | 2 |
| University Union Fee | 55 | 55 |
| University Union Recreational Fee | 60 | 60 |
| Instructionally Related Activities Fee | 46 | 46 |
| Health Services Fee | 75 | 75 |
| Photo I.D. (quarterly fee) | 1 | 1 |
| Total Hayward | $1,242 | $1,936 |
| Total Concord Only | $1,182 | $1,876 |
| Total Online Only | $1,050 | $1,744 |
*Note: The State University Fee for graduate and post-baccalaureate students for the academic year (three quarters) is $2,880 for 0.1 to 6.0 units a quarter and $4,962 for 6.1 or more units a quarter.
Graduate Business Professional Fee
The Graduate Business Professional Fee is charged in addition to the State University Fee (SUF) and campus fees. The per-unit fee of $140.00 is charged for required courses taken by students who have been admitted and enrolled in one of the following Professional Business Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA), MS Business Administration, MS Taxation, and MS Accounting. The fee is also charged for prerequisite courses taken by students who have an admission status and are enrolled in one of these programs.
Schedule of Education Doctorate Registration Fees, 2009-2010
Students pursuing the Education Doctorate degree pay the following fees when registering at Cal State East Bay. (Legal residents of California are not charged tuition.)
| Education Doctorate Registration Fees |
| 0.1 to 22.0 Units | ||
| State University Fee* | $3,253.50 | |
| Student Body Fee | 43 | |
| Facilities Fee | 2 | |
| University Union Fee | 55 | |
| University Union Recreational Fee | 60 | |
| Instructionally Related Activities Fee | 46 | |
| Health Services Fee | 75 | |
| Photo I.D. (quarterly fee) | 1 | |
| Total Hayward | $3,535.50 | |
| Total Concord Only | $3,475.50 | |
| Total Online Only | $3,343.50 |
*Note: The State University Fee for Education Doctorate students for Fall 2009 through Summer 2010 is $13,014, regardless of units.
For information on how to pay fees, as well as information on other fees (e.g., library fees, individual course fees, test fees, etc.), see the Fees and Expenses chapter in this catalog. The Fees and Expenses chapter also has information on the policies governing debts owed to CSUEB.
Credit Cards, Cash, Check
You may use credit cards (American Express, Discover, and MasterCard), cash, or check for payment of registration fees. See the current Class Schedule for additional information.
7. |
What fees do I pay when I register if I am pursuing a teaching credential?
Students seeking an initial Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Special Education teaching credential who have been admitted to a credential program with "classified" or "conditionally classified" status pay the following fees. This fee level will apply whether or not the student is simultaneously enrolled in a master's degree program.
| Qualified Teacher Credential Registration Fees, 2009-2010 |
| 0.1 to 6.0 Units | 6.1 or More Units | |
| State University Fee | *$904 | *$1,558 |
| Student Body Fee | 43 | 43 |
| Facilities Fee | 2 | 2 |
| University Union Fee | 55 | 55 |
| University Union Recreational Fee | 60 | 60 |
| Instructionally Related Activities Fee | 46 | 46 |
| Health Services Fee | 75 | 75 |
| Photo I.D. (quarterly fee) | 1 | 1 |
| Total Hayward | $1,186 | $1,840 |
| Total Concord Only | $1,126 | $1,780 |
| Total Online Only | $994 | $1,648 |
*Note: The State University Fee for qualified teacher credential students for the academic year (three quarters) is $2,712 for 0.1 to 6.0 units a quarter and $4,674 for 6.1 or more units a quarter.
Credit Cards, Cash, Check
You may use credit cards (American Express, Discover, and MasterCard), cash, or check for payment of registration fees. See the current Class Schedule for additional information.
8. |
Can I use university research facilities after I have taken all my required units?
If you have completed all the units required for your master's degree, but are still working on your thesis, project, or studying for a comprehensive exam, you can have continued access to university facilities by registering for GS X6990 Graduate Study Completion, through the Division of Continuing and International Education. This is a 1-unit course with a fee of $54. The other alternative is to register for 0.1 units through the regular registration process at a cost of approximately $566-$600. Registering for GS X6990 will provide you with a valid Student ID card, the ability to check books out of the library, remote access to computerized databases in the library, use of computer labs on campus, the ability to continue to work on projects in science labs, eligibility to purchase a parking permit, and access to other benefits enjoyed by regularly registered students.
Note: GS X6990 cannot be used to satisfy any unit or course requirements for your degree.
You can register by picking up a "GS X6990 Graduate Study Completion Form" in your department or in the Continuing and International Education Office in WA 804.
9. |
How is residence for tuition purposes determined?
Planning and Enrollment Management determines residence status of all new and returning students for nonresident tuition purposes. For information on the criteria used in making this determination, as well as residence determination dates, see the Admissions/Undergraduate chapter in this catalog. (Legal residents of California are not charged tuition, only fees. See "What is Nonresident Tuition?" below.)
10. |
What is Nonresident Tuition?
Nonresident Tuition (in addition to other fees charged to all students) per unit or fraction thereof is $248.
Note: The total nonresident tuition paid per quarter will be determined by the number of units taken. The maximum nonresident tuition per academic year (as of 2009-2010) is $11,160. Fees are subject to change without advance notice.
11. |
What are the requirements for a master's degree?
You must complete the five requirements listed below:
| 1. | Fulfill the University Writing Skills Requirement; | ||||
| 2. | Be Advanced to Candidacy; | ||||
| 3. | Complete at least 45 quarter units applicable to your degree (45-52 in the Interdisciplinary Studies Major, 48 in Public Administration, 52-54 in Multimedia, 72 in Counseling). | ||||
| • | All units must be earned within the five calendar years immediately preceding the receipt of your degree. (Outdated units may be accepted for one additional year with the approval of your department and the Associate Vice President, Academic Programs and Graduate Studies. If not completed in the sixth year, currency in the subject matter of the outdated courses must be demonstrated. Courses older than seven years are only applied to the degree in exceptional circumstances.) | ||||
| • | No more than 13 units can be completed when not in residence in your program (e.g., while at other schools, while an undergraduate with permission to take graduate courses, while pursuing an additional baccalaureate degree in "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate" status, while enrolled in another graduate degree program, or while enrolled in Continuing Education courses-including Open University courses) | ||||
| • | At least 1/2 of the units in your program must be 6000-level | ||||
| • | No lower division units can be counted | ||||
| • | No more than 9 units of university thesis or 5 units of departmental thesis or project work can be counted | ||||
| • | No more than 15 units may be in CR/NC courses (16 in Public Administration, 24 in Counseling) | ||||
| 4. | Complete a program of study approved by your department, which must include a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination; and | ||||
| 5. | Earn a 3.0 grade point average in all units counted towards your degree. | ||||
12. |
What is the University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR)?
All CSU graduates must demonstrate competency in writing prior to receiving a degree by satisfying the University Writing Skills requirement (UWSR). Graduate students can meet this requirement in one of four ways:
| 1. | If you have previously satisfied the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement at CSUEB or at another CSU campus, CSUEB will accept official certification of completion if the entire requirement, as specified by that CSU campus, was satisfied and you were a matriculated student at the time. | ||||
| 2. | If you received an essay score of 4.5 or higher on the GMAT or GRE or an essay score of 53 or higher on the CBEST. | ||||
| 3. | If you pass the Writing Skills Test (WST) at CSU East Bay (see WST (Option One)) below for details. | ||||
| 4. | If you pass a first-tier writing course and possibly a second-tier writing course (if needed). See Course (Option Two) below for details. | ||||
If you have not satisfied the UWSR before you begin your graduate work, you must either take the Writing Skills Test or enroll in a first-tier course by the end of your first quarter in "Conditionally Classified graduate" status. If you do not take the test or course when required, you will have a hold placed on your ability to register and may be dropped from your classes. If you think your writing is competent, you should take the Writing Skills Test. The UWSR must be satisfied before you can be admitted as a "Classified Graduate" student and, consequently, before you can be advanced to candidacy and receive a degree.
WST (Option One): The Writing Skills Test consists of an analytic essay that requires you to demonstrate that you can think and write critically. You must pass the WST and satisfy the UWSR with a score of Clear Competence (8) to meet the requirement. If you fail the WST, you have only one opportunity to take it again. If you fail it again, your highest score of the two will determine your placement in courses. If your score is Limited Competence (6), you will be required to take the course option (see below). If your score is Developing Competence (7), you need only take a second-tier course and pass with a C-(CR) or better to satisfy the UWSR.
Course (Option Two): English 3000 and 3001 are the first-tier courses, designed to help students meet the University Writing Skills Requirement. Students who have taken the Writing Skills Test (WST) and have received Limited Competence (6) must take this course and perhaps a second-tier course as well. Students who choose to meet this requirement through class work do not ever have to take the WST although you may take it at any time, for a total of two attempts, even when enrolled in a writing skills course. Generally speaking, ENGL 3000 is intended for native speakers of English, while ENGL 3001 is intended for non-native speakers. Based on end-of-course portfolio evaluation scores, at the end of the first-tier course you will be directed as to your next step, which will involve one of the following: You may be found to have met the UWSR requirement altogether, you may be directed to enroll in a second-tier course, or you may be directed to repeat first tier.
Three second-tier courses are currently offered: ENGL 3003, SCI 3010, and MKTG 3495 (business majors are required to take this course in the major but may not enroll until they have reached Developing Competence on the WST or passed a first-tier course). If you passed one of these courses prior to Fall 2000, it may not meet the UWSR. For more information on these courses, contact the individual department.
If you have taken the first-tier course three times consecutively and have not passed and have a letter of good faith effort from your most recent first-tier instructor, you may apply to the Associate Vice President, Academic Programs and Graduate Studies, for a waiver of the UWSR. If a waiver is granted, your permanent record will note that you were allowed to graduate without having satisfied the UWSR. If you do not satisfy the requirement and do not have a waiver approved, you will not be allowed to graduate. Contact the Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies for information on this waiver (510.885.3718).
If you receive a grade of "D+" or "D" in a second-tier writing course (taken Fall Quarter, 2000 or later), you may appeal to the Associate Vice President, Academic Programs and Graduate Studies, for a waiver of the UWSR. If a waiver is granted, your permanent record will note that you were allowed to graduate without having satisfied the UWSR. If you do not satisfy the requirement and do not have a waiver approved, you will not be allowed to graduate. Contact the Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies for information on this waiver (510.885.3718).
If you have a verified disability and would like to request accommodations to assist you in satisfying this requirement, visit the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) in Library Complex 2400 or call the SDRC at 510-885-3868 (phone/TTY).
For more information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see the testing Web site at www.testing.csueastbay.edu or call 510-885-3661.
13. |
What is "Candidacy"?
"Candidacy" is a status which recognizes completion of substantial progress towards your degree. You are eligible for Advancement to Candidacy when you:
| 1. | are a "Classified Graduate" student in good standing; | ||||
| 2. | have completed at least 12 quarter units of 6000-level coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA; | ||||
| 3. | have designed a formal program of study approved by your graduate advisor; | ||||
| 4. | have fulfilled the University Writing Skills Requirement; | ||||
| 5. | have completed other department prerequisites for advancement; and | ||||
| 6. | are recommended for Advancement to Candidacy by your advisor (subject to approval by your department's graduate coordinator). | ||||
14. |
What are the different kinds of capstone experiences?
The capstone experience of your graduate program will be the successful completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination. The quality of your work, including quality of expression, is the major consideration in judging the success of this degree component.
Thesis
A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant issue. In the thesis, you are expected to identify the issue, state your major assumptions, explain the significance of your project, detail your sources for and methods of obtaining data, provide analysis of the data, and offer conclusions. Your thesis should demonstrate original critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. If your research involves human subjects, your protocols must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (see "Research with Human Subjects" in the Appendix).
Cal State East Bay offers two kinds of master's degree theses, University Thesis (numbered 6910) and Departmental Thesis (numbered 6909). Students required, or electing, to write a thesis must register for a minimum of one unit of either 6909 or 6910 in order to receive credit toward completion of this capstone experience. Check with your department for information on the number of units for which you must enroll.
Most criteria are the same for both the Departmental Thesis and the University Thesis.
| • | You must be a graduate student (i.e., admitted to a master's degree program) to enroll in a thesis course; your department may add additional requirements. | ||||
| • | Your thesis work will be supervised by a departmental committee which must include at least one Cal State East Bay faculty member who is a member of your major department. | ||||
| • | You may not receive credit for more units of thesis work than allowed by your degree program. | ||||
| • | Each quarter you will receive a grade of "RP" (Report in Progress) for units earned in 6909 or 6910 until you complete your thesis; you will then be given a final grade for the entire course. No "RP" units will be counted towards your degree or in calculating your GPA. If your thesis is not approved within five years of your initial enrollment in a thesis course, the "RP" grade(s) will be changed to "F" or "NC" (depending on the grading pattern of the course). | ||||
| • | Normally you will be required to present an oral defense of your thesis. | ||||
| There are also a few significant differences between the two kinds of theses. | |||||
| • | You may not earn more than 9 units for University Thesis, while the maximum for Departmental Thesis is 5 units. Several departments have lower unit requirements, so check the program description in this catalog. | ||||
| • | The format of a University Thesis is established by the Associate Vice President, Academic Programs and Graduate Studies. Since these works are expected to serve as resources for future research, the format is formal, and the theses are bound and placed in the Cal State East Bay Library. A Departmental Thesis, on the other hand, is usually not as formal. Its standards and format are determined by the department, and the thesis is retained by the department. | ||||
Departmental Thesis: For information about a Departmental Thesis (your department's thesis guidelines, including format, acceptable thesis topics, and procedures to establish a thesis committee) contact your department advisor or graduate coordinator.
A project is a significant piece of non-written work in either a fine or applied art or a professional field. Your project should provide evidence of originality, independent thinking, and appropriate form and organization. You are required to describe your project in a written abstract that addresses the project's significance, objectives, methodology, and conclusions. In some cases, you may be required to present an oral defense.
Specific criteria for a Project (numbered 6899) are the same as those for a Departmental Thesis with a few exceptions.
| • | An "RP" grade in a project course will become an "F" (no "NC" option) after one year if your project is not completed. | ||||
| • | While your project need not be considered a research resource, it should be of a caliber to constitute a valid terminal activity in a master's degree program and will be permitted only when a thesis is not appropriate. | ||||
Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive examination is intended to assess your mastery of relevant subject matter, your ability to analyze and integrate the knowledge of your field, your skill in critical and independent thinking, and your use of appropriate organization and accurate documentation. A record of your examination (questions and responses) will be retained by your department. Some departments grant unit credit for exam preparation while others do not.
15. |
What are the policies that affect my registration, grades and academic status?
Registration
As a graduate student, you must follow the same registration policies and procedures as undergraduate students. (See the Registration chapter for details.)
Registration procedures for Thesis or Project courses are slightly different. You must complete a "Special Registration Petition" for each quarter you wish to enroll in one of these courses. Submit it to your department office. This must be done no later than the last day of the Add period. You are responsible for checking on the progress of this procedure.
Prerequisites: See "What information do I need to register for and enroll in classes?" in the Registration chapter.
Grading
It is an integral part of the teaching responsibility of the faculty to provide careful evaluation and timely assignment of an appropriate grade to each enrolled student. There is a presumption that grades assigned are correct. It is the responsibility of anyone appealing an assigned grade to demonstrate otherwise. In the absence of compelling reasons, such as instructor or clerical error, prejudice, or capriciousness, the grade determined by the instructor of record will be considered final. Final course grades must be submitted by the faculty to Enrollment Management no later than noon of the second academic day after the end of the Final Examination Period.
For purposes of correcting an error, an instructor may change a grade with approval of his/her department chair and college dean. No grade may be changed once your graduation has been recorded. The administrative symbol for withdrawal cannot be assigned by a faculty member. See "What changes can I make in my enrollment status?" in the Registration chapter for a description of withdrawal policies and procedures.
The grading symbols used for graduate courses are as follows:
| Academic Grades | Standard of Work Represented | Grade (Quality) Points |
| A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D F CR  NC | Superior Superior Adequate Adequate Adequate  Substandard Substandard Substandard Unacceptable Unacceptable Failing Credit No Credit | 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0 0 0 |
| Administrative Grading Symbols  | Definitions | Grade (Quality) Points Earned |
| RP | Report in Progress | 0.0 |
| I | Incomplete (Authorized) | 0.0 |
| IC | Incomplete Charged | 0.0 |
| RD | Report Delayed | 0.0 |
| W | Withdrawal | 0.0 |
| WU | Withdrawal Unauthorized | 0.0 |
| AU | Audit | 0.0 |
Academic Grades: The typical grading pattern for courses you will take is "A-F"; the use of "+" and "-" is at the discretion of each instructor. Some departments do not allow "C" or "D" grades to be applied towards a master's degree; check with your department about its policy. You may use courses taken on a "CR/NC" basis to meet your degree requirements only if the courses are offered exclusively on that basis. Typically, these courses are restricted to fieldwork and internships and a "CR" grade indicates that your work is at least of "B-" quality. In no case, however, may more than 15 units of your master's degree work be earned with "CR" grades in the standard 45-unit master's degree program. In post-baccalaureate (5000-level) courses, a "CR" grade also indicates that your work is at least of "B-" quality.
Administrative Grades: You may also receive the administrative grades indicated above. It is important that you observe the differences among them. As noted earlier in the section "What are the different kinds of capstone experiences?," the Report in Progress grade ("RP") is used in courses when assigned work extends beyond one quarter. It indicates that work is in progress and has been evaluated and found satisfactory to date, but that assignment of a precise grade must await completion of additional work. You cannot enroll in more units of RP-graded courses than are applicable to your degree. An "RP" in a thesis course becomes an "F" or an "NC" if the work is not completed in five years; an "RP" grade in any other course becomes an "F" or an "NC" after one year.
The Incomplete (Authorized) grade ("I") is used to indicate that (1) a discreet portion of the required coursework has not been completed and evaluated in the prescribed time period due to unforeseen but fully justified reasons, (2) attending a future offering of the class is not required to complete the work, and (3) your instructor believes it likely that you will earn credit for the course upon completion of that work. An "I" must normally be made up within one calendar year immediately following the end of the term during which it was assigned. This limitation prevails whether or not you maintain continuous enrollment. If you receive an "I" and do not complete the work within the period specified by your instructor (in no case to exceed one year), the grade will be changed to an "IC" or "NC," depending on the grading pattern in which you enrolled. (An extension may be granted by the department if military service or serious health or personal problems prevent you from completing the work, or if the professor is away on leave during the quarter of expiration. Such extensions are for one quarter only, up to a maximum of two extensions, and must be approved by the instructor and the department chair. Written notification of the extension must be sent to Enrollment Management.)
An Incomplete Charged ("IC")is used when you receive an authorized incomplete ("I"), but do not complete the required coursework within the allowed time, and the original grading pattern of the course was "A-F." The "IC" replaces the "I" and is counted as a failing grade for computing your grade point average.
A Withdrawal Unauthorized ("WU") indicates that you enrolled in a course, but did not withdraw from the course and also failed to complete course requirements. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities, or both, were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. The "WU" is counted in your grade point average as an "F" grade.
The Report Delayed grade ("RD") is rarely used, and will be assigned by the Registrar only if grade reports are delayed by circumstances beyond your control, such as your instructor's illness.
You may drop a course at any time during the first two weeks of instruction. (For Drop procedures, see the Class Schedule.) No mention of a dropped course appears on your permanent record. After the first two weeks of the quarter, deletion of a course is considered a Withdrawal, and a "W" grade will be assigned if the reason for your request to withdraw from the course is due to circumstances beyond your control and you have obtained the appropriate approvals. This grade carries no connotation as to the quality of your work and is not included in GPA calculations. Under extreme circumstances you may decide that you must withdraw from all your courses. If you believe this may be necessary, contact your graduate advisor or department chair as soon as possible for advice on the appropriate procedures to follow. (See "What changes can I make in my enrollment status?" in the Registration chapter and "What are the administrative grading symbols, and what do they signify?" in the undergraduate Grading and Academic Standards chapter for additional information on withdrawal procedures.)
Grade Point Average (GPA): Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of quality hours (units you have attempted, excluding CR/NC courses) into the number of grade (quality) points earned. If you repeat a course required in your major, your department has the discretion, under specific circumstances, not to include your earlier attempt in your GPA calculation. The approval not to include the earlier attempt in your degree program must be submitted by your department to Planning and Enrollment Management. This may be done at any time while you are in the degree program, but may not be done after you have been awarded your degree.
If you find yourself with a major GPA below 3.00, consult immediately with your graduate coordinator or major department chair.
Final Examinations: You can expect your instructors to provide you with comprehensive course requirement information for each course at the beginning of the quarter. This will include the work that is expected of you and the basis on which you will be evaluated. Most courses have graded assignments throughout the quarter and a final examination or paper. The university's policy states that final examinations must be given only at the times published in the Class Schedule. The purpose of this policy is to ensure fairness for all students. Exceptions are, therefore, rare and must be approved in writing by the department chair. Contact your department chair or college dean if you believe this policy is not being followed. If you are in a course which has a separate laboratory, activity or discussion section, your instructor is permitted to give a separate final examination (but only for that section) during the last regularly scheduled meeting of the section.
Probation and Disqualification: There are two types of probation and disqualification: (1) academic, and (2) administrative. If you are an "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate" student, not in a master's degree or credential program, all of the following policies apply except that your minimum GPA requirement is 2.50 instead of 3.00.
Academic Probation
You must maintain a 3.00 GPA in your degree coursework to remain in good standing. If your GPA falls below 3.00, you will be placed on Academic Probation. Should this happen, you must consult with your graduate advisor prior to registering for the next quarter. You are also encouraged to take advantage of various university services (such as advising and tutoring) designed to assist you. You may, however, be academically disqualified by the Associate Vice President of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies if you do not earn a 3.00 GPA during any quarter while on probation, or if, at any time, you do not meet the academic criteria of your department.
Administrative Probation
You may be placed on Administrative Probation if you:
| • | withdraw from all courses for two consecutive quarters or any three quarters; | ||||
| • | do not progress towards your degree while enrolled (such as earning a number of "NC" grades); | ||||
| • | do not comply with appropriate academic requirements (such as taking the Writing Skills Test); or | ||||
| • | earn only "IC," "F," "WU," and/or "NC" grades for two consecutive, or any three quarters. | ||||
| Administrative Disqualification You will be administratively disqualified if you: | |||||
| • | do not meet the conditions for removal of your Administrative Probation; | ||||
| • | are placed on Administrative Probation twice for the same reason; | ||||
| • | are placed on Academic Probation while on Administrative Probation; or | ||||
| • | earn only "IC," "F," "WU," and/or "NC" grades for two consecutive, or any three quarters. | ||||
Resolution of Disputes
If you believe you have received an inappropriate grade or have been treated in an unfair or discriminatory way and you cannot resolve the matter informally with the instructor and department chair, you should present your case to the Presidential Appointee to the Fairness Committee (Academic Programs and Graduate Studies; Tel. 510-885-3716), no later than one quarter after the disputed grade was recorded. The Fairness Committee may authorize a change of grade under certain circumstances (see the undergraduate Grading and Academic Standards chapter). If the instructor of record does not assign a grade to an individual student, the appropriate failing grade for nonattendance ("WU" or "NC") is automatically recorded by Enrollment Management. You may petition the Fairness Committee if you believe the instructor should have assigned an academic grade. If the instructor of record is unable to assign course grades, the Fairness Committee is authorized to ensure that other qualified faculty do assign grades. For additional information, see "What recourse do I have if I believe I have received a grade that is inappropriate?" in the undergraduate Grading and Academic Standards chapter.
Honors
Because graduate students constitute a select group whose members do very well in their programs, there is no academic honors at graduation or dean's list recognition as is the case for undergraduates.
16. |
What determines my post-baccalaureate classification at Cal State East Bay?
You will be classified a full- or part-time student according to the following criteria:
| • | Full-time enrollment for a "Graduate" or "Classified Post-Baccalaureate" student is 8 or more units. You are considered to be a part-time student if you are enrolled for fewer than 8 units. | ||||
| • | Full-time enrollment for an "Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate" student (i.e., not enrolled in a master's degree program), is 12 or more units. | ||||
| • | If you are receiving financial aid or benefits from other programs (e.g., Veterans Administration or State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation), you may be subject to specific enrollment requirements to maintain your eligibility. You should check directly with the source of your benefits. | ||||
| • | If you are an international student on a non-immigrant visa, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requires that you pursue a full-time course of study in a specific program. You are expected to complete 8 units per quarter and 24 per year. | ||||
17. |
May I receive credit for courses taken elsewhere?
If you have earned credit at another institution which you wish to apply to your graduate program at Cal State East Bay, you may transfer up to 13 quarter units. (However, this number may be reduced if you have other non-residence credit you wish to apply to your degree.) To request transfer credit:
| 1. | you must have taken the course after earning a bachelor's degree; | ||||
| 2. | your department must accept the course(s) as relevant to your degree program; | ||||
| 3. | the institution at which you took the course must customarily grant the level of credit for the course (graduate or upper division) that you wish to receive for it at Cal State East Bay; | ||||
| 4. | you must have taken the course within five calendar years immediately preceding the receipt of your degree. | ||||
Also see "Credit for Non-Collegiate Instruction" in the Registration chapter.
In general, Cal State East Bay does not allow the use of credit-by-examination from challenged courses for master's degree requirements. Exceptions may be established by individual departments and must be noted in the degree description in the University Catalog. They are governed by the following policies:
| • | you must pass the exam challenging the course with a grade of "B-" or better; | ||||
| • | no more than 13 units of credit-by-examination may be applied to your degree; and | ||||
| • | challenged courses may not be credited to the residency requirement of your degree. | ||||
18. |
How can I change my educational objective?
If you are a continuing post-baccalaureate student and wish to change your degree objective or credential program, or you wish to change from "Unclassified" status to a graduate degree or credential program, you must file a "Change of Graduate Objective" form with Enrollment Management. The forms are available from, and should be submitted to, either the Student Information Lobby of Warren Hall or the Academic Services Office at the Concord Campus.
19. |
How can I pursue two master's degrees at the same time?
If you wish to pursue two master's degrees at the same time, you should indicate this on your application or "Change of Graduate Objective" form filed with the Office of Planning and Enrollment Management:
| 1. | Note that you must fulfill all prerequisites and requirements for each degree (up to 13 units from your first degree may be applied to your second degree if agreed to by your second degree program); and | ||||
| 2. | earn all units for each master's degree within the five calendar years immediately preceding the receipt of each degree. | ||||
20. |
How can I pursue a second master's degree?
If you already have a master's degree and want to pursue a second master's degree, you must meet the following criteria:
| 1. | apply and gain admission to the department offering the second master's degree program; | ||||
| 2. | fulfill all prerequisites and requirements for the second degree; | ||||
| 3. | complete at least 32 units (32-39 in the Special Major, 35 in Public Administration, 39-41 in Multimedia, 59 in Counseling) in your second degree. Up to 13 units from your first degree may be applied to your second degree if accepted by your second degree program; | ||||
| 4. | earn all units for your second master's degree within the five calendar years immediately preceding the receipt of the degree. | ||||
21. |
How do I apply for graduation?
You are advised to review completion of degree requirements with your department before filing for graduation.
Apply for graduation one term in advance of the term in which you intend to graduate. You must apply prior to the add/drop deadline. Deadlines to file are listed in the online class schedule each term. Log into MyCSUEB on the university website (https://my.csueastbay.edu) and click on "Apply for Graduation." You will be prompted to select the term for which you wish to graduate. A confirmation page will appear. Print this page and give a copy to your department.
The graduation filing fee will be charged to your account after you file. You can pay your fee:
| • | online at MyCSUEB (https://my.csueastbay.edu) | ||||
| • | in person at the Cashiers' Office in Student Information Lobby of Warren Hall on the Hayward Hills campus | ||||
| • | in person in the Academic Services Office on the Concord Campus | ||||
When you file for graduation, you may obtain a new registration priority. To register as a graduating graduate student, you must be a "Classified Graduate" who is recommended for Advancement to Candidacy by your advisor and have made substantial progress towards your degree.
If you are completing an undergraduate Single Subject Matter Preparation Program for entry into a teaching credential program, or you are completing a graduate Single or Multiple Subject Credential Program, be certain that the appropriate check sheet is submitted by the department or program committee offering the program to the Credential Student Service Center in the College of Education and Allied Studies.
Once you have completed all degree requirements and Enrollment Management can verify their completion, your diploma will be ordered. The final graduation evaluation process typically takes up to three months following the posting of grades from your last quarter of attendance. Your diploma will be mailed to your address of record with the university 4-6 weeks after this final graduation check is completed.
A diploma is an official document containing the embossed seal of Cal State East Bay, your name, the degree conferred and date, major(s) completed in the degree conferred, any options or minors completed and requested, and the signatures of state and university officials. It is not reproducible or available in multiple copies. You can obtain multiple copies of your record by ordering transcripts which also show degrees, majors and options, as well as other information. If you need proof of completion of your degree before receiving your diploma, you may request a verification of graduation or a transcript from Enrollment Management. Should you change your name, you may request that a new diploma be issued with your new name if (1) you return the originally issued diploma to Enrollment Management, (2) you provide legal documents confirming your legal name change, and (3) you pay the fee for a new diploma.
Once your degree is posted to your permanent record, your diploma and transcript cannot be altered by adding additional options, or by grade changes, and/or withdrawals. The university protects the integrity of its transcripts and will not rewrite history unless a University error has occurred.
22. |
Who can answer my questions?
If you have any questions about your graduate work at Cal State East Bay (information either addressed or not addressed in this section), do not hesitate to consult your advisor, your department's graduate coordinator or chair, or the Associate Vice President of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies.
23. |
Doctorate Information
Doctorate: For information regarding the Doctor of Education, please see the Educational Leadership chapter of this catalog. A copy of the Doctoral Student Handbook may be requested from the Department of Educational Leadership, Dr. Jose Lopez, Doctoral Program Director, Arts & Education Building, Room 250, Tel: 510-885-4145; email: edld@csueastbay.edu. Department web site: http://edschool.csueastbay.edu/departments/EDLD.
| Footnotes |
| | Fee adjustments subject to the policies established in Executive Order 661. | |
| | Note that a "B-" grade, though described as "adequate," generates fewer than 3.0 grade (quality) points and must be balanced by a grade of "B+" or higher. | |
| | These grades cannot be selected by students. They are only available in graduate courses offered exclusively on a "Credit/No Credit" basis. | |
| | For definitions of administrative grades, see "What are the administrative grading symbols, and what do they signify?" in the undergraduate Grading and Academic Standards chapter. | |
 | This is the only administrative grade used in calculating the GPA. It is equivalent to an "F." | |
| | | | | | |
© 2009 The California State University
Last Updated: November 5, 2009