Graduate Education
Fields of Graduate Study and Degrees
The following degrees are available in graduate work:
Master of Arts in Humanities with possible specialization in an academic discipline, historical period, geographical area, thematic area, or applied emphasis
Master of Business Administration in Global Strategic Management
Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership
Master of Science in Education: Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Science in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, and Master of Science in Education: Emphasis in Special Education, and Master of Science in Education
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy and General Specializations
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Integrated Health Practices and Geriatric Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Teaching Credentials: Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist, and Dual Credentials
Corporate Education Programs:
- Master of Arts in Management
- Master of Arts in Management: Concentration in Medical Management
- Master of Public Administration Master of Science in Education: Administration and Supervision
- Master of Science in Psychology
Master's Degree
The master's degree is conferred on graduates upon the satisfactory completion of a carefully planned curriculum of a minimum of 30 graduate units, 5000-5999 series. Graduate degrees may require a thesis, directed research, comprehensive examination, or seminar project approved by the advisor. Students should consult the department requirements for the degree sought.
The unit load of a candidate for the master's degree is decided in consultation with the Chair of the student's major department. In the MBA in Strategic Leadership courses are offered in a 36-unit predetermined sequence cohort program.
Grades for graduate students are 'A' excellent, 'B' good, 'C' acceptable. Degree candidates must maintain an average of 'B' (3.0) in their programs for the degree. A grade of 'Pass' in a graduate level course must be equivalent to at least a 'B' (3.0 or better).
Some undergraduate courses may be offered in partial satisfaction of the requirements for an advanced degree. Upper-division courses to be accepted will be determined by the Chair of the major department after he/she has considered the student's previous academic program.
Graduate courses numbered in the 5000 series are open to candidates for the master's degree and to other qualified students with graduate status. Undergraduate seniors and Honors Program students may be admitted to a graduate course by petition to the Honors Program Director.
Graduate courses taken by students during their undergraduate studies that have not been applied toward their baccalaureate degree may be applied toward their graduate degree through petition process to the Dean of their school.
Classification of Students
Degree Status: Students who have satisfied all admission requirements and have registered in a program leading to a master's degree.
Credential Status: Students who meet the requirements for graduate admission and are enrolled by the School of Education in a credential program.
Non-Degree Status: Qualified students taking a course or courses without the objective of a graduate degree or a credential.
Auditors Status: Students who, with the permission of the course instructor and upon payment of the registration fee and auditors' fees, attend classes without earning academic credit.
Full-time Students: Students carrying 9 graduate units or 12 units of upper-division and graduate courses. Students in the MBA in Strategic Leadership program are considered full-time if they take the required sequence of at least 18 units per academic year. Students in the MS in Nursing program are considered full time if they take at least 18 units in the first academic year, and at least 16 units the second academic year.
Part-time Students: Those carrying fewer units than the full-time course loads listed above.
Registration
(See General Academic Policies and Procedures section for registration information.)
Leave of Absence - Graduate Students
A graduate student wishing to take a leave of absence must submit a Leave of Absence form to the Registrar's Office after it is signed by the Chair of the department. A leave of absence is not generally granted for more than one year. See the section Leave of Absence in the General Academic Policies and Procedures.
Residence and Time Limit
The minimum residence for a full-time student is one year, generally two semesters and one summer. A graduate student has six years from the date of first enrollment in which to complete a graduate program.
Comprehensive Clinical Proficiency Review (CCPR)
Students enrolled in the master's program in Counseling Psychology, during their last semester, submit a written case study and sit for an oral review with one faculty member and one alumna/alumnus as reviewers.
Application for Graduation
Application for graduation should be made early in the academic year in which the student expects to receive the master’s degree, in the semester prior to the semester in which the student intends to receive the degree. The student obtains the application form from the Registrar’s Office, secures the signature of the Chair of the major department, and returns the form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline published in the Academic Calendar.
Students may not take a course required for their degree at another college during the semester of graduation.
