Graduate Education. Director of Graduate and International Student Services: Diana R. Parks

Graduate Academic Affairs Provost: Scott G. McNall School of Graduate, International, and Sponsored Programs Tehama Hall 209 530-898-6880 Dean: Susan E. Place, Interim Associate Dean: William Loker, Interim Director of Graduate and International Student Services: Diana R. Parks Coordinator of Graduate al Equity Programs: Judith Brasseur Program Graduate programs at Chico have earned a distinguished reputation since the first was organized over fifty years ago. Master s degrees were authorized in 1949, and the first degree was awarded in 1950. Currently, over 1,600 students are enrolled at the postbaccalaureate level, and approximately 300 students complete a master s degree at Chico each year in any one of many degrees and options. These programs are diverse ranging from those in the social sciences, humanities, and fine arts to those in the natural sciences, engineering, and computer science. Professional degrees are also awarded in business, education, nursing, psychology, public administration, communication sciences and disorders, and social work. Many graduates have gone on to complete doctoral studies and other terminal degrees and have established themselves in academia, law, and medicine; others now enjoy successful careers in industry, education, business, and public service. Organization of the Graduate Programs The dean of the School of Graduate, International, and Sponsored Programs is responsible for graduate education at CSU, Chico. Faculty and students serve on two bodies to assist with this responsibility. The Graduate Coordinators Committee The Graduate Coordinators Committee is the university s policy-making and curriculum review body for graduate programs. It insures that faculty participate in the formulation of graduate policies. The Council of Graduate Students The Council of Graduate Students is a forum in which graduate students can learn about graduate policies and procedures, express their ideas and needs related to graduate studies, and formulate recommendations to the Graduate Coordinators Committee. Nature of Graduate Graduate education is advanced study in a specific program which goes substantially beyond that of upper-division course work in that area. Graduate study requires greater independence on the part of the student, is intended to develop in-depth knowledge in the subject area, and further acquaints the student with research techniques so that the student can later make significant contributions to his or her chosen field. The master s degree consists of a coherent, carefully planned and approved pattern of courses. These courses may be conducted as (1) advanced lectures, (2) seminars in which faculty and students are actively involved in the study of critical issues, (3) independent studies, and (4) research conducted under faculty supervision. The graduate student is expected to master advanced course work as well as independent study and research or creative scholarly activity. The 600-level course series is open only to graduate students and requires the identification and examination of new theories or principles and the application of these theories or principles to new concepts, problems, issues, or materials. These courses demand extensive use of bibliographic and other resources (with an emphasis on both original and secondary sources available in the Meriam Library and through Interlibrary Loan), the conduct of laboratory studies, and research or professional practice in the field. The successful completion of a graduate course demands creative thinking at a level substantially beyond what is normally expected in undergraduate classes. While some course work for the master s degree will be in upper-division, 400/500-level classes, graduate students should expect requirements and responsibilities beyond those expected of the undergraduates in the same class. The intellectual interaction among graduate students and their faculty is the most significant factor in postbaccalaureate study. At least sixty percent of the course work for the master s degree will be in small classes intended for graduate students only. The professors provide exceptional attention to the intellectual needs of each student. Working with student peers in small groups also provides intellectual challenges, support, and camaraderie. The principal mission of the Office of Graduate Studies is to work with the graduate programs to achieve and maintain quality and to produce graduates who have begun to develop a genuine mastery of a discipline and who give promise of developing further because they are intellectually and professionally curious and independent. Graduate study is an opportunity, as well as a significant challenge, and it requires a commitment to careful planning and dedicated, persistent scholarship. 150

GRADUATE ADMISSION Admission Requirements If you already hold a baccalaureate, you must apply to attend CSU, Chico through the Office of Graduate Studies if your objective is a master s degree, credential, or other postbaccalaureate study. Students with an objective of further undergraduate study apply directly to the Office of Admissions (see Admission to Second Bachelor s Degree Programs ). To qualify for admission to postbaccalaureate study, you must meet the following general requirements. You must be in good academic standing at the last institution attended and at any institution of the California State University attended, and have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association (or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the Office of Graduate Studies). In addition, you must have attained the grade point average required for your objective. Generally, postbaccalaureate students must have a 2.5 (on a scale where A=4.0) in the last 60 semester units attempted. However, applicants to a master s degree program must have a 3.0 in the last 30 semester units attempted and a 2.75 in the last 60 semester units attempted. Applicants must also satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, as prescribed for their program. Applicants who do not qualify for admission under these provisions may be admitted by special action if, on the basis of acceptable evidence, they are judged by the designated campus authority to possess sufficient academic, professional, and other potential pertinent to their educational objectives. Admission Classifications of Postbaccalaureate Students If you meet the minimum requirements for postbaccalaureate study as indicated above, you may be considered for admission to one of the following: Master s Degree Student You are a master s degree student if you are admitted to at least conditionally classified status in a specific degree program. See Admission to Master s Degree Programs below as well as individual academic program descriptions for complete information. It is possible to pursue both a master s degree program and a credential program concurrently. If you are interested in pursuing these dual objectives, you should file the appropriate applications in the Office of Graduate, International, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Teaching Credential Candidate You are a credential candidate if you are admitted to obtain a basic teaching credential or a specialized credential. See the chapter for specific information on the various teaching credential programs and any additional admission requirements. Unclassified Student By meeting the general requirements, you are eligible for admission as an unclassified student to qualify for a master s degree or credential program, complete a postbaccalaureate certificate program, or take course work for personal or professional development. Some departments may restrict enrollment of unclassified students because of heavy enrollment pressure, and admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program. If your goal is to qualify for a master s degree program, you should talk with the appropriate graduate coordinator as early as possible to plan your course of study. Admission Notification The Office of Graduate Studies officially notifies both master s degree and unclassified applicants of the admission decision. For credential applicants, the specific department responsible for the credential for which a student has applied will notify applicants regarding their admission to their credential objective. Admission to any of the above categories is limited to the specific semester for which you have applied and been accepted. If you do not enroll during the semester for which you are admitted, you will not be automatically readmitted for a subsequent semester but must resubmit the appropriate application and fee during the designated application period. The fee may be waived if you have requested and been approved for a deferred admission (see Deferred Admission ). If you do not hold a baccalaureate at the start of the semester for which you have been admitted, your postbaccalaureate admission will be canceled and your class level will be changed back to senior. You must then reapply for postbaccalaureate admission as indicated above if you wish to enroll after you receive the bachelor s degree. Application Procedures All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants (e.g., master s degree applicants, those seeking credentials, and those interested in taking graduate-level courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and postbaccalaureate admission booklet. 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. Since applicants for postbaccalaureate programs may be limited to the choice of a single California State University campus on each application, redirection to alternate campuses or later changes of campus choice will be minimal. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it will be necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. Applicants to master s degree programs, unclassified status, or basic credential programs at CSU, Chico are encouraged to apply online through CSUMentor at www.csumentor.edu. Credential applicants should also consult the chapter of this catalog or visit www.csuchico.edu/edsc/credential.html for additional information. If you are unable to apply online, you may request an application from the Office of Graduate Studies. The application must be received by the deadline given in the Academic Calendar. You must also request that each postsecondary institution you have previously attended send three official copies of your transcripts directly to the Office of Graduate Studies to arrive by the application deadline. (NOTE: If you have attended CSU, Chico in the past, either as a graduate or an undergraduate student, you will not need to obtain additional copies of transcripts you have already had sent to the institution. Neither will you need to provide transcripts of your Chico record.) Students seeking admission to a master s degree program should visit www.csuchico.edu/gisp/ gs/listing/index.htm to learn of any qualifying examinations or other supplemental application materials required for their program objective. Test scores and all supplemental materials must also be submitted by the application deadline. The $55 non-refundable application fee in the form of a check, money order, or credit card payment to the California State University is required of all applicants, with the following exceptions: 1) postbaccalaureate students currently enrolled at Chico who are changing their objectives; 2) those who were previously enrolled as postbaccalaureate students, have broken enrollment at Chico only one semester, and have not attended any other schools in the interim; 3) students who have been granted a deferred admission; 4) students filing as auditors; and, 5) students who have applied for, and been granted, an application fee waiver. Admission to Second Bachelor s Degree Programs If you already possess a baccalaureate, you may apply for admission to a program leading to a second bachelor s degree. In doing so, you should apply directly to the Office of Admissions. You will be held to the same admission requirements as undergraduates applying to baccalaureate programs (i.e., a 2.0 cumulative GPA if you are a resident of California or a 2.4 cumulative GPA if you are a non-resident). If you are applying for admission to an impacted area of study, you must follow supplementary admission procedures and meet special criteria (see Undergraduate Admissions ). Admission to Master s Degree Programs In addition to the requirements described previously for all postbaccalaureate students, as an applicant to a master s degree program you may be required to successfully complete a nationally standardized qualifying examination (e.g., Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admission Test, Miller Analogies Test) and fulfill other admission criteria specified by the department. Refer to individual academic program chapters or visit www.csuchico.edu/gisp/gs/listing/index.htm for information on specific departmental requirements. When tests are required, a record of the test scores must be filed in the Office of Graduate Studies prior to the application deadline listed in the Academic Calendar. After the application deadline, completed files are forwarded to the department for review. The department may recommend that you be admitted to one of the following categories: Conditionally Classified You may be admitted to a graduate degree program in conditionally classified status if your graduate department determines that you can remedy deficiencies by additional preparation. To be admitted as a conditionally classified master s degree student, you must meet the general requirements for all postbaccalaureate students specified in Admission Requirements above as well as any specific requirements outlined by your major department for this category. While enrolled as a conditionally classified student, you will be required to complete 12 qualifying, letter-graded units of 400/500/600- level work with at least a 3.0 GPA and satisfy any departmentally specified criteria for admission to classified standing. You must also maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in each of the 151

following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to conditionally classified status; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to conditionally classified status; and all courses applied toward the degree requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the termination of your enrollment in the master s degree program. Classified You are a classified master s degree student if you have been formally accepted by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies to pursue master s degree study. In addition to meeting the general requirements for all postbaccalaureate students specified in Admission Requirements above and specific requirements prescribed by the department, you must meet the following minimum requirements: 1. Satisfactory grade point average as follows: a) An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 30 semester units and a 2.75 in the last 60 semester units, or b) A postbaccalaureate grade point average of at least 3.0 in a minimum of 12 departmentally specified units of letter-graded graduate-level course work, and c) In addition to a or b above, a grade point average of at least 3.0 in all postbaccalaureate, graduate-level course work taken within the five years prior to admission to classified status. This course work includes all graduate-level transfer work and all graduate-level courses completed in excess of baccalaureate requirements which have been approved for postbaccalaureate credit, whether or not they are applied to the master s degree. 2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies. Youarerequiredtomaintainaminimum3.0 GPA in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master s program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses applied toward the degree requirements. Candidate While exceptional students may be granted candidacy immediately upon admission, master s degree students are normally advanced to candidacy after demonstrating ability and aptitude for the discipline as a classified master s degree student and meeting specific departmental requirements to become a candidate. Minimally, these will include: 1. Classified graduate standing and completion at CSU, Chico of at least 9 units of the proposed program. 2. Completion of departmental examinations, such as diagnostic examinations. 3. A GPA of at least 3.0 in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master s program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses applied toward the degree requirements. 4. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies. Use of Social Security Number Your social security number is used to identify you in your association with the university, first as an applicant and later as a student. Therefore, you are required to include your social security number in designated places on your admission application forms pursuant to the authority contained in Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41201. Enrollment in Distance & Online Courses Chico Distance & Online offers a variety of courses via the Internet using various Web-based applications. For information on current course offerings, call the Center for Regional and Continuing, 530-898-6105. Students who are regularly enrolled in Chico Distance & Online courses receive resident credit and are held to the same application, transcript, and fee requirements as on-campus students. International Student Admission If you have attended a recognized foreign institution and have received a degree deemed equivalent to the U.S. baccalaureate, you may apply for admission as a graduate student. Prior university-level preparation should be appropriate to your graduate degree objective, and superior undergraduate grades are essential. Application must be made to the Office of Graduate Studies at least six months in advance of the desired admission date. In addition to the academic requirements, all international students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other examinations, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test, the Miller Analogies Test, and the Graduate Record Examination, may also be required by a department as a condition of admission. Postbaccalaureate TOEFL Requirement All postbaccalaureate 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. Those who have not completed at least three years in a degree program at a postsecondary educational institution in Australia, Great Britain, anglophone Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United States, must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores more than two years old are not acceptable. Applicants without the specified educational preparation in English must complete the TOEFL with a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based test, or a minimum total score of 550, with at least 50 in each section, on the paper-based test. Individual programs may require higher scores, and the TOEFL score requirement is subject to change. You are, therefore, encouraged to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for the most current information. Admission as an Auditor An auditor is a student who enrolls in a course for informational purposes only. An auditor attends class sessions regularly but does not participate in the class, take examinations, or receive credit for the course. To qualify as an auditor, you must submit an application for admission (without paying the application processing fee required of credit students) and such transcripts as are necessary to show that you possess a baccalaureate. In addition, you must obtain permission of the instructor to register as an auditor in any course. Auditors pay the same registration fees as credit students. Deferred Admission Chico has a deferred admission program through which students who have been fully accepted for postbaccalaureate study may postpone enrollment. To qualify for deferred admission, you must have on file in the Office of Graduate Studies three official copies of transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended so that complete eligibility can be determined. You must have paid the required fee with your original application to request the one-time deferment. The period of deferment shall not exceed two years (four semesters), and you must submit an application for deferment to the Office of Graduate Studies. Deferred admission may not be used by students wishing to attend another college or university while holding a space for a later semester at Chico. If you attend another school or enroll in CSU, Chico Extension or Open University classes during the deferred period, you will have to reapply for admission during the appropriate application filing period, pay the application fee, and submit three official transcripts of any work completed subsequent to filing the original application. However, Chico seniors who do not graduate as anticipated may request to defer their postbaccalaureate admission even though they take additional Chico course work to complete baccalaureate requirements during the period of deferment. If your application for deferred admission is approved, you will not be required to pay the application fee to reactivate your admission. However, you must resubmit the appropriate application forms by the deadline. Postbaccalaureate students should call the Office of Graduate Studies for complete information. Transcript Retention If you submit transcripts to the Office of Graduate Studies at Chico and then fail to submit an application, the transcripts will be retained for two years and will then be discarded. If you complete an application file, but do not enroll for the semester for which you have been accepted, your transcripts will also be retained for two years and then discarded. 152

MASTER S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Master s degree requirements vary according to the discipline of study and degree sought. Though the minimum requirements are indicated below, you should also refer to the appropriate academic program chapter in this catalog for the requirements specific to your degree objective. You must complete all requirements for a master s degree within the time limit specified by your department, either five or seven years from the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course on the approved program. You must also maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master s program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses taken in fulfillment of your approved program. 1. Development and completion of an approved program of at least 30 semester units of post-baccalaureate 400/500/600-level courses as follows: a. At least 18 units in the program discipline. b. At least 18 of the units required for the degree in stand-alone 600-level courses (those not cross-listed with 400/500-level courses). In programs requiring more than 30 units, at least 60 percent of the units required for the degree must be in stand-alone 600-level courses. c. Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension credit (correspondence courses and University of California extension course work are not acceptable). CSU, Chico Open University courses are counted in this limit. d. Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (597/697), Comprehensive Examination (696), and Master s Study (699) combined; not more than 3 units of Comprehensive Examination (696) or 6 units of Master s Study (699). e. Not more than 10 units graded CR/NC; no courses in the major department graded CR/NC, with the exceptions of Independent Study (597/697), Comprehensive Examination (696), Master s Study (699), and courses offered CR/NC only. Any course to be counted toward a master s degree program may not have been counted toward any previous degree at any institution. Further, it must be acceptable for graduate credit by the discipline offering the course (i.e., a 400/500/600- level course that is not acceptable for its department s master s degree cannot be counted toward a master s degree in another discipline). The program must be planned in consultation with the graduate coordinator and your graduate advisory committee; a Master s Degree Program Plan should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. 2. Completion and final approval of one of the following, as specified by the department: a. Master s Study (699 enrollment), whether thesis or project, as specified by your advisory committee: Enrollment is required in a minimum of 1 unit and a maximum of 6 units of Master s Study (699). You must submit to the Office of Graduate Studies either your thesis or, if you have a terminal project, the written component or description of your project as well as the components which will be catalogued by, and shelved in, the library (e.g., slides, tapes, etc.). An oral defense of the thesis or project is required as part of a 699 enrollment. b. Comprehensive Examination (written or oral) in the field of study, with a written report prepared by the examining committee describing your examination and performance: The report will be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than three weeks prior to the date of your expected graduation and will be made available to you by the graduate advisory committee chair. c. Comprehensive Examination and Supplementary Component (research paper, professional paper, recital, etc.) in the field of study: The examining committee will prepare a written report describing your examination and performance and will send it to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than three weeks prior to the date of your expected graduation. The report is to be made available to you by the graduate advisory committee chair. 3. Approval of the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the university. Modifications of Requirements for MFA Programs Modifications of the general master s degree requirements have been approved for the terminal MFA degrees related to transfer credit limits, inclusion of course work from a previous graduate degree, continuous enrollment, and mode of enrollment in Master s Study (699). Please refer to the individual MFA program descriptions in the academic programs section of this catalog for more information. Graduate Literacy Requirement California State University policy requires that all students graduating with the master s degree demonstrate their writing competence. Each department has developed a method of assuring that its students have adequate writing skills. Refer to the Graduate Literacy Requirement section of individual master s degree program descriptions for specific information. Master s Degree Programs and Options The master s degrees and options offered by CSU, Chico encompass a broad spectrum of liberal arts, scientific, and professional fields. The following list summarizes the programs available. Detailed information on the MA/MS in Interdisciplinary Studies follows this section; information on each of the other degrees is provided in The University Catalog under the academic program chapter referenced in parentheses. MS in Accountancy (Business) MA in Anthropology (Anthropology) Option in Museum Studies MA in Art (Art) MFA in Art (Art) MS in Biological Sciences (Biological Sciences) MS in Botany (Biological Sciences) Master of Business Administration (Business) MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Communication Sciences and Disorders) MA in Communication Studies (Communication) MS in Computer Science (Computer Science) MFA in Creative Writing (English) MA in () Option in Curriculum and Instruction Option in Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners Option in Reading/Language Arts Option in Special MS in Electrical Engineering (Engineering) Option in Computer Engineering Option in Electronic Engineering MA in English (English) MS in Environmental Science (Geosciences) MA in Geography (Geography and Planning) Option in Rural and Town Planning MS in Geosciences (Geosciences) Option in Hydrology/Hydrogeology MA in History (History) MS in Instructional Design and Technology (Communication) Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Graduate ) MA in Kinesiology (Kinesiology) Option in Athletic Training MA in Music (Music) MS in Nursing (Nursing) MS in Nutritional Science (Nutrition and Food Science) Option in Nutrition MA in Political Science (Political Science) MA in Psychology (Psychology) Option in Applied Psychology Option in Psychological Science MS in Psychology (Psychology) Master of Public Administration (Political Science) Option in Health Administration Option in Local Government Management MA in Recreation Administration (Recreation and Parks Management) MA in Social Science (Social Science) Option in Social Science MSW in Social Work (Social Work) MA in Teaching International Languages (International Studies) Postbaccalaureate Certificate Programs CSU, Chico offers the following postbaccalaureate certificate programs that may be completed as independent objectives or in conjunction with a master s degree program. The specific requirements for each program are provided in this catalog under the academic program chapter referenced in parentheses. Community College Faculty Preparation/ Adult () Theory and Practice of College Composition (English) FELLOWSHIPS AND ASSISTANTSHIPS The Office of Graduate Studies currently administers the Graduate Equity Fellowship Program for underserved master s degree students. The program is designed to encourage students to enter doctoral programs and provides fellows with a stipend and a research assistantship with a faculty mentor. The Office of Graduate Studies also administers a California Pre-Doctoral Program and a Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program. The California Pre-Doctoral Program provides funds for selected upper-division and graduate students to participate in scholarly activities and visit doctoral-granting institutions to explore opportunities for doctoral study. The Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program provides loans for students to complete doctoral study in disciplines of particular interest and relevance to the California State University, with forgiveness of the loans at a rate of 20 percent for each year of full-time teaching in the CSU after they complete the doctorate. Information and applications for all of the above programs are available from the Office of Graduate Studies. 153

Many master s programs also have Graduate Assistant and/or Teaching Associate positions available for qualified master s students. Check with your graduate coordinator to learn more about these options and their availability for your discipline. THE MASTER S DEGREE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES The Interdisciplinary Studies program provides students with an opportunity to design unique courses of study leading to the MA or MS degree. Students normally select the program because their individual interests dictate that core courses be drawn from two or three academic areas rather than from a single discipline. If academic or professional goals are not adequately accommodated by university programs in existing disciplines, the Interdisciplinary Studies program may meet the need by allowing specialization in a particular field which is not offered as a master s program by the university. Accreditation Accreditation of the Interdisciplinary Studies degree depends on the specific accreditation of the departments concerned. Students planning to use an Interdisciplinary Studies MA/MS for purposes of professional accreditation should check carefully to be sure that the program meets the professional requirements. Career Outlook Since Interdisciplinary Studies programs are uniquely structured to suit individual needs, the objectives of specific programs vary considerably. The majority of students who select this program have definite occupational goals in mind at the outset. However, others pursue areas of interest which have little or no direct application to their professional lives. While it is not possible to predict future employment opportunities for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates, this program provides a vehicle for meeting the needs of students with unusual, creative, and interdisciplinary professional or academic goals. Course Requirements for the Master s Degree: 30 units Continuous enrollment is required. A maximum of 9 units of transfer credit may be applied toward the degree. See Master s Degree Requirements earlier in this section for complete details on general degree requirements. Students wishing to discuss and gain approval for a proposed program should consult the Office of Graduate Studies. Interdisciplinary Studies Emphases Special Interdisciplinary Studies emphases have been developed in the following areas. Consult the Office of Graduate Studies for specific information. Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Mathematics K-8 Science Teaching Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: Mathematics Simulation Science/Computer Simulation Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status: 1. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the Office of Graduate Studies. 2. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Admission to Master s Degree Programs. 3. Formation of the graduate advisory committee. 4. Development of an approved program, including a Justification Statement and description of the culminating activity, in consultation with the graduate coordinator and the graduate advisory committee. 5. Approval of the graduate coordinator or chair of each participating department. Students must meet the requirements for admission to classified status, as specified in this catalog, of at least one of the major departments involved in their Interdisciplinary Studies program. Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status: In addition to any requirements listed above: 1. The completion of all prerequisites for courses included in the approved program. 2. A minimum Miller Analogies Test raw score of 50, or a minimum combined Graduate Record Examination test score of 1500, or an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 units and 3.0 for any postbaccalaureate work. 3. The completion of the following disciplinespecific requirements if pursuing a degree involving course work in the areas of anthropology, art, business/management, computer engineering, computer science, economics, engineering, English, health and community services, history, or psychology. Anthropology Students using 12 or more units of anthropology in their program must: a) Complete the Graduate Record Examination prior to admission to classified status, with a combined score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative portions. b) Pass a 1- to 3-part candidacy exam administered by the Department of Anthropology. This exam, depending on the student s program plan, will contain at least one of the anthropology candidacy exams and possibly all three, as is judged suitable by the student s advisory committee. Upon successful completion of the required competency exam(s), the student may be advanced to candidacy. Art Students using 6 or more units of art course work in their program, or including Art in the title or content of the thesis, must have the prior approval of the Department of Art and Art History. Business/Management Students using 9 units or more of 600-level business course work in their program must satisfy the same entrance requirements established for MBA applicants. These include a score no lower than the 50th percentile on the Graduate Management Admission Test. Computers/Computing Students using the term computers or computing as part of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree title must: a) Complete at least 12 units of 400/500/600-level computer science and/or computer engineering courses, each with a grade of B- or better, as part of their graduate work at CSU, Chico. b) Include at least one computer science or computer engineering faculty member on the graduate advisory committee. c) Have the program approved by the chair (or designee) of the Department of Computer Science. Computer Engineering Students using the term computer engineering as part of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree title must: a) Include a minimum of 12 units of computer engineering courses in the program. b) Have the program approved by the chair (or designee) of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Computer Science Students using the term computer science as part of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree title must: a) Complete the following undergraduate computer science courses, each with a grade of C or better: CSCI 311 Algorithms & Data Structures 3.0 Prerequisites: CSCI 112. CSCI 320 Computer Architecture 3.0 Prerequisites: CSCI 221; concurrent enrollment in CSCI 311 recommended. CSCI 330 Software Engineering 3.0 Prerequisites: CSCI 311. CSCI 340 Operating Syst Programming 3.0 Prerequisites: CSCI 311 and CSCI 320. b) Complete at least one-half of the degree program in computer science course work. c) Include at least one computer science faculty member on the graduate advisory committee. d) Have the program approved by the chair (or designee) of the Department of Computer Science. Economics Students using 9 units or more of economics course work in the program may be required to: a) Complete the Graduate Record Examination with a combined score of at least 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portions; or b) Achieve a score of at least 600 on the Graduate Record Examination subject test in economics; or c) Complete the requirements for entrance into the MBA program at CSU, Chico. In addition, students wishing to use the word economics in the degree title must have the specific approval of the Department of Economics. Students wishing to obtain such approval should petition the economics department chair before their programs are designed. Engineering Students using the term engineering as part of the degree title must: a) Include a minimum of 12 units of engineering course work in the program. b) Have the program approved by the engineering graduate coordinator and the chair of the appropriate engineering department. c) Have a member of the engineering faculty serve on the graduate advisory committee. English Students planning to include 6 or more units of English course work in an Interdisciplinary Studies degree program may be required to: a) Submit a formal research paper, documented according to the latest MLA standards, to the graduate coordinator in English. This paper must come to the graduate coordinator via the instructor who assigned it, together with a written statement of the instructor s opinion of the paper s authenticity. This requirement must be met prior to advancement to classified status. 154

b) Complete the verbal portion of the GRE General Test with a minimum score of 500. This requirement must be met prior to advancement to candidacy. Health and Community Services Students using the term health or wellness as part of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree title must have the program approved by the chair of the Department of Health and Community Services. History Students using 6 or more units of 600-level history course work in their program, or wishing to use the term history in the title of the thesis or degree, must have approval of the graduate coordinator in the Department of History. Psychology Students using 6 or more units of psychology course work, or wishing to use the terms psychology or counseling in the title of the thesis or degree, must have approval of the Department of Psychology. Advancement to Candidacy: In addition to the requirements listed above, the student must have classified graduate standing and must have completed 9 units of the proposed program at the university. Requirements for the MA/MS in Interdisciplinary Studies: Completion of all requirements as established by the graduate advisory committee and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include: 1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses: a) A comprehensive core of units in the chosen disciplines. b) At least 18 of the units required for the degree in stand-alone 600-level courses (those not cross-listed with 400/500-level courses). c) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension credit (correspondence courses and University of California extension course work are not acceptable). d) Not more than 15 units taken before admission to classified status. e) Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (597/697), Comprehensive Examination (696), and Master s Study (699) combined; not more than 3 units of Comprehensive Examination (696) or 6 units of Master s Study (699). 2. Completion and final approval of a thesis, project, comprehensive examination, or other culminating activity as specified by the graduate advisory committee. 3. Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive final examination (written or oral) in the field of study. 4. Approval by the graduate advisory committee and the graduate coordinators committee on behalf of the faculty of the university. All requirements listed above are to be completed within seven years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. Graduate Literacy Requirement: Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement. Interdisciplinary Studies students will demonstrate their writing proficiency by submitting an acceptable justification statement with the application to the program. Consult the graduate coordinator for further information. Grading Requirements: All courses in the primary disciplines (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 597/697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, and Master s Study - 699) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/ No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/ No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 597/697, 696, 699, and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the university that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master s program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master s degree program. Advising Requirement: Once the program plan is developed and approved, advising is recommended but not mandatory each semester for Interdisciplinary Studies students. For further information, consult the graduate coordinator. Interdisciplinary Studies Course Offerings Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. IDST 689 Internship 1.0-6.0 FS Prerequisites: faculty permission. Students may register for an Internship for 1 to 6 units. Credit/no credit grading only. IDST 698 Special Topics 1.0-3.0 FS Prerequisites: faculty permission. Interdisciplinary graduate courses on current topics offered through a sponsoring department for 1 to 3 units. IDST 697 Independent Study 1.0-6.0 FS Prerequisites: faculty permission. Students may register for an Independent Study for 1 to 6 units. IDST 699 Master s Study 1.0-6.0 FS Prerequisites: faculty permission. Students may register for a Master s Thesis, offered as IDST 699T, for 1 to 6 units, or for a Master s Project, IDST 699P, for 1 to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 155

REGULATIONS GOVERNING GRADUATE STUDENTS In addition to reviewing policies and definitions included in this section, you may want to consult the Academic Policies and Regulations section of The University Catalog for information concerning general university policies that apply to all students. The Office of Graduate Studies also offers a publication, A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, & Format, which gives additional information on planning a master s degree program, meeting all requirements, and writing a thesis. If you plan to pursue a second bachelor s degree, you should refer to the section Bachelor s Degree Requirements, and should consult the Academic Evaluations section of the Office of Academic Advising Programs for an evaluation of your status for meeting the degree requirements. Following is an overview of policies applicable to master s degree, credential, and unclassified students (i.e., students with objectives other than a master s degree or credential) as set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies. For information on specific departmental requirements, refer to the master s degree program descriptions in the academic programs section of this catalog. As a master s degree student, you are governed by the requirements that are in effect at the time of your admission to conditionally classified status for that degree. If you are making normal progress toward the degree and do not interrupt your program, you may elect to meet the degree requirements in effect either at the time of your admission to conditionally classified status or in the term that you complete all requirements for the degree, except that substitutions for discontinued courses may be authorized or required by the academic department offering the degree. If you interrupt a program, you may be subject to the requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Student Responsibility The university staff and faculty, particularly those in the Office of Graduate Studies, the department and, in the case of master s degree students, the graduate coordinator and graduate advisory committee, are here to provide advice and assistance in completing the application and degree or credential program. Although this assistance will help you fulfill the necessary requirements, ultimately you are responsible for meeting all requirements and deadlines, academic and administrative, as detailed in this catalog or elsewhere as specified by the Office of Graduate Studies or your department. Preparing a Master s Degree Program Plan in consultation with your graduate coordinator and graduate advisory committee and submitting it to the Office of Graduate Studies during your first semester will help significantly in insuring that you meet university requirements in a timely manner. Should you have questions on policies or procedures at any point in your program, both your department and the Office of Graduate Studies are available to help you. Graduate Coordinators Each graduate program has a designated graduate coordinator who is responsible for reviewing applications, assisting students in developing programs of study, endorsing study lists, maintaining records of all students enrolled in the program, and supplying information requested by the graduate dean. The graduate coordinator for your discipline will be able to respond to specific program questions. Change in Classification A change in classification is defined as advancement in the master s program from conditionally classified to classified status, or from classified status to candidacy. Normally a change occurs after specified departmental and university requirements have been met, and the change is initiated by the student with a request to the graduate coordinator. Change of Discipline You may change from one master s degree program to another through the normal application process in the Office of Graduate Studies. Admission to one degree program does not insure admission to another, and you must file an application for admission to the new program and meet all requirements in effect at the time of the change. Multiple Degree Objectives You may become a candidate for more than one graduate degree providing you complete separate programs of study in different graduate programs. No course may be counted toward a master s degree that has been counted toward any previous degree at any institution. An exception to this restriction is allowed for the terminal MFA degrees, and the individual MFA program descriptions in this catalog can be consulted for more information. A student may not complete two master s degrees in the same discipline even though an academic department may offer various emphases within the field of study. Pursuing two graduate degrees concurrently requires approval of both departments. You may also pursue both a master s degree and a second bachelor s degree concurrently. However, no course may be counted toward both objectives. Continuous Enrollment Students pursuing a master s degree must enroll each semester until the degree is awarded. Both enrollment as a regular student and adjunct enrollment satisfy this continuous enrollment requirement. (Special Session, Extension, and Open University enrollments do not.) Adjunct enrollment consists of registration in GRST 899 through the Center for Regional and Continuing, for which an administrative fee is charged. Registration in GRST 899 must be completed by the end of the fourth week of classes each semester (the university census date). Late fees are charged for non-compliance with this policy. No credit is earned for adjunct enrollment, but it allows you to maintain your status in the master s degree program and to make minimal use of selected campus resources, including the library, laboratories, computer facilities, faculty advisors, and the thesis editor. Adjunct enrollment serves both students who have finished their course work but have not yet met all degree requirements (e.g., terminal project, incomplete grade, etc.), and those who choose not to enroll in regular classes for a semester. However, it is not to be used to postpone the start of graduate study, and you may not enroll in GRST 899 during the semester of your admission to a master s degree program. Transcripts will be required of students who have attended another school while on adjunct enrollment at CSU, Chico. Master s degree students who do not maintain continuous enrollment may be required to reapply to the program that they have interrupted when they wish to return. They may be subject to any new admission requirements and, if readmitted, may be held to any new degree requirements. In addition, they will be required to petition to resume the program and complete late registration in GRST 899 for all semesters that they were out of compliance with the continuous enrollment policy. When students are required to reapply to return, the application fee will be waived upon completion of the GRST 899 late registrations. This policy applies to all master s degree students, including those who have completed all of the courses required for their programs. Postbaccalaureate Leave of Absence If you are a credential candidate or unclassified student and wish to break your enrollment in the university, you may not register in GRST 899 to maintain continuing status. Instead, credential and unclassified students in good standing may request to take a leave of absence from their program for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. You must have been an enrolled student for the semester immediately preceding the leave, and submit your request no later than the fourth week of the first semester of the leave. The form to request a postbaccalaureate leave of absence is available from the Office of Graduate Studies. Maintaining Good Academic Standing Master s Degree Students As a student admitted to a master s degree program, you must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master s program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses taken in fulfillment of your approved program. Failure to maintain a 3.0 average in any category will result in academic probation in the master s program. Failure to remedy the deficiency within one semester with appropriate courses approved by the program coordinator will result in disqualification from the master s program. Students disqualified from a master s degree program will not be allowed to enroll in any regular session of the university for at least one year, and must reapply and be admitted to a program in order to return to regular enrollment. If your major department finds that you do not satisfy established criteria in the discipline, you will be terminated in that discipline upon receipt by the Office of Graduate Studies of a letter from the graduate coordinator requesting such termination. All Postbaccalaureate Students You will be placed on academic probation for any semester of enrollment in which either your Chico grade point average or your cumulative grade point average (which includes all transferred work) falls below 2.0 for all courses taken beyond the baccalaureate. While on academic probation, you will become subject to academic disqualification if at the end of a spring semester of enrollment either your Chico or cumulative grade point average remains below 2.0. If disqualified, you will not be allowed to continue in the university for at least a year and unless you are reinstated. Disqualified students may take self-support courses through Continuing but will not be allowed to take courses through the Open University program without special permission. 156

You may also become subject to academic disqualification while not on academic probation if your cumulative grade point average falls below 1.0 and the cumulative grade point average is so low that in view of your overall educational record, it seems unlikely that the deficiency will be removed within a reasonable period. Definition of a Full-Time Graduate Student Except as noted below, full-time graduate students are those who are admitted to a master s degree program and carry at least 8 semester units. For students with appointments as graduate assistants, teaching associates, or part-time faculty, half-time (20 hours/week) employment may be regarded as the equivalent of 4 semester units of graduate course work in determining full-time status. Appointments for fewer than 20 hours/week are pro-rated in determining full-time status. Note: For purposes of financial aid eligibility, students may not be allowed to count employment toward their full-time status; please consult a financial aid counselor. Graduate Credit for Excess Units Taken as an Undergraduate Excess units are defined as units completed in addition to the requirements for the baccalaureate. Chico students who meet certain conditions may have excess units taken in their final undergraduate semester approved for graduate credit toward a master s degree. To request approval of these units, you must: 1. Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 at the start of your final undergraduate semester. 2. Be within 9 units of completing all baccalaureate requirements at the start of your final undergraduate semester. 3. Take no more than 9 units of 400/500/600-level courses for graduate credit. Your total enrollment in units required for the baccalaureate and units taken for graduate credit may not exceed 15. 4. Submit a petition within the first month of your enrollment in the courses. Include the supplementary attachment to confirm that you will be held to graduate requirements in each 400/500-level course listed. You may initiate the petition process in the Office of Graduate Studies. After you have been cleared for the baccalaureate your petition will be reviewed to determine 1) that the requested units are in excess of the baccalaureate and 2) that you have met the policy requirements. You will be notified of the final outcome when the petition review has been completed. If you fail to graduate at the end of the semester or summer session during which the excess units were taken, the units will not be awarded graduate credit. All approved excess units will be noted on the record. However, inclusion of the units in a master s degree program is subject to approval by your individual graduate advisory committee. NOTE: The procedure to identify excess units for a credential objective is different than the one described above. A credential student wishing to apply units toward the fifth-year credential requirement must indicate that intention on the baccalaureate major clearance form. Master s Degree Courses While a graduate student is not prohibited from enrolling in courses at any level, only courses in the 400, 500, or 600 series may be counted toward a master s degree program. Courses numbered 400-599 are acceptable as credit toward a master s degree unless otherwise noted in the course description. Graduate students enrolled in 400/500-level courses will be held to more rigorous requirements than undergraduates and must earn a grade of C- or better to count them toward their program. Courses numbered 600-699 are open only to master s degree students, with certain exceptions, and are defined as requiring the identification of a theory or principle; the application of theory to new ideas, problems, and materials; extensive use of bibliographic and other resource materials with emphasis on primary sources of data; and demonstration of competence in the scholarly presentation of the results of independent study. At least sixty percent of the total units required for a master s degree program must be in stand-alone 600-level courses (those not cross-listed with 400/500-level courses). Any course to be counted toward a master s degree program must be acceptable for graduate credit by the discipline offering the course (i.e., a 400/500/600-level course that is not acceptable for its department s master s degree cannot be counted toward a master s degree in another discipline). Independent Study (597/697), Comprehensive Examination (696), and Master s Study (699) No more than a combined total of 10 units of Independent Study (597/697), Comprehensive Examination (696), and Master s Study (699) may be included in a master s degree program. A maximum of 3 units of Comprehensive Examination (696) and 6 units of Master s Study (699) is allowed. Independent Study (597/697), open to any postbaccalaureate student, is a course designated for a specific research project supervised by any authorized member of the faculty. Credit for an Independent Study (597/697) is controlled by the academic discipline offering the course, and the faculty member directing the study assigns either a letter grade or a CR/NC (credit/no credit) grade when the course is completed. You may receive either an RP (report in progress) or an I (incomplete) for a 597/697 course that is not completed in the semester of enrollment. You must complete course requirements and have the RP or I replaced with either a letter grade or a CR within one year of the date of the original grade assignment or a grade of IC (incomplete charged) or NC will be assigned. Comprehensive Examination (696) is a course designated in some graduate programs to give credit for the extensive research and preparation involved in the comprehensive examination culminating activity. In programs that offer the Comprehensive Examination course, you may enroll in, and receive credit for no more than three units of 696. The course should be taken in the semester that you plan to complete the comprehensive examination, and a CR/NC grade is assigned. Master s Study (699) is separated into a thesis and supporting research (offered as 699T for 1.0 to 6.0 units) or a project as defined by the individual department (offered as 699P for 1.0 to 6.0 units). In programs, course descriptions, and policy discussions, the 699 may be referred to without distinction as a thesis or project. Enrollments in 699 courses are supervised by the chair of the student s graduate advisory committee and may not be taken through Extension, Special Session, or Open University. The completion of a thesis or other terminal project and the supporting research for the topic will receive 1-6 units of Master s Study credit, and enrollment in 699 is required. Normally, enrollment in 699 is limited to classified students and candidates in a master s degree program, although restrictions vary among departments. The units awarded for a thesis or project are determined by the academic department offering the degree. However, in no case may a student enroll in, or receive credit for, more units of 699 than are required for the student s individual program. All 699 enrollments are assigned a grade of RP until all program requirements are completed. A grade of CR is assigned upon successful completion of all requirements for the master s degree. An RP assigned to a 699 course must be replaced with a CR within the time period allowed for the completion of the master s degree (i.e., as specified by your department, five or seven years from the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course on the approved master s degree program). Failure to complete the work within the specified time period will result in a grade of NC. Applying for Graduation with the Master s Degree and Participation in the Master s Commencement Graduation application materials and instructions are available for master s degree candidates from the Office of Graduate Studies. You must apply for graduation and complete the culminating activity for your master s degree program by the deadlines for your final semester listed in the Academic Calendar. You may not receive more than one degree during any graduation period (i.e., fall, spring, or summer). It is your responsibility to meet all university and departmental requirements as well as administrative deadlines for graduation. A wellplanned course of study and a clear understanding of the requirements will help to avoid last-semester problems and graduation delays. A Commencement ceremony for master s graduates is held once a year at the end of the spring semester. You are eligible to participate in the ceremony if you graduated at the end of the previous summer session or fall semester, or if you will graduate at the completion of the spring semester. Graduation with Distinction/ Outstanding Thesis and Project Awards It is possible to receive the master s degree with distinction by maintaining a 3.9 grade point average for all approved program course work and satisfying criteria established by the graduate committee of the program offering the degree. Students graduating with distinction are recognized at commencement and receive a special diploma; the notation with distinction is posted with the degree on the transcript. An Outstanding Thesis Award, initiated in 1988, and an Outstanding Project Award, initiated in 1991, allow special recognition of one thesis and one project each year. The outstanding thesis may be submitted to the Distinguished Thesis competition sponsored by the Western Association of Graduate Schools. 157

Library Privileges for Graduate Students The following privileges are granted to graduate students: 1. The loan period for graduate students is five weeks (35 days). 2. As a currently enrolled graduate student with a valid ID, you have borrowing privileges at any other California State University library. Mutual library privileges are subject to the regulations of the lending library, and Chico ID cards are honored at the discretion of the lending library. 3. You may reserve one of the lockers that are available in the library for graduate students by making application at the Circulation Desk and by paying a refundable deposit and a service fee. Maximum Course Load Master s degree students may not register for more than 16 units of work in any semester without the approval of the Office of Graduate Studies. The typical master s degree requires two years for completion, and it is strongly recommended that master s degree students register for no more than 12 units each semester. If you are pursuing a second baccalaureate, you will be governed by the same regulations as undergraduate students. Repeating Courses with Forgiveness Once you have a bachelor s degree, you may not raise your undergraduate grade point average by repeating a course originally taken as an undergraduate. If you wish to repeat a postbaccalaureate course with forgiveness of the original grade, you must file a petition in the Office of Graduate Studies. The petition must be approved by the appropriate program advisor, and approval may be granted according to the following stipulations: 1. The earlier attempt resulted in a grade of B- or lower. 2. A maximum of one course may be repeated with forgiveness (unless the undergraduate policy is applicable as indicated below). 3. No regression is allowed. 4. A course which may be taken more than once for credit may not be repeated with forgiveness. 5. Equivalency must be clearly established for courses originally completed at another institution. 6. You may not petition to repeat at another institution a course which was originally taken at Chico. 7. You must be enrolled in the class. If the petition is approved, only the last grade earned in the course will be calculated in the grade point average. If a petition to repeat with forgiveness is not submitted or approved and the course is completed, then the repeated course grade will be governed by the General Repeat Policy outlined in the Academic Policies and Regulations section of this catalog. Postbaccalaureate students pursuing a second bachelor s degree, a second major, a credential, or a minor are subject to the undergraduate repeat policy but must file the postbaccalaureate petition in the Office of Graduate Studies. Master s Degree Program Time Limit You must complete all requirements for a master s degree no later than five or seven years from the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course on the approved program. Consult the academic program chapter for your discipline elsewhere in this catalog to determine the time limit applicable to your program. In special circumstances, an extension of the program time limit may be granted to a maximum of no more than two additional years. The extension may require taking additional course work and dropping expired courses from the approved program, or validating expired course work (see Validation of Expired Course Work ). The approval for the extension and the duration of the extension are determined by the petitioner s graduate advisory committee, the departmental graduate coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies, in that order. Specifications for Master s Theses and Projects Preparation of master s theses and projects is governed by guidelines established by the Graduate Coordinators Committee. You should obtain a copy of these guidelines, A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, & Format, from the Office of Graduate Studies before you begin work on the thesis or project. Questions concerning thesis or project specifications should be directed to the thesis editor. Failure to follow the prescribed regulations may delay your graduation. Human and Animal Subjects in Research Any research involving human or animal subjects is governed by policies of the Human Subjects in Research Committee and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Proposals for all research using human or animal subjects must be reviewed by the applicable committee before the study begins to determine that it is either exempt from the need for review, or that it complies with policy. Guidelines on the use of human or animal subjects are available from the Office of Graduate Studies. Transfer and Extension Credit A maximum of 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension course work is acceptable toward meeting master s degree requirements, provided that the courses have not been counted toward any previous degree. CSU, Chico Extension and Open University course work are counted in this maximum. Master s Study (699) may not be taken through Extension, Special Session, or Open University. Any transfer or extensioncreditusedtomeetmaster sdegreerequirements is subject to the program time limit. The transfer credit limits for the terminal MFA degrees are different than the general requirement stated above. In addition, a certain amount of course work counted toward a previous graduate degree may also be counted toward MFA program requirements. Please review the individual MFA program descriptions elsewhere in this catalog for specific information. If the institution granting the credit you wish to transfer is regionally accredited and would accept the work for graduate credit toward its degree programs, the Office of Graduate Studies and your department may do the same. If you have transfer or extension credit that you would like to use as part of your approved master s degree program, you should discuss it with both your graduate coordinator and an Office of Graduate Studies evaluator at the time you develop your program. (Note: Neither University of California extension course work nor correspondence course work of any kind may be applied toward a master s degree.) Validation of Expired Course Work In conjunction with an approved extension of the time limit for completing a master s degree, expired courses must be validated by registration, examination, or other appropriate means. Expired courses are those taken five years or more prior to the date of graduating with the master s degree, or seven years or more prior to that date for those programs under a seven-year time limit. A request for an extension and permission to validate credit must be approved by your graduate advisory committee, your graduate coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies (in that order) before you begin validation. Validation by registration requires you to enroll in the expired courses as an auditor and complete all assigned work. The instructor of each course will notify the Office of Graduate Studies of your satisfactory completion of course requirements. Validation by examination requires the successful completion of a written examination or report covering the essential materials of the course. The instructor will file in the Office of Graduate Studies the final report or examination together with a written statement that it satisfactorily demonstrates current knowledge of course content. The report or examination will be kept on record in the Office of Graduate Studies until you receive the master s degree. 158

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