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Frequently Asked Questions


PLEASE NOTE:  IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL STUDENTS PURCHASE A CURRENT CATALOG FROM THE CSUDH BOOKSTORE OR VIEW IT ON THE CSUDH WEBSITE (http://www.csudh.edu/academicaffairs/StudentInformation/UniversityCatalog.html

The catalog identifies the rights and responsibilities of students as well as program information.  Students also will need to purchase a class schedule each semester.

Admissions:

Q.  What are the requirements for admission to the Graduate Programs in Education?

Admission to the University, a BA degree from a regionally accredited college or university, three years of teaching, a California Teaching Credential, a minimum of 3.0 or better grade point average in the last 60 units of upper division undergraduate coursework (or, a minimum score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Aptitude Test, or a minimum score of 500 on the Miller Analogies Test. Register for the MAT at the CSULA Testing Office, two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate study and school leadership. 

      Q. What if my GPA is lower than the minimum requirement?

A minimum score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Aptitude Test, or a minimum score of 500 on the Miller Analogies Test can be substituted for a lower GPA.

Q.  Are there prerequisites for admission to the program?

All applicants to the Master’s programs must pass the Graduate Writing Exam (GWE) or its equivalent. Students graduating from any California State University, except CSUDH, beginning in 1985 meet the requirement and do not have to take the exam. CSUDH graduates need to have a GWE score of 8 or above to meet this requirement. All other students need to consult with their program advisor (cohort coordinator) or contact our testing office at 310-243-3909 for information on this requirement. All applicants for credentials must have passed the CBEST exam. The program application has the different requirements for each individual program.

Matriculating Student
Q.  May I skip a semester without consequences to my graduate standing?
Students wishing to skip a semester of formal course work need to enroll in GED 600, which allows continuous enrollment in the university and access to other services on campus. Discontinuing enrollment for a semester (excluding winter and summer) will require students to re-enroll in the university and could delay graduation.

Q.  May I transfer units taken at CSUDH or other colleges into the program?
Twenty-one units must be taken in residency for all M.A. programs. Please see the program advisor (cohort coordinator) for approval and more information on which courses can be transferred. Students having post-baccalaureate course work taken at other institutions should bring transcripts and catalog descriptions to their initial meeting with their advisor (cohort coordinator), who will assess if such course work may count toward the M.A. requirement. In general, these courses should be the equivalent of CSUDH courses at the 400 or 500 levels. It is essential that students consult with an advisor (cohort coordinator) prior to signing up for courses that they wish to count toward the 31-unit M.A. requirement. The Credit for Transferred Graduate Work form is needed to transfer units into the Master’s program. A Request for Course Substitution form is needed to substitute courses for any credential program.

Q. What is an advising hold?

An advising hold is put on all students’ records each semester to ensure that students meet with their advisor (cohort coordinator). Your cohort coordinator is your mentor and faculty member who will assist you with advising holds. 

Q.  Who is my advisor?

Your cohort coordinator is your coach, mentor, and support throughout the EAD program.

 Q.  What is a Change of Objective form used for?

This form is to be used ONLY by currently enrolled post baccalaureate or graduate students in good standing who wish to change their academic objective or their status within a program.  You must attach an unofficial copy of transcripts reflecting the last 60 units of coursework to this form and submit it to the Graduate Studies office located in Welch Hall, room A340.  Deadline dates are:

January for Spring, May for Summer, and August for Fall.

Q.  When should I apply for graduation?

Each prospective graduate must file for graduation. The application and advisement forms can be picked up in the Graduate Education Office, COE/1010. The application form should be taken to the cashier’s office with the $35.00 payment fee, during the following filing periods:

If you anticipate Graduation: You must file the application during the PRECEDING: You must file advisement form(s) no later than:

           Fall semester                   see your cohort coordinator or the GED staff in the GED office

           Spring semester              see your cohort coordinator or the GED staff in the GED office

           Summer session              see your cohort coordinator or the GED staff in the GED office            

Failure to apply in accordance with this schedule will result in your Degree Check not being completed in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with their advisor (cohort coordinator) and request that all requisite paperwork be completed and submitted to the Graduation Unit.

Q.  What do I do when I am done with my credential course work?

After you have completed all your course work and fieldwork, you need to apply to the CCTC for your credential. You can pick up the application in the Student Services Center located in Small College, building 5 or apply on line (see credential application on the EAD web site). The application will have instructions and required documents. Please read it carefully. After you have completed the application and attached all the required documents, you turn the paperwork back in to the Student Services Center.