GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
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

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.

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, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 units, (please note that the PPS program requires at least a 3.0 GPA), a program application (which will give you the different requirements for each individual program), three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate study.

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

Students should see the individual program advisor as each program has different requirements for students with low GPAs.

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 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.

Q. How do I apply to the graduate program?

All prospective graduate students must file the following with the CSUDH Admissions Office:

1. An application to the University which is available online at www.csumentor.edu
2. Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended other than CSUDH.
3. A processing fee of $55.00. There is a $15.00 late fee charge.
4. An Application to the Program. It can be downloaded at www.csudh.edu/coe/gednew there is a $50.00 processing fee. After you have completed the application, attach all required documents and return it to the Student Services Center by the appropriate deadline. Students are strongly urged to apply by June 1st for the fall semester and November 1st for the spring semester

(Please note that the EAD program only accepts applications for the fall semester). A program applications evaluator will evaluate the application and will then send the student a letter of acceptance or denial in approximately 4 weeks.

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?

Students in the TED credential program at CSUDH may transfer up to nine units toward the 30-unit M.A. requirement for the Teaching Curriculum and the Multicultural programs. Twenty-One units must be taken in residency for all M.A. programs. Please see the program advisor 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, 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 prior to signing up for courses that they wish to count toward the 30-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 advisors. Once an advisor has been assigned, the student must confer with the advisor each semester prior to registration to ensure that the student is taking the appropriate course work in the proper sequence.
Your advisor will then give you an advising hold slip to take to the GED secretary to have your advising hold lifted.

Q. Who is my advisor?

Students are assigned an advisor as soon as they are admitted to the Graduate Education Division for a specific program (master’s degree, credential, or certificate). Students who are uncertain about which program best meets their professional goals may meet with the department chairperson to discuss the range of options.

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 You must file the application You must file advisement
Graduation: no later than: form(s) no later than:
Fall semester May 15th June 1st
Spring semester November 15th December 1st
Summer session March 15th April 1st

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 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. 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. You should receive your C-19 letter in about 4 weeks after you submit your paperwork. Receipt of the actual credential can take 3 to 6 months.