Graduate Learning Outcomes
The CSUMB Graduate Learning Outcomes state the knowledge, skills, and abilities that CSUMB students have acquired and demonstrate upon graduation. These outcomes are guided by the Founding Vision Statement, the University Mission, its Core Values, and Academic Goals, so CSUMB graduates are poised to contribute to a just and sustainable world that promotes human rights, environmental integrity, and economic vitality for present and future generations.
GLO 1: Intellectual Skills
Post-baccalaureate and graduate students apply critical thinking, written and oral communication, information literacy, and quantitative reasoning skills appropriate to their field of study.
GLO 2: Ethical Responsibility
Post-baccalaureate and graduate students reason ethically and contribute to the public welfare or common good as appropriate to their field of study.
GLO 3: Integrative Knowledge
Post-baccalaureate and graduate students integrate knowledge, skills, and experiences across disciplines appropriate to their field of study, and apply their training in complex, interdisciplinary contexts.
GLO 4: Specialized Knowledge
Post-baccalaureate and graduate students apply and synthesize knowledge, theories, methods, and research to address challenges and opportunities in their field of study.
Graduate Requirements
Completion of a master’s degree requires:
- Passing the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement;
- Completion of the final approved program and special program requirements, identified in the student’s catalog of entry; and,
- Completion of a Culminating Experience as defined below.
Advancement to Degree Candidacy
Once you have completed matriculation and received classified standing in a master’s degree curriculum, you must be advanced to candidacy prior to receiving your degree. You may be advanced to candidacy after completing a minimum of 15 credits of graded work as a graduate student in courses that are acceptable to the respective graduate degree program.
After satisfactory completion of any required examinations and satisfaction of the criteria noted above, you and your advisor should submit the Request for Advancement to Candidacy form listing all remaining courses and other requirements which you must fulfill to receive your degree. This must be done prior to your last semester.
Course Credit Time Limit
The California Code of Regulations (Section 40510(b)(2), Title 5, Education) requires that students complete all degree requirements, inclusive of transferred coursework, within a maximum timeframe of seven years. This time limit applies to all graduate students, including those on an approved leave of absence. Some programs may use a maximum time frame of five years. Students in these programs shall adhere to the more stringent rule.
Validation of Expired Coursework
In conjunction with an approved extension of the time limit for completing your master’s degree, you must validate expired courses by registration, examination, or other appropriate means. Expired courses are those taken seven years or more prior to the date of graduating with your master’s degree.
You must submit any request for an extension and permission to validate courses for credit through your graduate advisor to the appropriate program designee.
Culminating Experience
Satisfactory completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination, defined as follows:
- A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evinces originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.
- A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to the professional fields. It evinces originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required.
- A comprehensive examination is an assessment of the student’s ability to integrate knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The results of the examination evince independent thinking, appropriate organization, critical analysis, and accuracy of documentation. A record of the examination questions and responses shall be maintained in accordance with the records retention policy of the California State University.
Applying for Graduation
Graduate degree candidates follow the same graduation application process and timelines as undergraduate candidates. Visit the Classes & Planning website for specific forms and guidelines.
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