Graduation Checklist for Master's Students

Refer to the University Catalog for a complete list of requirements. You must satisfy the following requirements in order to be awarded a Master's degree from CSULB:

• Complete Coursework
  Complete the specific course and unit requirements for your master’s program. No course with a grade lower than a "C" may be applied toward the fulfillment of a degree requirement. Some degree programs require higher minimum grades for specific courses.
   
• Earn the number of units required for your degree
  Complete all required courses for your degree program which must contain a minimum of 30 units in upper-division and graduate courses. Some degree programs require additional units. For details regarding your particular program, refer to the University Catalog for the academic year in which you were admitted to your degree program.
   
• Maintain Minimum Overall GPA of 3.00
  You must maintain at least a B average in all courses completed during your graduate career at CSULB.
   
• Maintain Minimum Major GPA of 3.00
  You must maintain at least a B average in all courses completed to fulfill your major requirements.
   
• Earn a Minimum of 21 Units in Residence
  You must earn a minimum of 21 units as a matriculated student at CSULB. Some degree programs require additional units in residence.
   
• Complete Your Thesis, Final Comprehensive Exam and/or Project
  Some programs require both a final comprehensive examination and either a thesis or project.
   
• Satisfy Requirements within 7 Years
  All degree requirements must be completed within 7 years of the semester in which you attempted the first course for your program.
   
• Advance to Candidacy
  You must advance to candidacy (receive approval of your program of study from your Graduate Advisor). Master’s degree students typically advance to candidacy by the end of their second semester in the program, but must advance at least one semester prior to graduation. You must be enrolled when advanced to candidacy.
   
• Maintain Continuous Enrollment at CSULB
  Each fall and spring semester, you must enroll in courses or receive an approved educational leave.
   
• Be Enrolled in Your Graduation Semester
  You must be enrolled at CSULB during your graduation semester. If you have completed all coursework, you may enroll in the Graduate Studies 700 course through the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) if authorized by your department.
   
• Receive Formal Faculty Approval
  This does not require any action on the part of the student. Your department will notify you if your degree program is not approved.

Contact your Graduate Advisor for more information regarding the above requirements. 

• Incomplete “I” grades at CSULB must be resolved within one calendar year of receipt and prior to your planned graduation date. 
• Report Delayed “RD” and Report in Progress “RP” grades must also be resolved prior to graduation. 

You must complete all degree requirements before your degree will be awarded. It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks after the last day of the semester before degrees are posted.  

What does my “Graduation Status” mean?
 

Contact your Graduate Advisor or Enrollment Services for additional information. If you have additional questions, refer to Apply to Graduate Online.

If you are a graduate student and have already applied to graduate and need to change your graduation term, you will need to submit a Request to Change Graduation Term - Graduate Students (DocuSign).

You can view any holds you may have in your MyCSULB Student Center, as well as additional information pertaining to clearing the hold and the appropriate contact information for that specific hold. See Registration Holds for more information.