Graduate Admission, Application and Registration

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• Steps in the Admission Process
• Steps in the Application Process
• Steps in the Enrollment Process

Steps in the Admission Process

Admission Procedures

Both admission to the Graduate School and admission to a specific graduate program are required to pursue a graduate degree or postbaccalaureate credential at California State University, Stanislaus. Students are responsible to ensure that the requirements of both admission processes are completed by the published deadlines.

1. Admission to the Graduate School

Admission to the Graduate School is required for students to enroll in postbaccalaureate courses at CSU Stanislaus. Deadlines for application are published by the Office of Enrollment Services. To avoid delays, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Requirements

1. Completion of a four-year college course of study and a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or completion of equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities;
2. Good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
3. A grade point average of at least 2.5 (A = 4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and
4. Fulfillment of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.

These minimum requirements for admission to graduate and postbaccalaureate programs at a California State University campus are in accordance with University regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

2. Admission to a Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Program

In addition to Graduate School admission, program admission is required to pursue a graduate degree or postbaccalaureate credential at California State University, Stanislaus. Many programs employ a referral system, and students must be admitted to the program before they will be admitted to the Graduate School. In this case, students should apply concurrently to the program and the Graduate School.

Programs admissions are competitive and many have specific application deadlines. Some programs have one admission date per year. For these reasons and to ensure full consideration, students are encouraged to apply to the program as early as possible.

All master’s degree and credential program applicants may also be required to provide additional transcripts and test scores to their graduate program department or the Credentials Office. If you have further questions regarding the items you need to submit, please contact the program coordinators. Contact information can be found at www.csustan.edu.

Qualifying Examinations

Some programs require that students earn a specific score on a qualifying examination to be considered for graduate program admission. Examples of qualifying examinations include the GMAT, GRE, MAT, CBEST, and CSET. Contact the specific graduate program office for information on qualifying examination requirements. Students intending to make application to a graduate program at CSU Stanislaus should request that their scores be sent to the Graduate School. Qualifying examinations must be taken within five years of program admission to be valid. Information regarding registration, fees, and schedules is available from the University Testing Office or the Graduate School.

Admission Classifications

California State University, Stanislaus uses five classifications to identify student admission status. Once students have satisfied the requirements for admission to the Graduate School and/or program, one of the following classifications will be assigned.

Graduate Standing: Classified

Candidate satisfies all professional, personal, and scholastic requirements including qualifying exams for admission to a degree program. Admission interviews, experience, and measures of potential for success may also be used to inform competitive admission decisions.

Graduate Standing: Conditionally Classified

Candidate is judged by appropriate campus authority to have deficiencies which can be remedied with additional preparation. Programs which are at capacity do not have access to this classification.

Postbaccalaureate Standing: Classified

Candidate satisfies all professional, personal, and scholastic requirement including examinations for admission to an initial or advanced credential program. Admission interviews, experience, and measures of potential for success may also be used to inform competitive admission decisions.

Postbaccalaureate Standing: Provisionally Classified

Candidate demonstrates strong potential for admission but needs to complete prerequisite coursework for the program. There is a clear expectation that students will achieve a higher classification before their Provisional Classification expires after one term. If not, students must reapply to the program and justify their progress. This classification is also assigned to students who are seeking to clear their teaching credential or those who are earning a postbaccalaureate certificate.

Postbaccalaureate Standing: Unclassified

Student seeks to enroll in courses for professional or personal growth. This classification is assigned to qualified students who are seeking individual courses for personal or professional growth, attempting to raise a GPA or applying to a second bachelor’s degree.

Special Admissions

Early Start Alumni Admission Program

A last-semester senior who is within 9 units of earning a baccalaureate degree may enroll in an upper-division or graduate level course(s) and apply them to an advanced credential or master’s degree objective by requesting postbaccalaureate credit during the term in which they intended to graduate. The student must submit a Request for Postbaccalaureate Credit form to the Enrollment Services Office. Approval of the department graduate director is required. This action must be taken at the time of registration; retroactive authorization will not be granted. The student must apply to the University and the program for postbaccalaureate work.

Admission of Non-Resident and International Students

The Graduate School seeks to bring students from all parts of the nation and world to the campus. To ensure their success, non-resident and international applicants normally must be eligible for Graduate Standing: Classified status to be admitted to the Graduate School. All other admission classifications for non-residents or international students must be by special action of the program and have approval of the College Dean.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate TOEFL Requirements

Because English is the language of instruction at the University, students should be prepared to write their theses, examinations, and seminar papers in English. All graduate and post baccalaureate 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 do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum 550 total score and 54 part score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some programs require a higher score. Applicants taking the Computer- Based TOEFL must present a 213 total score and 21 part score or above. Applicants taking the Internet-Based TOEFL must present a 80 total score and minimum part scores of 20 Reading, 19 Listening, 16 Writing. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will substitute for TOEFL, with a minimum Band score of 6.5. Some programs may requirea higher score.

Second Master’s Degrees

Students are not permitted to pursue two master’s degrees simultaneously. Those wishing to pursue a second master’s degree after the award of the first must obtain the approval of the College Dean. Some restrictions apply:
1. Students may not earn a second master’s degree in the same field.
2. Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the first degree may not be used to satisfy the requirements of the second degree.
3. Students may not be awarded two degrees in the same degree-granting period of time.
4. A CSU Stanislaus student seeking to continue academic enrollment following the completion of the master’s degree must reapply to the University. The student must submit a new admission application to the University stating the new degree objective. If students seek readmission within one semester of graduation or their last registration, no application fee is required. All of the admissions, prerequisites, and program requirements of a second degree program must be met. Students are urged to contact the appropriate department for additional information.

Second Concentration in a Master’s Degree

CSU Stanislaus students who wish to seek a second concentration in the same discipline as their first earned degree may reapply for admission into a second concentration. Up to ten units of foundation courses from the first concentration may be allowed for a second concentration within the same master’s degree. Additional units in the concentration, electives, and a culminating experience must be completed for the secondconcentration.

Steps in the Application Process

1. Submit a complete, accurate and timely application.

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (e.g., master’s degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials, and those holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials at www.csumentor.edu. Applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree should submit the undergraduate application for admission. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduated the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application. Since applicants for post-baccalaureate programs may be limited to the choice of a single campus on each application, re-routing to alternate campuses or later changes of campus choice are not guaranteed. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it is necessaryto submit separate applications (including fees) to each.

Applications submitted online at www.csumentor.edu are preferable. A paper version of the graduate application may be downloaded at www.csustan.edu/academics/gradschool/forms_pub.asp. The CSUMentor system allows students to browse through general information about CSU’s twenty-three campuses, view multimedia campus presentations, send and receive electronic responses to specific questions, and apply for admission and financial aid. An application will be mailed if students call (209) 667-3129. An alumni application is available at the Graduate Schooloffice in Mary Stuart Rogers Educational Services Gateway Building 160.

The $55 nonrefundable application fee can be paid by credit card or by a check or money order payable to “The California State University.” The application and fee may not be transferred or used to apply for another term.

Students must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residence questionnaire, and financial aid forms. They must also submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301 of Title 5, California Codeof Regulations).

2. Await an acknowledgement of the application.

Students will receive an automatic confirmation if they submit their application electronically. Paper applications will be acknowledged within two to four weeks from receipt. Notification that space has been reserved may also include a request to submit additional records necessary for the campus to evaluate academic qualifications. 

If the application was filed during the priority filing period (see section above), students may be assured admission to the University (though not to an individual program) provided the evaluation of academic records indicates completion of all CSU admission requirements and campus requirements for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval states, this admission notice is not transferable to another term or campus, and does not include admission into specific programs. See the Graduate School chapter of this catalog for more details.

3. Submit transcripts and test scores.

Students must request an official transcript from each college and university at which they registered. These should be sent directly to the Graduate School. Transcripts presented by students cannot be accepted unless in a sealed institutional envelope.

Applicants who are in attendance at a school or college when transcripts are requested must file a transcript which includes verification of the subjects in which they are currently enrolled. After applicants have completed these subjects, they must notify the school or college to forward two supplementary transcripts showing the final grades for that term. No determination of admission eligibility will be made until all transcripts are received. Official transcripts must include a complete record of all previous college work attempted whether or not the applicant desires credit. A separate official transcript is required from each college attended even though one transcript may show work completed at another college. All records submitted become the property of the University. Records submitted by students who do not enroll are retained for only one year.

Graduate-Postbaccalaureate TOEFL Requirement

All graduate and post baccalaureate 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 do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum 550 total score and 54 part score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some programs require a higher score. Applicants taking the Computer-Based TOEFL must present a 213 total score and 21 part score or above. Applicants taking the Internet-Based TOEFL must present a 80 total score and minimum part scores of 20 Reading, 19 Listening, 16 Writing. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will substitute for TOEFL, with a minimum Band score of 6.5. Some programs may require a higher score.

Returning Students

Former students of CSU Stanislaus who are returning after graduation or any absence are required to submit official and complete transcripts covering attendance at any other college after enrollment at CSU Stanislaus.

Students seeking to enroll for extension or open university courses are not required to file official transcripts. Subsequent admission to the University’s degree, credential, or certificate programs will require completion of regular admission procedures. For more information call (209) 667-3061.

4. Receive Notice of Admission

The sooner students submit a complete application, the sooner their eligibility for admission can be determined. Once evaluators have completed their evaluation, they will notify the departments that administer the students’ programs. The department will make an admission decision and forward it to the Graduate School. Upon admission, students will be mailed an admission packet with information on conditions for admission, if any, registration and financial aid.

Hardship Petitions The campus has established procedures to consider applicants who would be faced with severe hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the Associate Director of the Graduate School.

Late Application The Enrollment Census Date is defined as the 20th instructional day in fall and spring semesters and the 6th day of instruction in winter term, and the last day to drop a course for summer term. Students at CSU Stanislaus who fail to graduate in the term for which they apply for graduation must reapply for graduation for the term in which they will complete their requirements to continue their enrollment at CSU Stanislaus. All other former students seeking enrollment must submit an application for readmission and pay a $55 application fee. Late Application filing period will be assessed a $15 late fee in addition to the $55 application fee.

Reservation The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs as the University, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the University.

CSU Visitors Program

Any student entitled to continued enrollment at one of the other 23 campuses of The California State University system may enroll at CSU Stanislaus as a visiting student for a term by following a simplified application procedure. Concurrent enrollment at two CSU campuses may similarly be approved. Students at CSU Stanislaus also may apply for visitor status at another CSU campus. CSU Visitor Status and CSU Concurrent Enrollment application forms are available from the CSU Stanislaus Enrollment Services Office and must be filed during the regular application filing period. Visitor enrollment will be considered for studentscurrently matriculated at other baccalaureate degree-granting colleges.

Senior Scholar Program

Enrollment in this program is limited to academically qualified California residents 60 years of age or older. Those admitted to this program will register after regular students have registered for classes. A fee waiver will be granted if funding is available. Priority will be given to applicants not currently enrolled at CSU Stanislaus who intend to enroll in a fulltime program with a degree or credential objective. Further information and applications are available from the Coordinator of Reentry Programs, (209) 667-3304.

International Students

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, international students include immigrants and those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or other non-immigrant classifications. The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on TOEFL requirement for graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are considered. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least eight weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those majors or programs with limited openings.

Transcripts

Effective August 1, 2006 (for Spring 2007 admission), students with coursework from countries other than the United States need to seek an outside determination of course work and degree equivalency to U.S. standards. 

The foreign transcripts must be evaluated by one of the approved organizations listed at the end of the Appendix of this catalog. These organizations are private enterprises that have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and they charge a fee for their services. Individuals pursuing a foreign transcript evaluation must follow the procedures outlined by the organization providing the evaluation. In all instances, original, official documentation will be required when requesting the evaluation.

When seeking the evaluation be sure to request a Comprehensive/Detailed Report, which must include the following:

1. Identification of institution(s) attended, dates of attendance, credential(s) earned, and the United States educational equivalent.
2. Individual courses taken with semester units.
3. Individual grade equivalents.
4. Course levels in terms of lower and upper division, graduate and professional level for each post-secondary course evaluated.
5. Overall grade point average.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

To help facilitate the timely reporting and monitoring of international students in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), has implemented the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS provides tracking, monitoring, and access to current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas). SEVIS enables the University to transmit electronic information via the Internet to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ICE requires CSU Stanislaus to report on a timely basis the occurrence of certain events. International students at CSU Stanislaus are required to immediately report the following to the Office of International Student Services:
Change of name
Change of degree objective
Change of address, phone number, or e-mail
Failure to enroll
Graduation prior to the end date cited on the Form I-20
Dropping below a full course of study without prior authorization
Failure to maintain status or complete student’s program
Beginning and ending dates for optional practical training (OPT) authorization
Work authorizations
Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of his/her being convicted of a crime.

Questions and concerns may be addressed to the Office of International Student Services at (209) 667-3158.

Health Insurance

As a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in the California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA): Association of International Educators. The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Call the Office of International Student Services at (209) 667-3158.

Steps in the Enrollment Process

1. Evaluation of College Credit
2. Health Screening
3. Registration

1. Evaluation of College Credit

The Graduate School will evaluate previous college work as it relates to the requirements of CSU Stanislaus. Evaluations will be forwarded to the departments that administer the students’ programs for admissions decisions.

Distance Learning Courses

Credit is granted for all transferable credit-bearing distance learning courses (whether electronic, television-based, or print and mail-based) completed at regionally accredited postsecondary colleges and universities in the United States with the exception being the 70 semester unit limit on community college credit. Students must have official transcriptsforwarded to the Enrollment Services Office.

Workshop Credit

Workshop credit does not substitute for course credit in a credential sequence and will not be applied toward the General Education, major, or minor degree requirements of the University. Workshops (formerly numbered 4920 to 4929) at CSU Stanislaus are open to both undergraduateand postbaccalaureate students.

2. Health Screening

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations before beginning their first term of enrollment. These are not admission requirements, but are required as conditions of enrollmentin CSU Stanislaus.

Immunization

Measles/Rubella All new and readmitted students born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide proof of two immunizations for measles (rubeola) and rubella prior to their first enrollment. Proof of such immunization (or immunity) is also required for certain students, regardless of age, who have increased exposure to these diseases. These include: students who live on campus, or who attended primary and secondary schools outside the United States, or who are enrolled in any practicum, student teaching, or field work involving preschool-age children or takingplace at a hospital or health care setting.

Hepatitis B All new enrollees 18 years old and younger must provide proof of having completed a three-dose series of immunizations against Hepatitis B prior to their first enrollment. This series is generally given over a 4- to 6-month period.

Note: Proof of these requirements must be submitted by mail, fax or drop box to the Student Health Center. Fax: (209) 667-3195. Phone: (209) 667-3396 If you fail to provide this proof during the first semester, a HOLD may be placed on your records, thereby preventing registration for classes the next semester. For more information, see the Web site at www.csustan.edu.

3. Registration

Students may register, add or drop courses, or withdraw from the University via the Web Registration System. This system is the only way to register for classes during the Priority Registration Appointment Period. After the Priority Registration period ends, students may also register in person at the Enrollment Services Office.

For the most current and complete instructions for the use of the Web Registration System and registration dates and deadlines, refer to the current “Schedule of Classes” at web.csustan.edu/classschedule. At the start of each term, students should verify the completeness and accuracy of all of their intended enrollment transactions through the WebRegistration System.

Students who register late may find themselves at a disadvantage in arranging their programs. Those who register after a term begins must pay a $25 late registration fee. A student who unofficially drops a course, or leaves CSU Stanislaus without officially dropping courses or withdrawing from the University through the Enrollment Services Office, may receive grades of WU, F, or NC. A student who attends a course without officially adding it through the Enrollment Services Office by the last day to add acourse will not receive credit for the course.

Students who do not attend the first class meeting after registering for a course may be dropped from the course by the instructor. However, a student will be held personally responsible for officially dropping unwanted courses through the Enrollment Services Office by the deadline to drop courses. (Refer to the section on “Instructor Withdrawal” in theAcademic Policies and Procedures section.)

Registration appointments are determined by units completed within class level in the following order: seniors, students in master’s and credential programs, freshmen, juniors, sophomores, and unclassified postbaccalaureate students.