Master's Degree Programs, General Requirements

Policy on Master's Degree Program Curricula for the Semester Catalog, to begin 2026-27

Number of Units Required in a Master’s Degree Program

(1) A minimum of 30 semester units of approved graduate work.

(2) No fewer than 21 semester units shall be completed in residence. According to Title 5 § 40510, “[t]he appropriate campus authority may authorize the substitution of credit earned by alternate means for a part of this residence requirement.”

(3) No fewer than 60% of the units required for the degree shall be in graduate-level (5000-level) courses.

(4) Only 4000- and 5000-level courses are allowed in an approved graduate plan of study.

(5) Certain 4000-level courses may be completed by the graduate student as part of the degree program when this is consistent with university requirements, departmental master’s degree specifications, and the candidate’s formal program of study.

(6) In those programs where specific courses below the 4000 level may be essential for a student’s success, the student may be conditionally accepted to the program contingent upon completing those courses.

 

Core and Graduate Specializations

(1) The program core must include more than 50% of total degree program units. These units shall comprise requirements common to all students earning the degree, addressing a common set of learning outcomes for the program.

(a) Courses required in the core shall be drawn from specified courses, lists of courses, and/or course areas, and may include the units associated with the culminating experience.

(b) It should be demonstrable via course/PLO mapping that students earning the same graduate degree achieve similar learning outcomes regardless of specialization chosen.

(2) A graduate specialization is defined as an aggregate of courses within a graduate degree program designed to give a student specialized knowledge, competence, and/or skills.

(3) A graduate specialization shall include at least eight (8) semester units from specified courses, course lists, and/or course categories of 4000- or 5000-level coursework distinct from the program core.

(4) In order to ensure accurate reporting of enrollments and degrees granted, specializations must comprise fewer than 50% of the total degree program units.

(5) Courses in the specialization shall be listed separately from the degree program core on the curriculum sheet.

(6) Completion of a specialization shall be noted on the graduate student’s transcript and shall be shown on the diploma.

 

Culminating Experience

(1) The culminating experience for the granting of a graduate degree is the successful completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination. Programs shall determine the most appropriate culminating experience for their curriculum, and may choose to allow students to select from multiple options.

 

(a) Thesis

(i) The master’s 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 set of conclusions or recommendations.

(ii) The finished thesis evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation.

(iii) Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.

 

(b) Project

(i) The master’s project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields.

(ii) The finished project evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale.

(iii) The finished project is described and summarized in a written report that includes its significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation.

(iv) An oral defense of the project may be required.

 

(c) Comprehensive Examination

(i) The comprehensive examination assesses the student’s ability to integrate knowledge, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.

(ii) The results of the examination should show independent thinking, appropriate organization, critical analysis, and accuracy of documentation.

(iii) A record of each student’s examination questions and responses shall be maintained.

 

Course Unit Limitations

(1) No more than six (6) semester units shall be in student teaching.

(2) No more than six (6) semester units shall be dedicated to the master’s culminating experience.

 

Time Limit for Degree

(1) The time allowed to complete coursework in the formal study plan, including master’s culminating experience courses, is seven (7) years.

 

Grade Point Average

(1) A grade point average of 3.0 (“B” grade) or better across all courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree is required. Courses taken Credit/No Credit shall not be used in computing the grade point average.

 

Sources:

California Code of Regulations: Title 5, Section 40510 “The Master’s Degree”. Revised 11 August 2022.

CSU Coded Memorandum: ASA 2017-02 “Accurate National Enrollment and Degree Reporting”. Revised 1 February 2022.

CSU FAQ Document: “Frequently Asked Questions: Executive Order 1071, Revised January 20, 2017, Delegation of Authority to Approve Subprograms (Options, Concentrations, Special Emphases) and Minors and Coded Memorandum ASA-2017-02, Accurate National Enrollment and Degree Reporting”. Revised December 2018.

Academic Senate Resolution: AS-955-23 “Resolution on Graduate Curriculum for Semester Conversion”. Adopted 14 March 2023, amends AS-825-17 “Resolution on Academic Standards for Masters Degrees".

 

See also:

Cal Poly Policy: “Blended Degree Programs”. Revised 13 January 2023.