Section 40510 - The Master's DegreeTo be eligible for the Master's degree, the candidate shall have completed the following minimum requirements:
(a) Advancement to Candidacy. For advancement to candidacy for the Master's degree, the applicant shall meet the requirements of Section 41011, and such particular requirements as the Chancellor and the campus may prescribe.(b) Requirements for the Degree. (1) The completion of a specified pattern of study approved by the appropriate campus authority.(2) A minimum of thirty semester units of approved graduate work completed within a maximum time to be established by each campus. Such maximum time shall be no more than seven years nor less than five years for each particular program. An extension of time beyond the limit may be granted by appropriate campus authority if warranted by individual circumstances and if the outdated work is validated by examination, in the relevant additional course or subject field of work or such other demonstration of competence as may be prescribed. In the degree program: (A) Not less than 21 semester units (32 quarter units) shall be completed in residence. The appropriate campus authority may authorize the substitution of credit earned by alternate means for a part of this residence requirement.(B) Not less than one-half of the units required for the degree shall be in courses organized primarily for graduate students.(C) Not more than six semester units shall be allowed for a thesis or project.(D) For programs that combine a Bachelor's and a Master's degree into a single program (referred to as Blended programs), up to 12 semester units may be double counted for both the Bachelor's degree and the Master's degree so that the total number of units may be 138 semester units, provided that 1) none of the required graduate classes is replaced by an undergraduate class, and 2) the graduate classes that are also counted toward the Bachelor's degree either assume the more rudimentary knowledge taught at the undergraduate level or cover the content of the undergraduate courses that they replace.(3) Satisfactory completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination, defined as follows: (A) 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 evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.(B) A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences 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.(C) A comprehensive examination is an assessment of the student's ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The results of the examination evidences 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.(4) A grade point average of 3.0 (grade of B) or better in all courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the Master's degree, except that a course in which no letter grade is assigned shall not be used in computing the grade point average.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 40510
1. New Article 7 (Section 40510) filed 4-29-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 18).
2. Amendment of NOTE filed 3-19-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 12).
3. Amendment filed 1-12-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 3).
4. New subsection (b)(2)(D) and amendment of subsection (b)(4) filed 8-11-2022; operative 8-11-2022 pursuant to Education Code section 89030.1. Exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act and OAL review pursuant to Education Code section 89030(b). Submitted to OAL for filing and printing only pursuant to Education Code section 89030.1 (Register 2022, No. 32). Note: Authority cited: Sections 66600, 89030 and 89035, Education Code. Reference: Section 89030, Education Code.
1. New Article 7 (Section 40510) filed 4-29-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 18).
2. Amendment of NOTE filed 3-19-82; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 82, No. 12).
3. Amendment filed 1-12-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 3).
4. New subsection (b)(2)(D) and amendment of subsection (b)(4) filed 8-11-2022; operative 8/11/2022 pursuant to Education Code section 89030.1. Exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act and OAL review pursuant to Education Code section 89030(b). Submitted to OAL for filing and printing only pursuant to Education Code section 89030.1 (Register 2022, No. 32).