You are in the official 2007-2008 General Catalog for California State University, Fresno.

Division of Graduate Studies

Thomas Administration Building, Room 132
e-mail: Shirlee Fulton

http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies

Application to Postbaccalaureate/Graduate Admission

559.278.2448
FAX: 559.278.4658

DIANNE K. DICKERSON, Associate Dean

Students studying for advanced degrees at California State University, Fresno are a distinctive and valued part of the university. One in five Fresno State students is enrolled at a more advanced level as a postbaccalaureate or graduate student. More than 3,000 such students are enrolled in studies leading to a graduate degree at either the master's or doctoral level, or to the attainment of an advanced credential or a certificate of advanced study.

There are many reasons, both academic and personal, that have drawn these individuals to California State University, Fresno. Some have come in recognition of the excellence of the university's graduate programs, many of which are nationally recognized by external accrediting agencies. Others have been attracted by a sterling group of graduate faculty members who take seriously the requirement to be teacher-scholars and have garnered many awards in teaching and research. Other students have come because of the availability of outstanding facilities that encourage student research and professional development. The natural laboratories of the adjacent Sierra Nevada mountain range and the geography of the large central valley of California provide exciting dimensions for those interested in environmental and ecological research. Collaborative sites jointly operated with governmental agencies and other universities exist in areas such as biomedical research, marine sciences, engineering, agriculture, business, and education. With a campus focus on both applied and theoretical research, students can be more readily assured of an opportunity to match their interests with those of the faculty members.

The Henry Madden Library holdings include one million volumes and nearly 2,600 periodicals and major collections in areas such as music, maps, governmental documents, rare books, and curriculum materials. Library services, such as the interlibrary loan program and electronic database searches, ensure library support for students.

The university also has a history of attracting scholars from many areas of the world. These scholars may join the faculty or present special lectures, and often engage in joint research and publication efforts with Fresno State faculty. Through these scholars, graduate students are exposed to a significant network of nationally recognized colleagues.

Administrative Organization

The Division of Graduate Studies includes all departments and academic units within the university that offer graduate courses and programs leading to advanced degrees . The chief administrative officer of the Division of Graduate Studies is the graduate dean, who has general responsibility for the development, planning, assessment, improvement, and administration of postbaccalaureate and graduate programs offered by the university. Within this charge, the division administers all graduate student record functions, including admissions, student academic progress, and evaluations; develops opportunities for providing student fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships; and provides support for research and professional scholarship activities for faculty and graduate students.

Housed within the Division of Graduate Studies are the special admission, program, and degree evaluators, and the thesis consultant. They advise both domestic and foreign students about the requirements and regulations for completion of a graduate degree and other special problems that may arise. Staff members in the division provide general information to graduate students.

The responsibilities of the Division of Graduate Studies are complex and decentralized to include the eight academic colleges and schools of the university and the departments within them housing the graduate programs offered by the campus. Each program has a graduate program coordinator who often serves as the initial point of contact for entering graduate students. The faculty members in the department who constitute the graduate faculty group have initial responsibility for the quality and scheduling of courses (including special topics) and the preparation of course syllabi, examinations, projects, and theses.

As a member of the graduate faculty, the major professor/adviser for a student is responsible for guiding the student in selecting appropriate courses, research problems, and professional experiences. Moreover, the major professor/adviser is important as both a colleague and mentor in facilitating the intellectual development and maturation of the student within the discipline.

The chief consultative body responsible for formulating and recommending policies, standards, and procedures is the university's Graduate Committee. This committee is composed of eight faculty members elected by the faculty, one graduate student member, and the graduate dean.

The Graduate Student Body

The Division of Graduate Studies is proud of the diversity of its graduate student body. Graduate students come from a variety of ethnic, racial, and age groups, and represent many nationalities and countries throughout the world. They present a mosaic of personal values, beliefs, and experiences that enrich the dialogue of campus conversations. Whether these students are recent graduates of bachelor's degree programs or are returning students, they constitute a dynamic group on campus. The diversity of the student body thus presents a very special opportunity for all part-time and full -time graduate students to establish a vast, collegial network.

For those students who make up the graduate student body, success in the pursuit of a graduate degree depends upon active cooperation with their faculty advisers and instructors. Graduate students are expected to develop the ability to critically seek out and analyze facts, sift evidence, master theories and advanced techniques of professional inquiry, and demonstrate these abilities orally and in writing. Moreover, they must risk giving their informed opinions and be ready to accept criticism and advice rendered by faculty mentors and student colleagues. The pursuit of an advanced degree also requires that participants demonstrate an essential degree of independence and self -motivation in acquiring knowledge in their field of study. The rewards for those who succeed are many, as evidenced by the rapidly growing number of individuals nationwide who earn a graduate degree. Currently, more than 406,000 master's degrees and 45,000 doctoral degrees are awarded annually in the United States.

Graduate Degrees and Programs

There is great variety in the nature and scope of the graduate programs, options, concentrations, and emphases available at California State University, Fresno. Those that are officially recognized and for which the university is authorized to confer a degree are listed below. Additional areas of specialization, although not officially recognized on transcripts or diplomas, may be obtained through selection of appropriate elective courses.

Master's Degrees and Authorized Options

Accountancy, M.S.

Animal Science, M.S.

Art, M.A.

Biology, M.S.
Biotechnology Certificate of Advanced Study

Biotechnology, M.Bt.

Business Administration, M.B.A.

Chemistry, M.S.

Civil Engineering, M.S.

Communication, M.A.

Communicative Disorders, M.A.
Deaf Education, Speech-Language Pathology

Computer Science, M.S.

Counseling, M.S.
Counseling and Student Services, Marriage and Family Therapy

Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Criminology, M.S.

Education, M.A.
Administration and Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood, Reading/Language Arts

Engineering, M.S.
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

English, M.A.
Composition Theory, Literature

Family and Consumer Sciences, M.S.*

Food and Nutritional Sciences, M.S.

Forensic Science, M.S.

Geology, M.S.

History, M.A.
Teaching

Industrial Technology, M.S.

Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A., M.S.

International Relations, M.A.

Kinesiology, M.A.**
Exercise Science
Sport Psychology

Linguistics, M.A.**
Teaching English as a Second Language

Marine Sciences, M.S.

Mass Communication and Journalism, M.A.

Mathematics, M.A.**
Teaching

Music, M.A.
Music Education, Performance

Nursing, M.S.
Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator, Primary Care/Nurse Practitioner

Physical Therapy, M.P.T.

Physics, M.S.

Plant Science, M.S.

Psychology, M.A., Applied Behavior Analysis
M.S.

Public Administration, M.P.A.

Public Health, M.P.H.
Health Policy and Management, Health Promotion

Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.

Social Work, M.S.W.

Spanish, M.A.

Special Education, M.A.

Teaching, M.A.

Viticulture and Enology, M.S.

________

*Admissions to the M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences are currently suspended.

** In these programs, a student may earn a degree without also declaring an option.

---

Doctoral Degree

Educational Leadership, Ed.D.


Certificates of Advanced Study
Biotechnology
Composition
Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist
Dietetics
Educational Technology
Interprofessional Collaboration
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Financial Aid, Fellowships and Scholarships

In addition to the information found in the Financial Aid section of this catalog, the Division of Graduate Studies publishes a sourcebook, "Financial Assistance for the Graduate Student," on opportunities for funding graduate students. This is available to students on our Web site http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies/epubs/index.htm.

Teaching Associateships and Graduate Assistantships

A number of teaching associateships and graduate assistantships are available to graduate students who are enrolled in master's degree programs and whose previous records show outstanding achievement in academic work, outstanding subject matter competence in their major fields, and the special qualities necessary to the duties assigned.

Eligibility for an initial associateship or assistantship appointment requires possession of a baccalaureate degree and admission to the master's degree program that gives the nomination, with at least conditional classified graduate status. Subsequent appointments require that students maintain a 3.0 GPA, be enrolled in coursework toward their graduate degree, and demonstrate satisfactory progress toward completion of their graduate degree.

Assistants work under the direction of an assigned faculty member and assist in such functions as the supervision of laboratories or other small groups, the evaluation of student work, the preparation of course materials, or the conduct of authorized research. Assistants receive a stipend ranging from $2,000 to $5,500 per semester. For specific information, write to the chair of the major department.

Graduate Student Research Awards

Limited awards of $1,000 are available each semester on a competitive basis to students in any academic area in the form of grants for special merit and quality scholarship of graduate student research proposals associated with a thesis or project. For further information, contact the Division of Graduate Studies, 559.278.2448.

Graduate Student Travel Grants

Travel grants are available to graduate students who have had papers and/or posters accepted for presentation at major, professional conferences or society meetings. For further information, contact the Division of Graduate Studies, 559.278.2448.

California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program

Fellowships ranging in amounts of up to $4,500 are available for underrepresented graduate students who qualify. The California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program seeks to increase the diversity of students completing graduate degree programs at California State University, Fresno and encourages continuation to doctoral programs and consideration of university faculty careers. It provides fellowships for economically disadvantaged graduate students (especially those from groups that are underrepresented among graduate degree recipients in their areas of study) and promotes faculty mentoring and research opportunities. Filing deadlines are in the spring for funding in the following academic year. Additional information may be obtained from the Division of Graduate Studies, 559.278.2448.

Robert and Norma Craig Fellowship*

These fellowships, awarding student stipends of $1,000 each, provide benefits for both graduate students and faculty. Eligible projects will include such mentored activities as research, instructional assistance, or other faculty-assigned duties. Nominations are due at the announced fall deadline, and must be jointly developed by the faculty member and the graduate student(s).

_________

* Application/nomination forms are available at http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies/financial/dgsawards.html.

California Pre-Doctoral Program
for Undergraduate and Graduate Students*

The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of California State University students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. The program provides travel funds for qualified students to visit institutions that grant the doctorate and/or attend professional meetings with a faculty sponsor. Students in the program may also be considered to participate in a summer research program at a UC or CSU campus. Additional information is available through the Division of Graduate Studies.

_________

* Application/nomination forms are available at http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies/financial/dgsawards.html.

University Scholarships for Graduate Students

Scholarship applications and information for postbaccalaureate/graduate students for the fall 2005-spring 2006 academic year will only be available and accepted online. Students may log on to http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/scholarships and click on Scholarship Application.

The "priority application" period for "full consideration" of scholarship opportunities has been established as September 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005. However, the application will remain on-line until May 31, 2006. This gives late applicants the opportunity to submit an application to be considered for unused scholarship funds.

In addition, each year Fresno State also awards entering graduate students two President's Graduate Scholars Fellowships of $3,500 each. President's Graduate Scholars may obtain a second year of funding if satisfactory progress is maintained.

Definition of Full-Time Student

Depending on the use of the term, there are several definitions of full time. For the purpose of reporting enrollments, students taking 9 or more units are considered full time and students taking less than 9 units are considered part time.

For the purpose of financial aid (loans, veteran's assistance, etc.), a full-time student takes 12 "equivalent units" wherein each graduate unit (200-level) attempted by a graduate student is considered as 1.5 units and each undergraduate unit (100-level or below) counts at face value. For example, a student enrolled for eight 200-level units would be considered a full-time student. Three-quarter time and half-time are defined to be 9 to 11 1/2 and 6 to 8 1/2 "equivalent units," respectively.

Under certain circumstances, a student enrolled in Graduate Studies Continuation (zero units) to complete requirements for the master's degree (including Thesis 299, Project 298, and the Comprehensive Examination) may qualify for full-time status or a fraction thereof. The Graduate Division will verify the student's appropriate status in such cases through his or her major adviser upon request from the student.

Requirement for full-time enrollment for international students. The United State Office of Homeland Security (OHS) requires international students on non-immigrant F-I and J-1 visas to pursue full-time study in a specific program for each semester of enrollment. Full-time study includes 12 weighted academic units of approved prerequisite, corequisite, or graduate program courses (Note: Graduate 200-series courses have weighting factor of 1.5 per course unit.)

• Using the definitions for full-time student status, international graduate students are advised to work closely with their faculty adviser to plan a program of full-time study for each semester of enrollment.
• Graduate program coordinators should not admit international students to their programs in those instances in which a sufficient number of courses are not expected to be available during each semester of enrollment in the program.
  
  

Maximum Study Load

Graduate courses require substantially more concentrated study than do undergraduate courses. A normal load is from 9 to 12 units, and the maximum allowable load is 16 units for full-time master's degree students when one or more courses in the 200 series are included. Requests for exceptions to this policy must be addressed to the Graduate Division on a graduate student petition for academic overload during registration. The form is available online at http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies/handbook/frm/index.htm#anchorcc. Students employed full time may take a maximum of 6 units. For maximum units during the summer session, see the Summer Session Catalog.

Application for Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Admission

Students are encouraged to plan and apply for graduate admission as early as possible. Completed applications are considered as they are received and thus there are many benefits to applying early. For example, it is often the case that available financial awards such as teaching assistantships and other financial aid resources, which are limited in number, may be granted only to the early applicants. Be aware, too, that a decision on an incomplete application is likely to be delayed. In many instances this occurs when supporting documents such as official transcripts, scores from standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, MAT), portfolios of writing samples, letters of recommendation, etc. are not received. Applicants are advised to ensure that these materials are requested and forwarded prior to or at the same time as the submission of their application. The University Admissions-Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Office (located in Joyal Administration Building, Room 121) keeps a record of all applications during the time they are being considered and may be consulted at 559.278.4073. For information on the status of an application, students may access the university portal at MyFresnoState, my.csufresno.eduhttp://my.csufresno.edu/. Prospective master's, credential, and advanced certificate students apply to the university online at http://csumentor.edu using the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Application. Students are also referred to the admission requirements described for each graduate degree, credential, or advanced certificate program elsewhere in this catalog. Those interested in a second undergraduate degree should also apply through http://csumentor.edu using the Graduate Postbacculaureate Application.

 

More information on Graduate Studies

Visit the Graduate Studies Web Site

Home