You are in the official current online General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Division of Graduate Studies

Henry Madden Library
Harold H. Haak Administrative Center

http://www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies

Application to Postbaccalaureate/Graduate Admission

559.278.2448
FAX: 559.278.8340

SHARON BROWN-WELTY, Dean

More information on Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies

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 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 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 international students about the requirements and regulations for completion of a graduate degree and other special circumstances 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 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 417,000 master's degrees and 44,000 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.


GRADUATE 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., E.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.
Marriage and Family Therapy, School Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling

Creative Writing, M.F.A.

Criminology, M.S.

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

Engineering, M.S.
Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

English, M.A.
Composition Theory, Literature

Family and Consumer Sciences, M.S.*

Food and Nutritional Sciences, 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 Administration
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

Physics, M.S.

Plant Science, M.S.

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

Public Administration, M.P.A.

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

Reading, M.A.

Rehabilitation Counseling, M.S.

Social Work, M.S.W.

Spanish, M.A.

Special Education, M.A.

Teaching, M.A.

Viticulture and Enology, M.S.

---

Educational Specialist Degree

School Psychology, Ed.S.

---

Doctoral Degrees

Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

Physical Therapy, D.P.T., Joint D.P.T. ***

________

* Admissions to the M.S. in Accountancy, the M.S. in Family Consumer Sciences, and the M.S. in Food and Nutritional Sciences are currently suspended.

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

*** This degree is jointly conferred with the University of California.

---

Certificates of Advanced Study
Biotechnology
Composition
Criminal Justice Counseling Specialist
Dietetics
Educational Technology
Geographic Information Systems
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Teaching American History
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 funding opportunities for graduate students. This is available on our Web site at www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies at our e-Pubs link.

Teaching Associateships and Graduate Assistantships

A number of teaching associateships and graduate assistantships are available to graduate students who are enrolled in graduate 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 graduate 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 and Creative Activities Support Awards*

Limited awards of up to $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/doctoral student research and creative activities associated with a thesis or project. For further information, contact the Division of Graduate Studies, 559.278.2448.

__________

*Application/nomination forms are available at www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies under the "Financial Aid" link, then "Financial Opportunities through the Division of Graduate Studies."

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 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 www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies under the "Financial Aid" link, then "Financial Opportunities through the Division of Graduate Studies."

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, 559.278.2448.

__________

*Application/nomination forms are available at www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies under the "Financial Aid" link, then "Financial Opportunities through the Division of Graduate Studies."

President's Graduate Scholars Fellowships*

Each year Fresno State 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. Nominees must be incoming first-semester graduate degree or doctoral students for the fall semester.

__________

*Application/nomination forms are available at www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies under the "Financial Aid" link, then "Financial Opportunities through the Division of Graduate Studies."

University Scholarships for Graduate Students

Scholarship applications and information for postbaccalaureate/graduate students for the fall 2012-spring 2013 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 October 1, 2011 through February 28, 2012.

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, graduate 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 8 units of 200-level courses would be considered a full-time student. Three-quarter time and half-time are defined to be 9 to 11.5 and 6 to 8.5 "equivalent units," respectively.

Requirement for full-time enrollment for international students. The United States Office of Homeland Security (OHS) requires international students on non-immigrant F-1 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 a weighting factor of 1.5 per course unit.)

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 graduate 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 during the registration period on a Graduate Student Petition for Academic Overload. The form is available online at www.csufresno.edu/gradstudies under the "Forms" link, then "Enrollment/Registration." Students employed full time may take a maximum of 6 units.

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 required supporting documents such as official transcripts, scores from standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, MAT) or materials the program requires 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. All documents submitted become the property of California State University, Fresno and will not be returned.

The Graduate Admissions Office (located in Joyal Administration Building, Room 121) may be consulted during the time applications are being considered at 559.278.4073. For information on the status of an application, students may access the university Student Center at MyFresnoState, 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 need to be aware that most graduate degree programs, certificates of advanced study and credential programs require additional information prior to consideration for admission into a specific program. Students will be informed and directed to the appropriate place for submitting these additional admission materials within the csumentor.edu application process. Those interested in a second undergraduate degree should also apply through http://csumentor.edu using the Graduate Postbaccalaureate Application.

 

 

More information on Graduate Studies
Visit the Graduate Studies Web Site
Catalog Home
University Home