Graduation Requirements and Catalog Rights Policy
1.00 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide students with pertinent information regarding requirements for graduation.
This policy is deemed to be consistent with the University's commitment to the principles, goals, and ideals described in the Cal State Monterey Bay Founding Vision Statement and to its core values.
2.00 Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply. Students should be aware that other University policies may define one or more of these terms differently.
Baccalaureate Students: are students who are pursuing a Bachelor's degree and are also known as undergraduate students.
Graduate Students: are students who are pursuing any degree above and beyond the baccalaureate degree.
Credential-seeking Students: are students who are pursuing a post-baccalaureate credential or certificate.
Catalog Rights: are established by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, which grants undergraduate students the right to satisfy graduation requirements based on the catalog year in which they began their continuous attendance at any CSU or California Community College (CCC) campus. 性视界传媒 grants graduate students the right to satisfy graduation requirements based on the catalog year in which they began their continuous attendance at 性视界传媒. All students must remain in continuous attendance in order to maintain catalog rights.
Continuous Attendance:
For Baccalaureate and/or Credential-seeking students: at a minimum, enrollment in at least one course for at least one regular semester in any one calendar year. "Attendance" in a regular semester, regardless of the length of time, grade(s) earned, or the number of courses completed, is established if it results in a record of enrollment on the student’s official transcript [1].
For Graduate Students: graduate students must enroll every fall and spring semester (and summer, if required by the program) until the degree is awarded. “Attendance” in a term, regardless of the length of time, grade(s) earned, or the number of courses completed, is established if it results in a record of enrollment on the student’s official transcript.
Culminating Experience: is a graduation requirement for graduate students and may be a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam. See section 3.5.4 for more detail.
Latin Academic Honors: are earned through consistently high academic performance and are used to recognize outstanding students upon graduation. For more detail, see section 4.00 of the Academic Standing Policy.
Leave of Absence: refers to a period of time during which students neither enroll in nor attend classes, yet still maintain the rights and privileges ordinarily associated with continuing student status. Being on an approved leave of absence may not defer student loans, nor will it extend the maximum allowed time to degree for graduate students.
Post-baccalaureate: is a general term used to describe any program that is offered to students who have successfully completed a first baccalaureate degree program.
3.00 Graduation Requirements
Academic graduation requirements shall be identified in the student's catalog of entry into 性视界传媒. These requirements meet the standards of 性视界传媒 and the California State University System, as mandated by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
Students may be eligible to use an alternative catalog in determining graduation requirements and should refer to sections 4.00 and 5.00 of this policy for more information.
All degree requirements must be completed by the end of the term in the semester in which the student has applied to graduate for degree conferral. Graduate students must complete all degree requirements, inclusive of transferred coursework, within a maximum timeframe of seven years [2]. This time limit applies to all graduate students, including those on an approved leave of absence. Some programs may use a maximum time frame of five years. Students in these programs shall adhere to the time limit rule for their program.
3.10 Prohibited Coursework
Course units used to fulfill requirements for one degree (at either the Baccalaureate or Graduate levels) may not be used in fulfillment of program requirements for an additional degree. Blended degree-seeking students are exempted [3].
3.20 Baccalaureate Students
Undergraduate students shall earn a cumulative GPA, a campus GPA, and a major GPA of 2.0 or higher [4]. Letter grades of D- or better shall fulfill degree requirements, except where higher standards have been established [5].
A grade of C- or better is required in each CSU or transfer General 性视界传媒 course in English Communication, including English Composition (Area 1A), Critical Thinking (Area 1B), and Oral Communication (Area 1C), as well as in Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (Area 2) [6].
Some undergraduate degree programs may have more rigorous standards. Students shall adhere to the standards as identified on the degree program page in the University Catalog.
To be eligible for graduation, undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 30 semester units in residence at 性视界传媒, 24 of which must be upper division, 12 of which must be in the major [7].
3.30 Second Baccalaureate Students [8]
Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education may be admitted to 性视界传媒 as post-baccalaureate students to pursue a second baccalaureate degree. The major selected may not be the same as the previously awarded degree. For example, a student is not permitted to have a B.A. degree in Geology, and then apply for a B.S. in Geology.
Students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree are only required to complete major requirements, not any University Requirements nor additional CSU requirements.
In order to complete a second bachelor's degree at 性视界传媒, students are required to:
- Complete all major requirements associated with the 性视界传媒 baccalaureate degree. Courses previously applied to another degree may be used to satisfy major content requirements, but may not be used to satisfy unit requirements of the second baccalaureate degree. Transfer coursework may be applied to the second baccalaureate, though it is subject to evaluation by the academic program, who will determine whether the coursework is relevant and current to the major requirements.
- Complete a minimum of 30 units in residence at 性视界传媒 beyond the first bachelor’s degree. Of the 30 units in residence, at a minimum 24 must be upper division and 12 must be upper division in the major.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major and a 2.0 in all units attempted at 性视界传媒 since the awarding of the last degree.
Students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree are exempt from all other University requirements not specified in this section. They may declare a minor, though a minor is not required. Second baccalaureate students are not permitted to double major.
Latin academic honors are not awarded to students earning a second baccalaureate degree [9], however, students may be eligible for program, department, or other honors.
3.40 Credential-seeking Students
Credential-seeking students shall obtain a letter grade of C- or better in any course taken to satisfy program requirements, and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students earning D+, D, or D- grades in any course taken to satisfy program requirements shall be determined to have earned course credit but not to have satisfied the requirement.
3.50 Graduate Students
Graduate students shall obtain a letter grade of B- or better [10] in any course taken to satisfy program requirements, and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 of higher. Students earning C+, C, C-, D+, D, or D- in any course taken to satisfy program requirements shall be determined to have earned course credit but not to have satisfied the requirement.
3.5.1 Classification and Advancement to Candidacy for Graduate Students
Graduate students are admitted to 性视界传媒 with one of two classification statuses:
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- Conditionally Classified [11] graduate students are determined to require additional preparation before beginning the major program of study and shall meet with the program coordinator/advisor to determine their obligations
- Classified [12] graduate students are formally admitted to the program, and are prepared to begin the major program of study.
Once a student has received classified standing in a master's degree program, they must be "advanced to candidacy" prior to the graduation term. Students may petition for candidacy status after successfully completing a minimum of 15 units of graded work as a graduate student in courses that are acceptable to the respective graduate degree program.
3.5.2 Independent Study Courses in 性视界传媒 [13]
A maximum of six graduate level independent study units may be approved for use toward a graduate degree.
3.5.3 Credit/Non-Credit Coursework
The decision on how many units of courses taken Credit/No-Credit (CR/NC) and which courses can be taken CR/NC is left up to each individual graduate program.
3.5.4 Culminating Experience for Graduate Students [14]
Satisfactory completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination is required of all graduate students. These terms are defined as follows:
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- 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 data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evinces originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.
- A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to the professional fields. It evinces originality, critical 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.
- 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 evince 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.
Students engaged in research shall adhere to the Policy for the Protection of Human Research Participants and to the Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research and Instruction Policy of CSU Monterey Bay.
4.00 Catalog Rights for Baccalaureate Students [15]
An undergraduate student remaining in continuous attendance in regular sessions at any California State University campus, at any California Community College, or any combination of California community colleges and campuses of the California State University may, for purposes of meeting graduation requirements, elect to meet the requirements in effect at the campus from which the student will graduate either:
- At the time the student began such attendance; or
- At the time of entrance to the campus; or,
- At the time of graduation.
If while enrolled the student declares or changes the major, a major option, or a minor, the student may be required to follow the requirements in effect at the time of the declaration or change. Students do not lose catalog rights for GE and University Requirements by declaring or changing their major or minor, if they maintain continuous attendance, but rather are able to utilize two catalogs: one for GE/URs and another for Major and Minor requirements. Campus authorities may authorize or require substitutions for discontinued courses, or when there are incompatibilities between GE/UR catalog and major catalog, where appropriate [16].
Once catalog rights are established, absence related to an approved medical, military, or academic leave shall not be considered an interruption of attendance, provided that the absence does not exceed two years and is consistent with the 性视界传媒 Leave of Absence policy [17].
Undergraduate students who are not in continuous attendance or on an approved leave of absence may be required to reapply to the University, may be subject to any new admissions requirements, and may be held to the degree requirements in effect at the time of their readmission to the University. Students who have been academically disqualified may lose catalog rights previously established.
5.00 Catalog Rights for Graduate Students
Students admitted to a graduate program establish catalog rights by enrolling in and successfully completing at least one graduate-level course in their program. Students maintain their catalog rights through continuous attendance.
This means, if continuous attendance is maintained, students may elect to qualify for graduation from 性视界传媒 under the catalog requirements in effect either:
- At the time they entered the 性视界传媒 graduate program; or,
- At the time they graduate from the 性视界传媒 graduate program.
Once catalog rights are established, absence related to an approved medical, military, or academic leave shall not be considered an interruption of attendance, provided that the absence is consistent with the 性视界传媒 Leave of Absence policy [18].
Graduate and post-baccalaureate students who are not in continuous attendance or on an approved leave of absence shall be required to reapply to the University, shall be subject to any new admissions requirements and fees, and shall be held to the degree or program requirements in effect at the time of their readmission to the University.
Students who have been academically disqualified may lose catalog rights previously established.
Substitutions for discontinued courses may be authorized or required by the designated campus authority, usually the Graduate Program Coordinator.
5.10 Maintaining Continuous Attendance
A graduate student who has 1) advanced to candidacy, 2) completed the majority of required coursework, and 3) has the culminating experience or required field placements remaining must maintain continuous attendance each academic term until all requirements are completed. The culminating experience may include a thesis, project, comprehensive examination, capstone, portfolio, or other integrative requirement as defined by the graduate program.
If the student has completed the credits in the appropriate culminating experience and/or fieldwork courses as required by their program, or is unable to enroll for a reason substantiated by the program, the student must maintain enrollment through Extended 性视界传媒 in GRAD 699 (Continuous Enrollment) for one (1) unit.
GRAD 699 is reportable for enrollment purposes but does not apply toward degree requirements and does not count toward the total units required for the graduate degree. The purpose of this enrollment is solely to maintain continuous attendance and active status in the graduate program.
Registration in GRAD 699 must be completed no later than the enrollment census date for the term in which continuous attendance is required. Students may enroll in GRAD 699 for no more than four (4) consecutive terms or six (6) terms total during a single degree program, provided that all degree requirements are completed within the applicable seven-year time limit (see section 3.00 above).
Failure to maintain continuous attendance may result in inactive status and may require readmission to the program in accordance with University policy.
Students enrolled in fewer than four semester units should consult with Financial Aid and Campus Housing (if applicable) to determine the implications of their enrollment status.
6.00 Continuous Renewal
This policy shall be reviewed ten years from its effective date to determine its utility and appropriateness. This policy may be reviewed before that time as necessary.
s/ Interim President Carlos Vargas
Effective Date: 8/21/2026
Certification of Process
Reviewed by: Matriculation Committee, Policy Facilitation Team, Academic Leadership Team, Enrollment Management & Student Services, Associated Students, Academic Senate Executive Committee.
[1] 5 CCR § 40401
[2] 5 CCR § 40510
[3]
[4] 5 CCR § 40402
[5] See the Academic Progress Milestones for Undergraduate Programs
[6] EO 1100 and 5 CCR § 40405.1
[7] 5 CCR § 40403
[8] 5 CCR § 40509
[9] See Academic Standing Policy, section 5.20
[10] Credit/No-Credit grade modes may be available in some graduate coursework; see section 3.4.3 of this policy for more information
[11] 5 CCR § 41010
[12] 5 CCR § 41011
[13] 5 CCR § 40510
[14] 5 CCR § 40510
[15] 5 CCR § 40401
[16] 5 CCR § 40401
[17] See section 6.00 of the Enrollment & Registration
[18] See section 6.00 of the Enrollment & Registration