Degree Requirements
While each graduate program is unique in many ways, there are certain requirements for obtaining a master's degree that pertain to all students. What follows is a basic outline of the requirements for graduation with a master’s degree. For a complete description of all requirements, please refer to “Basic Requirements for Master’s Degrees” in the current Graduate Bulletin.
Program of Study (POS)
The Official Program of Study is essentially a binding agreement between the student, the graduate advisor, and the Graduate Division, which outlines the courses a student will take in order to earn the master's degree. The program of study is completed in consultation with the department graduate adviser and submitted electronically to the Graduate Division. The POS is typically filed at least one semester prior to the anticipated semester of graduation.
• What courses should be on my POS? Your Program of Study will contain the total units required for your degree program (see graduate bulletin for this information). The POS will contain required courses and elective courses, as well as the coursework associated with either the Plan A or Plan B option (explained below).
• Can I transfer units? Students are allowed to transfer courses toward their degree requirements provided they are graduate level units from an appropriately accredited university, taken as a graduate student, and have not been applied to any other earned degree. Students in most programs are allowed to transfer nine semester units (please see Graduate Bulletin for exceptions).
• When will my transfer units be approved? Your graduate advisor will include all requested transfer work on your POS. You will need to provide the Graduate Division with an official transcript for your transfer courses at this time. The transfer courses will be evaluated by the Graduate Division at this time.
Advancement to Candidacy
A student who has been advanced to candidacy has been officially recognized by the university as a candidate for the degree. In order to be advanced to candidacy a student must have an approved Program of Study (POS) on file, completed a minimum number of POS units, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students are typically nominated for advancement by their department, and reviewed for advancement by the Graduate Division at the time the POS is submitted.
Plan A Option (Thesis or Project) and Plan B Option (Comprehensive Examination)
All graduate students will, at the end of their program complete a “culminating experience.” This final step in the master’s process is satisfied through either the Plan A or Plan B option. You will officially declare whether you are on Plan A or B at the time your Program of Study is submitted.
Plan A (Thesis or Project)
A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and the methods of gathering information, and analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization, language, and format, high level of writing competency, and thorough documentation.
Your thesis will be supervised by a faculty committee consisting of two faculty members from your department, and one from another SDSU department. It is never too early to start thinking about your thesis committee! Identify faculty members that you work well with or that specialize in your area of interest.
For comprehensive guidelines on the entire Thesis/Project process, please read the SDSU Dissertation and Thesis Manual.
Plan B (Comprehensive Examination)
Students pursuing the Plan B will complete a comprehensive written examination in lieu of the thesis. The comprehensive examination is an assessment of your ability to integrate knowledge of your subject area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.
Your comprehensive examination will be administered by your department. Examination procedures, dates, and guidelines vary, so consult with your graduate advisor early and often regarding preparation for your comprehensive examination.
Grade Point Average Requirement
All students are required to remain in good academic standing by maintaining a 2.85 cumulative grade point average. Failing to do so will result in academic probation, and without substantial improvement, ultimately lead to academic disqualification. Please consult the Graduate Bulletin for detailed information regarding the probation/disqualification process.
In addition to the 2.85 GPA required for maintaining your academic standing, you must also maintain at least a 3.0 (B) average in each of the following categories to graduate with a master’s degree:
• All courses listed on your official Program of Study
• All courses, 300-level and above, taken at SDSU concurrently with or subsequently to the earliest course listed on the POS.
• Transfer units do not count.
Application for Graduation
Graduation is not automatic upon completion of your requirements! You must declare your intention to graduate by filing an Application for Graduation with an Advanced Degree. Contact the Graduate Division before the semester you intend to graduate to obtain information on this procedure.
