You are in the official 2001-2002 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Degree Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

A student must complete the following requirements in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. Requirements are described in detail in the latter part of this section. Most students accumulate a combination of units in the major, General Education, and nondesignated electives in order to fulfill the requirements of a baccalaureate degree. These requirements are fulfilled when a student successfully completes:

1. a minimum of 124 semester units (most B.S. degree programs require 128 or more units)
2. an academic major
3. General Education requirements
4. Specific course/skill requirements: (a) English Composition (English 1 or equivalent); (b) United States History (History 11 or 12); (c) United States and California Constitution (Political Science 2 or 101); (d) Upper-division writing skills
5. a minimum of 30 residence units, of which 24 must be upper division, 12 in the major, and 9 in General Education
6. a minimum of 40 upper-division units
7. a minimum of a C average for units in the major, all California State University, Fresno units, and total units.

To receive the degree, a student files an application for graduation obtained from the Office of Evaluations after paying the graduation fee at the cashier's window in the Joyal Administration Building by one of the published deadlines.

Dual (Concurrent) Major Requirements

Undergraduate students may desire to complete the requirements for more than one major at the time of completion of the baccalaureate degree (i.e., graduate with a dual major). When students apply for graduation, they must designate which is the primary degree major. Minimum requirements and exceptions for dual majors are as follows:

• Dual B.A. majors must include a minimum of 24 units exclusive of the other major, 12 of which must be upper-division.
• Dual B.S. majors must include a minimum of 36 units exclusive of the other major, 18 of which must be upper-division.
• Units may be double-counted for both majors above 24 mutually exclusive units (12 upper-division) in B.A. programs and 36 units (18 upper-division) in B.S. programs.
• Courses in General Education may be used to fulfill secondary major requirements.
• Students may not earn a special major as a dual major.

Special Major for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

The special major for a Bachelor of Arts degree provides an opportunity for students to engage in an individualized course of study leading to a degree when legitimate academic and professional goals are not accommodated by standard degree majors. The special major consists of correlated studies in two or more fields. It is not intended as a means of bypassing normal graduation requirements or a means by which students may graduate who fail to complete the degree major in which they are enrolled. Also, students may not earn a special major as a dual major, and postbaccalaureate students are not eligible to earn a special major at the baccalaureate level.

The special major must be approved in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, with approval based upon a case-by-case justification. Candidates must have one full year of academic work (at least 30 units) still to be completed to meet minimum degree requirements. The minimum requirement for the special major is an approved program of 45 units at least 30 units of which must be upper-division work. Units applied to General Education requirements may not be counted. Also, a maximum of 6 independent study units may be included in the special major program. Any exception to this limit must be approved in writing by the provost and vice president for academic affairs upon written recommendation by the special major adviser prior to registration for the additional units.

Students requesting a special major must obtain application forms from the Office of Advising Services. On these forms students must:

1. prepare a statement giving their reasons for desiring a special major in terms of academic and professional goals and why these goals cannot be met through a standard major
2. develop a specific list of courses which would, in their opinions, lead to the academic and professional goals stated above, and
3. secure the signed approval from the Office of Advising Services, as well as from the special major adviser and department chair in the areas from which the special major courses are drawn

Students must submit the foregoing material to the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for final approval. Upon graduation, Bachelor of Arts, Special Major, will be entered on the students' transcripts and diplomas.

Residence Requirements

The residence requirement for the baccalaureate degree specifies that 30 units shall be earned in residence at the campus granting the degree. Twenty-four of these units shall be earned in upper -division courses, 12 of the units shall be in the major, and 9 units shall be in General Education. The residence requirement for graduate students is 21 units.

Extension credit and credit by evaluation, including credit by examination, may not be used to fulfill the above described requirements.

Specific Course/Skill Requirements

English Requirement. English 1, Composition, or its equivalent is a university graduation requirement that should be completed before the end of the fourth semester of university attendance. (A grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade to satisfy this requirement.) The English Placement Test does not substitute for English 1. See English Placement Test for test scores prerequisite to enrollment in English 1.

U.S. History and Government Requirements. Undergraduate and second baccalaureate degree candidates must demonstrate competence with respect to the Constitution of the United States, American history, and in the principles of state and local government of California in order to graduate. This may be done by passing examinations or by completing History 11 or 12 and Political Science 2 or 101. (In cases in which students have completed the federal government requirement, Political Science 102 [1 unit] will fulfill the California government requirement.) ( See History Department -- American History Requirement , Political Science Department -- United States Constitution Requirement, and General Education CORE.)

Upper-Division Writing Skills (UDWS) Requirement. All undergraduate and second baccalaureate degree candidates must demonstrate competency in writing skills at the upper-division (junior -senior) level as a requirement for graduation. Students may meet this requirement in either of two ways after completing 60 units:

1. Passing the Upper-Division Writing Examination (UDWE) composed of both an essay and an objective component. This examination is given several times each year, including once before the beginning of each semester. Students are permitted to take the examination a maximum of two times. Upon successful completion of the UDWE, undergraduate students may request 1 unit of credit (ENGL 100W), which may be posted to their transcripts the same semester in which the UDWE was passed. For details, call the Office of Testing Services, (559) 278-2457.
2. Obtaining a C, CR, or higher grade in an approved upper-division course at this university. Approved courses can be identified in the catalog and Schedule of Courses by the letter W (e.g., ENGL 160W, IS 105W). English Composition (ENGL 1) is a prerequisite to any W course.

It is imperative that the UDWS requirement be met after completing 60 units. The UDWS requirement cannot be fulfilled by a class or test taken outside of The California State University system and cannot be satisfied at a CSU campus at which the student has not matriculated.

The UDWS requirement is not part of the General Education requirement. Passing the UDWE does not exempt students from taking a W course if it is required in their major, e.g., PLANT 110W.

Graduate students should consult Graduate Studies regarding the graduate-level writing proficiency requirement.

Remedial Courses. Students admitted to a CSU campus are expected to possess basic competence in the English language and mathematical computation. Students who require remediation should be placed in remedial classes during their first term of enrollment and should demonstrate proficiency by the end of the first academic year. Such remedial courses are designated by the letter R following the course number, except English A. Credits earned in remedial courses cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. (See Learning Resource Center.)

Unit Limitations

The following unit limitations apply to all bachelor's degrees:

1. A maximum of 70 transferable semester units (105 quarter) is allowed from two-year institutions (community/junior colleges).
2. A maximum of 8 semester units of Kinesiology (P.E.)/Dance Techniques/Athletics activity is allowed. (Kinesiology and dance majors may have credit for 12 semester units.)
3. A maximum of 12 semester units is allowed for work experience/internship/agricultural projects. (A maximum of 6 semester units may transfer into the university. A maximum of 6 semester units of the 12 is allowed in agricultural projects.) All work experience and internships are graded on a credit/no credit basis.
4. A maximum of 24 semester units at California State University, Fresno is allowed for CR/NC grading, excluding Credit by Examination. (See Credit/No Credit Grading for other limitations.)
5. A maximum of 30 semester units is allowed for Credit by Examination (excluding Credit for Advanced Placement Examination).
6. A maximum of 24 semester units is allowed for credit through Extension and/or correspondence coursework.
7. A maximum of 6 semester units is allowed for independent study coursework.
8. A maximum of 6 semester units is allowed for coursework in typing/keyboarding.
9. A maximum of 30 semester units is allowed for military service and/or education.

Second Baccalaureate Degree or Undergraduate

Major Requirements

Postbaccalaureate students (i.e., those who already hold a bachelor's degree) may pursue a program leading to an additional baccalaureate degree or undergraduate major. Students are urged to consult with a departmental adviser and with the Division of Graduate Studies to determine whether a second baccalaureate or graduate program better meets their needs.

1. Postbaccalaureate students seeking an additional undergraduate degree must complete the following requirements: (a) A minimum of 30 units in residence at California State University, Fresno since completion of the most recent degree, including 24 upper-division units. ( b) At least 12 units in the major in residence at this university since the last baccalaureate degree. (Departments may set higher requirements.) (c) All state and university requirements for that degree, including English 1, General Education, United States Constitution and California state and local government, American history, and the upper-division writing skills requirement. (These requirements may be met by courses taken in the students' undergraduate programs.) (d) All units required in the major. No credit may be applied from courses taken for an earlier degree. If required major courses were previously taken, the student must substitute, with the approval of the department, additional major courses. Graduate -level courses (200 series) may not be applied toward the requirements for a second baccalaureate degree or additional undergraduate major. (e) Completion of 40 upper-division units taken since the most recent degree was granted. (f) Filing of an undergraduate degree application and payment of graduation fee. (See Graduation.)
2. Postbaccalaureate students seeking an additional undergraduate major must complete items b and d above. The transcript will indicate that all coursework for the additional major has been completed. Students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree or additional undergraduate major cannot select the catalog used for the initial undergraduate degree. If students do not remain in continuous attendance, the requirements will be those in effect at the time they reenter the university or complete their programs. (See Choice of Catalog under Academic Regulations.)
3. Postbaccalaureate students may not earn a minor or a second minor.
4. Second baccalaureate students are not considered for university honors.

Postbaccalaureate Credit

Upper-division and/or graduate-level units earned at Fresno State in the semester or summer session in which the bachelor's degree is grapmµd are automatically listed on the student's permanent record as postbaccalaureate credit with the following exceptions:

1. Provided the courses are not needed for the bachelor's degree
2. Provided the student is neither on academic probation nor academic disqualification at the beginning of the final term
3. Provided the units are not in excess of stated maximum limitations (e.g., 6 units of independent study)

In addition, only credit for courses in which grades A, B, C, or CR are earned may be counted. No course may have its credit divided between baccalaure-
ate and postbaccalaureate programs; use of such credit for graduate degrees at California State University, Fresno requires special approval and is limited to one-third of the total units required in a graduate degree program. (See Graduate Studies - Advancement to Candidacy.) Only students with graduate standing may enroll in the following courses: 290, 298, 299. (See Graduate Studies - Criteria for Thesis and Project.) Use of postbaccalaureate credit for other purposes is to be determined by the appropriate authority.

Graduation

Students who anticipate meeting bachelor's degree requirements by the end of a term should obtain and file a completed application for a degree (with appropriate fees) with the Evaluations Office within the first two weeks of that term. The Graduate Office processes graduate degree applications. See Academic Calendar for filing dates and deadlines. Failure to apply before the final deadline will delay the granting of the degree.

The Evaluations Office checks students' applications for bachelor's degrees and reports to them regarding eligibility for the degrees. Degrees are not awarded to students with I or RD grades remaining on their records. Students receiving I grades during the final year that have not been completed (or changed to F grades) by the appropriate clearance deadline will not be considered for graduation that semester and must reapply for the degree. (See Incomplete.)

In order to be eligible for graduation, students must:

1. Submit an application for the degree and pay the graduation fee
2. Have been approved for graduation by the faculty
3. Have completed with appropriate scholastic standing all courses required for the degree. (Graduates receive their official diplomas by mail.)
4. Have filed official transcripts for all coursework attempted prior to graduation

It is the responsibility of students to be sure that all requirements have been met and that documentation has been filed with the Evaluations Office, or Graduate Office, by the appropriate deadlines. No additions, deletions, or changes to students' records are permitted after the degree has been recorded.
Honors at Graduation. Honors at the time of graduation from the university are awarded to undergraduate students based on the following criteria:

1. Students must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.5 on all work attempted.
2. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on all work taken at the university.
3. Students must have completed 45 units in residence at California State University, Fresno.

The grade point average earned at California State University, Fresno determines which honors the student receives:

Summa Cum Laude (highest honors) 3.90 to 4.00
Magna Cum Laude (high honors) 3.70 to 3.89
Cum Laude (honors) 3.50 to 3.69

Since the requirement for honors could change, students are requested to check the current General Catalog for the criteria in effect at the time of graduation.

A Four-Year Graduation Plan

California State University, Fresno pledges that a first-time freshman student may attain the baccalaureate degree in four years when a student follows the provisions and regulations outlined below.

To facilitate students' graduation goals, California State University, Fresno extends to qualified students the opportunity to engage in a formal partnership that assures timely completion of a degree. Students enrolling in the university's Degree Guarantee Program are pledged certain advantages that will facilitate progress toward the degree. Among these advantages are:

1. Guaranteed Course Availability. Students enrolled in the Degree Guarantee Program will be provided all courses specifically required for completion of their degree and major as described in the General Catalog and as articulated in the "Four-Year Program of Study" developed with their Degree Guarantee Program advisers.
2. Specialized Advising. Students will be eligible for advising every semester from specially designated Degree Guarantee Program advisers in their respective major departments (or, for undeclared majors, in the Office of Advising Services).
3. Highest Level Priority Registration. Students will not have their academic progress or graduation impaired by a lack of space in essential courses.

The Degree Guarantee Program is a partnership. Students share in the responsibility for timely graduation. To obtain a degree in four years, students must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Advisers. Students must meet with their designated Degree Guarantee Program adviser every semester beginning in the first semester of their freshman year for the purpose of: (a) reaching agreement on/or updating their Four-Year Program of Study, (b) considering available course offerings in relation to pertinent graduation requirements, and (c) confirming academic progress toward timely graduation.
2. Four-Year Program of Study. The program is a plan designed in consultation with a designated Degree Guarantee Program adviser to ensure completion of all degree requirements within four years. The Four-Year Program of Study form must be signed jointly by the student and the adviser and placed on file in your major department (or temporarily, for undeclared majors, in the Office of Advising Services).
3. Entry Level Math (ELM) and English Placement (EPT) Tests. Unless exempted, students must have taken these exams during the senior year of high school or the summer prior to enrollment as a freshman. Scores must be at a level that allows the student to enroll in college level coursework. Students who require remedial and/or developmental courses prior to enrollment in college level courses will require independent assessment as to eligibility for Degree Guarantee Program enrollment. Consult the current Schedule of Courses, i.e., the section on "Special Requirements and Tests" for guidance and dates.
4. General Education and University Requirements. Students must fulfill in a timely manner all General Education and university requirements articulated in the General Catalog for their year of entry. Students not able to obtain their preferred course and /or their preferred section (days and hours) must be flexible in selecting available alternatives to maintain degree progress.
5. Major. Students should select a major during the freshman year (unless advised otherwise) and must seek advising from the designated California State University, Fresno Degree Guarantee Program adviser in their major department so that degree obligations can be met. In many instances, changes of major will delay the completion of a degree. Students entering with an undeclared major should seek advising from the Office of Advising Services. Students must be sure all prerequisite courses, including "Additional Requirements to the Major" are accounted for in the student's academic plan for graduation (see Four-Year Program of Study, number 2 above).
6. Minor. Minors can be highly desirable and must be carefully planned in close cooperation with a Degree Guarantee Program adviser. Pursuit of a minor may require an increased total unit load.
7. Unit Load. Students must take a minimum of 12 units per semester (the minimum required to be a full time student) and complete an annual average of units appropriate for their degree program. (a) 124 Unit Programs. Students must complete an average of 31 units per year (which could include Winter and Summer sessions) to finish in four years. (b) 128-132 Unit Programs. Students must complete an average of 33 units per year (which could include Winter and Summer sessions) to finish in four years. (c) Programs Exceeding 132 units. In addition to an annual average of 33 units, students in these majors will be required to complete 3 to 7 additional units sometime during their four years of study.
8. Grade Point Average (GPA). The cumulative GPA, the cumulative California State University, Fresno GPA, and the GPA in a student's major all must be at or above 2.0. Students electing to repeat courses for purposes of grade substitution to improve their GPA must do so over and above the minimum articulated annual unit requirements if they expect to complete their Degree Guarantee Program within the originally planned time. Academically disqualified students may not be able to complete their Degree Guarantee Program in four years.
9. Registration and Fees. Students will use STAR (telephone registration) at the appropriate time window and will pay fees by the required deadlines.
10. Course Enrollment. Students will enroll and attend California State University, Fresno at those times (including evenings and weekends) when course are offered and available. Prior approval by the student's designated Degree Guarantee Program adviser is required before registering at another institution for courses intended for transfer to California State University, Fresno.
11. Financial Aid. If eligible for assistance, students must meet the appropriate deadlines each year and meet all academic progress requirements.
12. Senior Evaluation. Students must request a "Senior Evaluation" from the Office of Evaluations upon completion of 90 or more units to ensure readiness for graduation as planned.
13. Degree Filing. Students must file their application for graduation and pay the related fees by the university deadline.
14. Accountability. Students must comply with all administrative, judicial, and academic policies and procedures as well as all aforementioned conditions of the Degree Guarantee Program.

Noncompliance with any of the above conditions 1 through 14 may result in voiding the student's enrollment in the Degree Guarantee Program and the university's pledge to award the student a degree within four years. Nonetheless, it is understood that all degree requirements still must be met before the university is able to award a degree.

Enrollment in the California State University, Fresno Degree Guarantee Program is initiated by a student filing an application. Signing of this application by a student, his or her designated Degree Guarantee Program adviser, major department chair, and college/school dean confirms their mutual understanding of the respective obligations of the student/university partnership required for the achievement of a degree in four years.

Additional information about the Degree Guarantee Program may be obtained by contacting the the assistant to the provost for special projects at (559) 278-4775.

Commencement

Commencement is held annually at the end of spring semester. Students who have completed degree requirements in the summer or in the fall semester immediately preceding commencement are eligible to participate with those who complete their work in the spring semester. For additional information, see Kennel Bookstore, Student Life, and/or the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

Certificates

Many students want to study areas not covered by traditional degree programs to increase professional competence, to acquire paraprofessional training, to change careers or to promote personal enrichment. A baccalaureate or master's degree, or second baccalaureate or second major may be inappropriate for them, yet they may still deserve recognition for their work. To meet the needs of these students the university has established three kinds of certificates:

1. The Certificate of Completion is awarded for successfully completing a planned educational experience (workshop, conference, short course, or seminar) designed for specific academic objectives.
2. The Certificate of Special Study is awarded for successfully completing a structured program of educational experiences, at least 12 semester units, determined in advance by a department or college/school, and consisting of upper-division (100-199) courses, professional (300-399) courses, and related activities.
3. The Certificate of Advanced Study is awarded for successfully completing an established, approved program of at least 12 semester units of graduate (200-299) courses, upper-division (100-199) courses, and professional (300-399) courses, as recommended by a department and approved by the Division of Graduate Studies.

Public School Teacher and Services Credentials

California State University, Fresno offers basic - Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Special Education -- teaching credentials as well as advanced - Specialist and Services -- credentials required for employment in K-12 public schools. The School of Education and Human Development is the primary unit responsible for professional preparation and credential authorization. However, subject matter preparation required for basic credential programs and professional preparation required in some advanced credentials - school nursing, psychology, school social work, agriculture, and communicative handicapped - are provided by various academic departments. For information about credential programs, refer to the Education section of this catalog or to the appropriate academic department.



Basic Teaching Credentials, Elementary
Multiple Subject:
Multiple Subject General
Multiple Subject, with emphasis in Early Childhood Education CLAD/BCLAD
Multiple Subject, CLAD/BCLAD
Multiple Subject Internship
CalState TEACH

Basic Teaching Credentials, Secondary
Single Subject:

• Agriculture
• Art
• Business
• English; English-Drama; English-ESL; English-Speech
• Foreign Languages
• Home Economics
• Industrial Technology
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Science
• Social Science

Single Subject, CLAD
Single Subject - Internship CLAD

Preliminary Level I Education Specialist
Mild/Moderate Disabilities (including internship)
Moderate/Severe Disabilities (including internship)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Specialist Teaching Credentials
Agricultural
Early Childhood
Professional Education Specialist Level II Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe
Reading/Language Arts

Services Credentials
Administrative in:

• Preliminary (including internship)
• Professional (including internship)

Clinical-Rehabilitative
Health (School Nurse)

Pupil Personnel in:

• School Counseling
• School Psychology
• School Social Work, Child Welfare and Attendance

Academic Regulations

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