Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. What are tuition costs?
A. Price information
2. Q. If currently a graduate student at CSUN, do I need to apply again? A. No
3. Q. If I am a CSUN graduate, do I need to take the UPPER DIVISION WRITING PROFICIENCY EXAM?
A. Not if it is listed on your graduate transcript or you can provide other acceptable proof. It is not required of credential-only
students. It is required for all students pursuing the master’s.
4. Q. Is the CBEST required if I took it before? A. No.
5. Q. Is the EDUC 600 Research course required if I have a master’s degree already?
A. Having the master’s has nothing to do with waiving the requirement. The issue is whether you have taken a comparable
graduate research course previously.
6. Q. Can students apply on-line? A. Yes. Go to CSUmentor.edu and then “Graduate Application”.
7. Q. What is the difference between getting the master’s degree and getting the credential? If I already have a master’s should I get
another one?
A. We are anticipating approval of a program change in fall 2006 that will make the requirements the same for both. See your
advisor if you have specific questions on this.
8. Q. What are the requirements for admission? What if I apply and don’t hear?
A. You actually have to apply to the University, the ELPS Department, and for your credential. Please see the Overview of
Admissions Process on our website for the steps you need to take. If you don’t hear from Admissions and have questions about your
status, contact their office (677 3700). The ELPS Department does not handle admissions.
9. Q. Can I get credit for other graduate courses that I have completed toward my program?
A. You cannot use the same course twice for a master’s program. If you did take a course that is similar to one we require, you
may ask to waive the course. However, if working toward a master’s, you must substitute another course for the one you waived. If
you are only seeking the credential and not the master’s, you do not have to take a substitute course.
10. Q. May I transfer courses from other institutions to my CSUN program?
A. You may request consideration to transfer up to 9 hours from other institutions. Prior approval should be sought. When
transferring credits from a university on quarters rather than semesters, the transfer is not course for course, but based on a
conversion formula that usually leaves a student shy on credits. For example, if you transfer 3 quarter courses, they might only
represent a total of two courses at CSUN..
11. Q. How long will it take me to complete the program?
A. That depends on how many courses you take each semester and whether or not you are in a cohort. Ordinarily, our program
takes about one and a half to two years.
12. Q. Can I substitute an Independent Study for a course so I don’t have to come to campus that frequently?
A. No. An Independent Study is not designed as a substitute for content courses. It generally is applicable to students who are
not in a K-12 strand (for example, Higher Ed) and whose program has been approved by the Graduate Advisor to include
Independent Study in order to support career goals.
10/18/2006
13. Q. When should I hand in my formal program document and other requirements for the program?
A. When you are initially accepted into the program, you will receive a letter indicating the requirements you need to satisfy
classification status. At this time, you should see the Graduate Advisor for guidance through the required steps and sequence. The
program document should not be completed and turned in until you have completed two courses with an average of B or better. The
program document must be signed by the Advisor and Department Chair. For those in cohorts, a full-time faculty member is
assigned to the cohort to do group advisement.
14. Q. Do I have to take the GRE?
A. You are exempt if you have a Master’s degree or your Undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or better. 2.99... is not enough. If you have
taken two courses with us and received grades of B or better, and you fail the GRE, you can request a waiver. We cannot consider
waiving the GRE results until after you take the test.
15. Q. What do you expect in letters of recommendation?
A. We are looking for letters from supervisors who know you professionally and who can share their insights with us
concerning your character and potential as a school leader. A copy of the form can be found on the ELPS website.
16. Q. Can I take courses during the summer?
A. If you are in a cohort, some classes will be scheduled during the summer. Classes will also be available on campus.
17. Q. Can I do a thesis instead of taking the Comprehensive Examination? A. No. The department does not have a thesis option.
18. Q. How many times can I take the Comprehensive Exam if I fail any part(s) of it?
A. As outlined in the College Catalog: “Students may not take an entire comprehensive examination more than twice...Failure
of the second attempt of the comprehensive examination results in the disqualification from the Master’s program in that
department.” The second attempt is defined to include any part or parts of the examination.
19. Q. Where can I purchase a copy of the College Catalog?
A: Catalogs are available on-line: http://www.collegesource.org/displayinfo/catalink.asp?pid={47A21F6C-907B-4E70-
9A0B-F642F4596EC4}&oig={5596C73D-E5C5-4D09-AA11-E82B4217CDF4}&vt=5
20. Q: How does one register for courses?
A: Registration should be done over the internet (www.csun.edu/portal). Students who are late registering need to report to the
first class and get a special permission number from the professor (late fees may be charged).
21. Q: How do I make sure I’m going to the right class at the right time and at the right place?
A: You really need to check the computer right up until the day you come to your first class. Rooms and times and days get
changed since professors sometimes have to withdraw and this results in a new professor at a different time, etc.
22. Q: What happens if I get a letter saying that I have been “Disqualified” from the University?
A: You need to contact the Graduate Coordinator to determine your options. A DQ occurs when a student’s grade point
average falls below 3.0. Readmission may occur with conditions or may not be denied entirely, depending on circumstances.
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