GRADUATE STUDIES    


Check GAP/CE status
Download GAP forms
Culminating Experience forms
  1. Review Graduate Academic Policies and Procedure found in the Bulletin
      at http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/bull-tc.htm or purchase a copy at the SFSU Bookstore.

  2. Review your admission status
      If you were originally admitted to another program or as an unclassified student, you must change
    to classified status within your current program before completing 12 units of the degree requirements.
    To change programs, obtain your department's approval on a Request for Change of Graduate Program
    and submit the form to GradStop (ADM 250).

  3. Submit a Graduate Approved Program (GAP)
      GAP forms and instructions for your program can be found at Current Student Forms.

  4. Meet the Culminating Experience Requirement
      The types of Culminating Experiences required vary from program to program. Consult your advisor
    and go to Culminating Experience Information to review instructions and access the appropriate
    "Proposal for Culminating Experience" form.
    *Please note that you may not begin research until your proposal has been approved.

  5. File an Application for Award of the Graduate Degree
     

    Graduation is not automatic! If you have an approved GAP on file, you may obtain an Application for Award of Graduate Degree online click here. To complete an application to graduate, you must:

    • Complete and print the online application.
    • Have your advisor or department chair sign the application attesting to your eligibility to graduate. You must bring a copy of your GAP (obtainable from your department if you have lost your copy), and an unofficial transcript, with the application so that your department can review your status.
    • Make 2 copies of your approved and signed application. Keep one copy for your records.
    • Submit the original and one copy of your signed application with a proof of payment or a check or money order for the $40 application fee to Graduate Studies office by the deadline date for the term you are applying.
    Return your application and fee to the GradStop by the deadline date during the term in which you expect to graduate. Summer graduates who wish to attend May Commencement must apply for the Spring/Summer application term (See Deadlines for Completing a Graduate Degree for upcoming deadlines).

    NOTE: If you do not graduate in the term for which you applied, you must apply again for the appropriate semester.

  6. Submit proof of completion of your Culminating Experience Project
      One or both of the following must be on file with the Division of Graduate Studies office in order to
    receive your degree:

     
    • Receipt for Thesis or Written Creative work (893, 898 and Music Composition 894).
    • Report of Completion (892,894,895, Comprehensive Exam).
      See Culminating Experience Information for more details, and check with your department for specific
    requirements or exceptions.

    ** Change of Grade: If you did not complete your Culminating Experience project during the semester you
    enrolled in the course, your department must submit a "Grade Change Request" to the Registrar's Office
    when the work is complete. The form is available at your department.

Top Five Reasons for Denial of Graduation:

  1. No Report of Completion on file:   Your department must submit a Report of Completion to the Division of Graduate Studies for 890, 892, 894, or 895 Culminating Experiences; for oral or written comprehensive exams; and for oral defense of thesis.  Check your GAP to see if there are any other requirements for which a Report of Completion must be submitted.
  2. Need Grade Change for Culminating Experience course :  Your department must submit this if you did not complete your Culminating Experience in the semester you enrolled in it and a grade of RP (Report in Progress) was recorded.
  3. No Thesis/Written Creative Work receipt on file:   For 898, 893, or Music 894, you must bring your completed thesis, written creative work or music composition to the Division of Graduate Studies for format approval.  You will be given a receipt, which you must bring to Rapid Copy at the Library when you submit your document for binding.  They will forward the validated receipt to our office.
  4. 7-Year Limit has expired :  Your degree must be completed within 7 years from the start of the term of the earliest course listed on your GAP.
  5. Enrolled in incorrect Culminating Experience course :  Be sure that you have enrolled in the Culminating Experience course listed both on your GAP and on your Culminating Experience Proposal.

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© Updated 1/16/08 by Wynn Huynh