Forms & Policies

• Graduate Education Policies in the University Catalog
• A Guide to Graduate Studies Policies, Procedures, and Format (PDF)
• Orientation Booklet (PDF)
• The Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Program Information

Degree Completion Requirements
In addition to completing the requirements specific to each discipline, as described in the University Catalog, all students must also meet University-wide requirements. For example, there are minimum GPA requirements, course level requirements, requirements regarding the number of classes taken from CSU, Chico (versus credits transferred in from elsewhere), etc. These University requirements are described in detail in the University Catalog.

Program Time Limits
Master’s students must complete all requirements for a master's degree no later than five or seven years from the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course of your approved program. Consult the academic program chapter of the University Catalog for your discipline to determine the time limit applicable to your program. In special circumstances, an extension of the program time limit may be granted. See the University catalog for more information.

Catalog Rights
As a master’s degree student, you are governed by the requirements that are in effect at the time of your admission to conditionally classified status for that degree. If you are making normal progress towards the degree and do not interrupt your program, you may elect to meet the degree requirements in effect either at the time of your admission to conditionally classified status or in the term that you complete all requirements for the degree. Note: substitutions for discontinued courses may be authorized or required by the academic department offering the degree. If you interrupt a program, you may be subject to the requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Continuous Enrollment Policy
Students pursuing a master's degree must enroll each spring and fall semester until the degree is awarded. Both enrollment in courses as a regular student and adjunct enrollment satisfy this continuous enrollment requirement. Adjunct enrollment consists of registration in GRST 899 through the Center for Professional and Continuing Education, for which an administrative fee is charged. Registration in GRST 899 must be completed by the end of the fourth week of classes each semester.

• Adjunct Enrollment: Late Registration Petition for Adjunct Enrollment (PDF)

Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy for Credential and Non-Master’s Program Postbaccalaureate Students
Credential and Non-Master’s Program Postbaccalaureate students may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a maximum of one year (two semesters). To qualify, students must be in good academic standing and have been enrolled as a regular student beyond the fourth week of the previous semester.

To request a Leave of Absence, carefully review the Leave of Absence Request form and submit the form to the Office of Graduate Studies. All LOA requests must be emailed from your Chico State email address no later than the fourth week of the first semester of leave.

For more information, please visit our LOA information page.

• Graduate Leave of Absence Request (PDF)
• Credential Leave of Absence Request (PDF)

• • Advancement to Classified/Candidate Status (PDF)
  • Application to Add or Change an Academic Program (PDF)
  • Changes to the Master's Program Plan (PDF)
  • Enroll in Excess Units Request (PDF)
  • Graduate Credit for Excess Units Completed as an Undergraduate (PDF)
  • Letter of Recommendation Access Waiver Form (PDF)
  • Master’s Degree Program Plan (PDF) (select landscape to print) (see below for IDST plan form)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) Master's Degree Program Plan and Approval (PDF Version) (PDF)
  • Postbaccalaureate Petition to Repeat with Forgiveness (PDF)

• Application for Graduation (PDF)
• Application to Re-apply for Graduation (PDF)
• Checklist of Degree Requirements for Graduation Clearance (PDF)
• Final Progress Sheet(opens in new window)
• Graduation Clearance Form (PDF) (select landscape to print)
• Record Update for Degree Clearance (PDF)

The following Online Diploma Service is available through our official diploma vendor, the Michael Sutter Company.

• Order a replacement diploma - Order your diploma easily online. You will be able to choose Standard Delivery or Express Overnight Delivery. There is a $20.00 charge for each Diploma Replacement. Your Diploma will be printed and mailed within 1-2 days of your order. Notary Service is also an option for your diploma.
• Order an Official CSU Chico eDiploma - Your CSU Chico eDiploma is a Signed and Certified PDF of your original paper diploma used for easy diploma verification purposes. The CSU Chico eDiploma is a one-time charge of $20.00. You will receive your eDiploma within minutes of ordering. You can then share your eDiploma as often as you need.
• Diploma Status - Search the status of your diploma order whether it is your new diploma or replacement diploma.

Use this form to order your replacement diploma or official eDiploma: Online Diploma Service

• Checklist for the Interdisciplinary Studies Master's Degree Program (PDF)
• Extension of the Five-Year Time Limit for Completion of a Master’s Degree Program (PDF)
• Extension of the Seven-Year Time Limit for Completion of a Master’s Degree Program (PDF)
• Requirements for Degree Certification Letter for H1-B Visa Applicants for International Students (PDF)
• Steps Toward Earning the Master’s Degree

• Instructions for Final Submission of a Master’s Thesis or Project (PDF)
• Thesis/Project: Thesis/Project Final Verification – Adobe Sign Form 
• List of Master’s Thesis or Project Formatters