Graduate Programs

Dear Masters' Candidates,

Congratulations on nearing the completion of your graduate program at Cal Poly! When your degree is conferred, you will join approximately 300,000 others who receive masters' degrees in the United States each year. The master’s is a means to career advancement, valued by employers for the advanced skills and leadership qualities it assures.

When you look back on your graduate experience at Cal Poly, I hope it will be with a sense of accomplishment and pride. You may have had to make considerable personal sacrifices to succeed. Some of you left or delayed full-time jobs to return to school; others continued to work full time and support families; and all of you put your personal lives on hold to some extent. Whatever route you took, we hope the journey was worth the effort and the sacrifice. We hope, too, that the success you enjoy in the years ahead will affirm the quality of your graduate education at Cal Poly. We wish you much success!

Sincerely,


Susan C. Opava
Dean of Research and Graduate Programs

Master's Thesis or Thesis Project

A master’s thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.

A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written report that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required.

Prior to the initiation of the thesis or project, you are responsible for becoming informed about the University’s intellectual properties policy and, where applicable, its human subjects policy.

If a thesis or project is required in your master’s degree program, a committee-approved copy must be completed in accordance with University specifications. Guidelines to be followed in preparing final copy for filing with the University can be obtained from the Graduate Programs Office. A copy of the thesis or project report must be received and reviewed by the Thesis Editor in the Graduate Programs Office. Upon completion of any required corrections, a copy ready for binding is filed with the Graduate Programs Office for submission to the Kennedy Library. These steps must be completed before your degree will be awarded.

Grad Student, Are You Ready to Graduate?

If you’re getting your graduate degree, use this checklist to keep you on track. More detailed information and direct Web site links can be found throughout this Web site and in the Cal Poly Catalog.

  • FYI: The student loan repayment process begins when the loan borrower drops below half-time units. Check with Student Accounts if this occurs.

2 Quarters Prior to Graduation

  • Meet with your advisor and/or graduate coordinator to complete the following forms:
    • Formal Study Plan (with Amendments, if necessary)
    • Advancement to Candidacy
      • Must have completed the GWR
      • Must have filed Formal Study Plan
      • Must have at least a 3.0 in all courses on the Formal Study Plan
    • Request for Graduate Evaluation
  • If completion of your degree requires a comprehensive exam, find out specific details from your advisor
    • Get committee members and your grad coordinator to sign the Thesis/Project Committee Membership form.
    • Obtain copy of Guidelines for Completing Theses and Reports from your advisor, the Graduate Programs Office, or from the Web site
    • Schedule your thesis defense
  • Contact your graduate coordinator (or Graduate Programs Office) to determine if you qualify to be nominated for an Outstanding Graduate Student Award or an Outstanding Thesis Award.
  • If your GPA is 3.75 or better, contact your graduate coordinator to be nominated for Graduating with Distinction honors. (This honor is not automatic, you must be nominated by your graduate coordinator.)
  • Consider making hotel reservations for graduation weekend for family and friends

Final Quarter Prior to Graduation

  • Complete and defend thesis and submit to Graduate Programs office for final approval
  • Check with academic advisor to ensure all paperwork is approved and submitted to the Evaluations Unit of the Office of Academic Records
  • Mark your calendar for Grad Days (Fall-October/Spring-April) at El Corral Bookstore to order diploma frames, class rings, announcements and your Grad Pack
  • Complete the required student loan exit interview process via Student Accounts
  • Check the balance of your Cal Poly student account through the “Student Transaction” channel on my.calpoly.edu and pay off or make payment arrangements on any balance due to Cal Poly
  • Update address via “Personal Information” channel on my.calpoly.edu to ensure that degree status notification is received
  • Visit the Grad Center (Fall-November/Spring-May) at El Corral Bookstore to register for the graduation ceremony and order your cap, gown and tassel
  • Order an official transcript from the Office of Academic Records and request that it be sent immediately following the posting of degree. This will confirm that your degree has been awarded
  • If you have a Privacy Flag (FERPA) on your record and would like to receive updates from Cal Poly after graduation, update your record on my.calpoly.edu.
  • Mark your calendar for free food during AWOL (late May)
  • Sign up for free Lifetime E-mail Forwarding through the Alumni Association
  • Sign up for a New Grad Alumni membership during Grad Days and stay connected