Notice to M.S. Candidates

If you are planning to earn your master's degree in Computer Science from California State University, Chico, you need to be aware of the policies, procedures, and deadlines that will affect you. The steps below outline information you need if you plan to produce a thesis (CSCI 699T) or a project (CSCI 699P) as the culminating activity of your master's degree. The alternative to a thesis or project is the passing of a Comprehensive Core Exam (CCE), to including materials from all four master's degree core courses - CSCI 620, CSCI 630, CSCI 640, and CSCI 650. For more information about the CCE, please contact Dr. Judy Challinger.

1. Preparation of theses and all other culminating activities is regulated by policy established by the Graduate Coordinators Committee at CSU, Chico. For detailed information on university policies, procedures, and format requirements, all master's candidates should obtain a copy of The Office of Graduate and International Programs manual, "A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, and Format," early in their program. Candidates should be well acquainted with the information contained in this manual before beginning work on a thesis or other culminating activity. This manual may be obtained by mailing $10.00 to The Office of Graduate and International Programs, CSU, Chico, Chico, CA 95929-0875. Checks should be made out to the Research Foundation.
2. The final clearance of a master's thesis/project by The Office of Graduate and International Programs requires that specific university and departmental format criteria be met. To assist with the clearance process, please be sure that your document adheres to all requirements. Figures, tables, and referencing systems must follow the style guide specified by your department. Style guides are listed in Appendix A of "A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, and Format". Ask your committee chair and your Graduate Coordinator for assistance with these departmental style requirements. The university format requirements are also explained in this guide.
3. The Office of Graduate and International Programs only allows for one final edit of each thesis/project. Documents received which are not in compliance with all aspects of the departmental style guide and The Office of Graduate and International Programs format will not be accepted and you will be required to reapply for graduation for a subsequent semester.
4. Once the thesis/project is approved by The Office of Graduate and International Programs, it will be returned to you with instructions for photocopying and the payment of the binding and microfilming fees. The photocopied material and a check for the specified binding and microfilming fees must be returned to The Office of Graduate and International Programs within two weeks of notification from the Graduate Studies Office so that the clearance of your degree can continue. Failing to complete this process will delay your graduation and you will be required to reapply for graduation for a subsequent semester.
5. The Office of Graduate and International Programs has specific deadlines which all students must accommodate. Candidates who plan on graduating should contact The Office of Graduate and International Programs (530-898-6880; grin@csuchico.edu) and request a "graduation application packet" the semester before you intend to graduate. Note the deadline dates below: