Advancement to Candidacy, Writing Proficiency Exam, Technical Writing

In order to advance to candidacy, each student must submit the form "Application for Candidacy" to the EE Graduate Coordinator. Each student must be enrolled in a course in the semester in which advancement to candidacy is sought. The form contains what becomes the student's formal program or contract for graduation. Any subsequent changes to that program must be approved using the "Change of Program" form. The student is advised to advance to the Candidate status as soon as the 9 units of course work (in residence at CSULB) is completed along with the other requirements. Advancing to candidacy should not be postponed. Meeting all deadlines is the sole responsibility of each student.

The following are the requirements:

1. At least 9 units have been completed at CSULB, with a GPA of at least 3.0. No 100 or 200 level courses may be used in computing that GPA.
2. All deficiencies must be completed with a GPA of at least 3.0.
3. All students must demonstrate upper-division competence in academic writing in English by satisfying the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). The Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) must have been passed and the verification must be provided. Students are encouraged to schedule the exam as early as possible in their program. The University Catalog suggests that the student take this test in the very first semester, failing which, a hold should be placed on future registration! The WPE is conducted twice in each semester and once in the summer. It is the student's sole responsibility to complete this requirement. Students who have a B.S. degree from any CSU campus need not take the WPE since they have taken it as part of their B.S. requirement.
   • Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
   • Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement Policy
4. Each student must provide a demonstration of Technical Writing ability via one of the following:
   1. Passing a technical writing course with a letter grade of A, B, or C (auditing the course is not sufficient). English 317, 417, 418, or 419 are recommended. Any other course must be approved in advance. The graduate advisor may approve an equivalent course taken previously at another institution. It is strongly recommended that the Graduation Writing Proficiency Test be passed prior to taking the technical writing course.
   2. Providing examples of technical writing performed in industry where the writer's contribution is evident. Author's name must be clearly seen and the writing samples must be 50 to 100 pages in total length (could be an assortment of 5 or 10 page documents). Figures, charts and graphs are not considered as writing samples.
   3. Technical Writing is waived for thesis option.
5. The file includes transcripts of all prior academic work.
6. The file includes the student's photograph.

1. Introduction
2. Summary of MSEE Program Requirements
3. Admission and Financial Assistance
4. Deficiencies
5. Selecting a Tentative Program
6. Advancement to Candidacy, Writing Proficiency Exam, Technical Writing
7. Thesis Requirements
8. MSEE Project (Non-Thesis) Option
9. Final Comprehensive Examination
10. G.P.A. Requirement, Grad Check, Continuous Enrollment,GS700, Educational Leave, 7 Year Limit, Normal Academic Load

MS General Information

• Advising
• WPE/Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
• MSEE Handbook

Forms

• Application for Candidacy