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Changes to Degree Objectives

Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Students

The purpose of the Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Students policy is to identify at-risk students who are not making sufficient progress in their undergraduate academic programs for the purposes of intervention. A student so identified will be required to meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan that will lead to successful completion of the student's existing program. If it is determined that successful completion of the existing academic program is not achievable, then the student will be dismissed from that program and guided to a more appropriate program. The goals of the policy are to ensure that students are pursuing degree objectives that they can successfully complete and making progress in their current degree objectives.

To ensure that students with weaker GPAs do not become overextended but, instead, concentrate on improving their GPAs for successful completion of the primary program, the policy also requires that students with any GPA below a 2.5 receive the approval of their major advisor to add any new objective to their degree plan (minor, second major, certificate, etc.).

Students may be denied a request to declare an academic program if the student's academic record already demonstrates lack of success based on that program's approved Academic Progress Rules or their GPAs. These students should be referred to the college's professional advisors or, in their absence, to the University Center for Undergraduate Advising.

How do I change my major and/or degree objective?

Visit your major advisor. If approved, the major advisor will electronically submit your change of program to Enrollment Services; however, you should note that CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students and Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs policies may affect your ability to change your degree objective.

Typically, a student with a Timely Graduation status of Super Senior or Senior Plus cannot change his/her major. However, if your new degree objective can be completed within the 120% unit limit, you should consult with your major academic advisor to develop a graduation plan which demonstrates completion of the new degree within the unit limit allotted. This plan along with a Timely Graduation Appeal must be submitted to Enrollment Services, Brotman Hall 101. Your appeal will be forwarded to the Academic Appeals Committee for review. Once the plan has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an email and changes will be noted on your student record as appropriate. Please see Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students for additional information.

Can I complete a minor, certificate or credential along with my Bachelor's degree?

You are encouraged to pursue your academic interests; however, once you have earned 90 or more units toward the degree, any additional degree objectives (e.g., majors, minors, certificates, credentials) must be completed within 120% of the units allowed for your primary degree.  In addition,your request must meet the requirements set forth in CSULB’s policy for Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs, including GPAs higher than 2.5.

If you have earned 90 units or more and you wish to add a new degree objective, you must:

  • Consult with the major academic advisor to develop a plan to graduate in compliance with CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students policy,
  • Demonstrate that all degree objectives can be completed within the 120% unit limit applicable to the higher unit major and must have the major advisor’s support.  
  • Submit all documentation to the Office of Enrollment Services.

Minor

A minor is specified at the department level and requires at least 18 units, 9 of which must be upper-division. A minor also requires a 2.00 GPA and 6 units in residence. Consult with your academic advisor to develop a graduation plan in compliance with CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students and Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs policies . If approved, the department advisor will electronically submit your change of program to Enrollment Services.

If you are in Super Senior or Senior Plus status, you must also submit a Timely Graduation Appeal demonstrating that the minor can be completed within 120% of your primary degree requirements. The appeal and all documentation should be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services for review by the Academic Appeals Committee. You will be sent official notification of the committee’s decision via email.

If the addition of a minor is approved, you can track your progress toward the requirements on your academic progress report. The award of a minor will be reflected on your transcript but not on your diploma. Your minor can only be awarded at the same time as your Bachelor's degree, not afterwards.

Certificate

CSULB offers approximately 40 academic programs leading to certificates. These programs normally require 24 to 27 units and emphasize the application of your knowledge. Courses taken to fulfill the Bachelor's degree can also be applied to certificate requirements. Consult with the program’s academic advisor to develop a graduation plan in compliance with CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students and Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs policies .

If approved, the advisor will electronically submit your change of program to Enrollment Services. If you are in Super Senior or Senior Plus status, you must also submit a Timely Graduation Appeal demonstrating that the certificate can be completed within 120% of your primary degree requirements. The appeal and all documentation should be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services for review by the Academic Appeals Committee. You will be sent official notification of the committee’s decision via email.

The award of a certificate will be reflected on your transcript but not on your diploma; a separate certificate document will be issued. Your certificate can be awarded at the same time as your bachelor's degree.

Please note that you may also reapply for admission to CSULB as a post-baccalaureate student to earn a certificate.

Credential

While a credential program may also be completed while pursuing a baccalaureate degree, the program must be completed within 120% of the units allowed for your primary degree. Consult with a credential advisor to develop a graduation plan in compliance with CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students and Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate Programs policies . Your advisor will electronically submit your change of program to Enrollment Services. If you are in Super Senior or Senior Plus status, you must also submit a Timely Graduation Appeal demonstrating that the credential can be completed within 120% of your primary degree requirements. The appeal and all documentation should be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services for review by the Academic Appeals Committee. You will be sent official notification of the committee’s decision via email.

Can I complete two majors simultaneously?

You may complete two major programs simultaneously, but both major programs must be completed within 120% of the units allowed in the higher unit major to comply with CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students policy. In addition, you must meet the requirements set forth in CSULB’s Academic Progress Rules for Undergraduate students including GPAs higher than 2.5.  Only one degree will be conferred and only one diploma issued. Your diploma and transcript will note the completion of both major programs.

If you are in Super Senior or Senior Plus status and would like to pursue two majors, you must consult with an academic advisor from the new major department to develop a graduation plan. You must also submit a Timely Graduation Appeal demonstrating that both majors can be completed within 120% of your primary degree requirements. The appeal and all documentation should be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services for review by the Academic Appeals Committee. You will be sent official notification of the committee’s decision via email.

Note: A second major is not a second bachelor's degree.