Frequently Asked Questions for Graduate Students

How can I pursue two master's degrees at the same time?

 
If you wish to pursue two master's degrees at the same time, you should:

1. decide which master's will be your first degree and which will be your second degree;
2. apply and be admitted to the university and your first master's degree;
3. obtain a "Dual Master's Degree Permission Form" from the Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies Student Services Office (Warren Hall 877) and complete Section 1 of the form.

If your petition is approved, you will:

1. fulfill all prerequisites and requirements for your first degree;
2. fulfill all prerequisites and requirements for your second degree (up to 13 units from your first degree may be applied to your second degree if agreed to by your second degree program);
3. earn all units for each master's degree within the five calendar years immediately preceding the receipt of each degree.

If your second degree is in the same field as your first degree (e.g., business administration), the second degree must be in a different option and all 45 or more units must be different. The prerequisites and requirements for the first degree do not need to be completed before you begin work on the second degree; however, you may be Advanced to Candidacy for your second degree only after you have been awarded your first degree. You may not receive both master's degrees in the same quarter.

How can I pursue a second master's degree?

 
If you already have a master's degree and want to pursue a second master's degree, you must:

1. apply and gain admission to the department offering the second master's degree program;
2. fulfill all prerequisites and requirements for the second degree;
3. complete at least 32 units (32-39 in the Special Major, 35 in Public Administration, 39-41 in Multimedia, 59 in Counseling) in your second degree. Up to 13 units from your first degree may be applied to your second degree if accepted by your second degree program;
4. earn all units for your second master's degree within the five calendar years immediately preceding the receipt of the degree.
    

If your second degree is in the same field as your first degree (e.g., business administration), the second degree must be in a different option and all 45 or more units must be different.

What is the Interdisciplinary Studies Major?

The purpose of the Interdisciplinary Studies Major is to allow students, with the advice and approval of knowledgeable faculty and administrators, to design their own academic programs tailored to their unique needs and interests.
 
At least two separate degree-granting programs must be involved. A graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Major must be approved no later than the time when the student has fewer than 32-39 quarter units to complete for the degree. This is to ensure that a significant portion of the program is planned in advance by the student and his/her faculty advisors, and that the residence requirement can be met.
  
Because Interdisciplinary Studies Majors are individualized courses of study, student learning outcomes will be individually created for each student by the student's Interdisciplinary Studies Major Committee. All students, however, who graduate with an M.A. or M.S. Interdisciplinary Studies Major from Cal State East Bay will (1) learn how to approach an issue or problem from at least two disciplinary perspectives; and (2) demonstrate mastery of an interdisciplinary approach to an issue or problem in a capstone assignment (project, thesis, or comprehensive exam).