Frequently Asked Questions for the MS in Education Program 

Questions:

1. What is the difference between EDEL 594 and 597 and 598?
2. Why should I take EDEL 511 during the first part of my program?  
3. Why should I meet with my adviser before I complete 9 units?
4. Can I receive a grade of C and still remain in the program?  
5. What is the Graduate Program Orientation?
6. Where can I get help with writing on campus?
7. How can I find out about financial aid opportunities?
8. How can I change my adviser?
9. How do I submit a Change of Objective (change of major) or Change of Emphasis (within Curriculum and Instruction major)?
10.  How do I file for a change in my study plan?
11.  When do I file for a graduation check?
12.  What should I do to prepare to take EDEL 594 (final project)?

 Answers:

1. What is the difference between EDEL 594 and 597 and 598? (top)

The majority of students take EDEL 594.  If you have a special interests area and you have a faculty member who is interested and willing to work with you on the topic, you can take EDEL 597 or 598.  You must consult with your adviser before signing up for EDEL 597 or 598.  You may only take these courses with special permission. Please note:  Faculty members do not get unit credit for teaching 597 or 598 classes so many faculty members are unable to take on this work load.

 EDEL 594    Research Seminar  
Description: Prerequisite: consent of instructor. The preparation, evaluation, development, and presentation of curriculum research proposals culminating in a graduate project. Individuals and groups will participate in critiquing proposals, curriculum projects, and research results.
Units: (3)

EDEL 597    Project  
Description: Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Individual research on an empirical project, with conferences with the instructor, culminating in a project.
Units: (1-3)

EDEL 598    Thesis  
Description: Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Individual research with conferences with the instructor, culminating in a thesis.
Units: (1-3)

2. Why should I take EDEL 511 during the first part of my program?  (top)

EDEL 511 lays the foundation for future course work in the program.  The course includes instruction on how to use APA, how to write a literature review and how to analyze and understand research.

3. Why should I meet with my adviser before I complete 9 units?  (top)

You must meet with your adviser and file  your study plan before you have completed 9 units.  If you have not filed your study plan any units taken after your 9th unit may not count towards your degree.

It takes about four months from the time you complete your study plan with your adviser to receive your “official” copy from the university.
You will also receive information about how and when to apply for a Graduation Check.

4. Can I receive a grade of C and still remain in the program?  (top)

 You must maintain a 3.0 to remain in the program.  As long as earning a grade of C in a course does not drop your GPA to below a 3.0 you may still remain in the program.

5. What is the Graduate Program Orientation?  (top)

If you are in your first or second semester of the master’s program and have not previously attended a Graduate Program Orientation, please plan on attending the orientation.  Check course syllabi for date each semester.  The Orientation is held from 6:15-7:00pm on the second Wednesday of the September and February.  4:00pm classes will be dismissed early on that date and 7:0pm classes will begin at 7:30pm. 

If you are in your second to last semester, please plan on attending the EDEL 594 (project) orientation.  Check course syllabi for date of orientation.

6. Where can I get help with writing on campus?  (top)

If you need assistance with writing, please consider contacting the University Learning Center ….http://www.fullerton.edu/ulc/Default.asp (714) 2782738 or Michelle M. Turchie for an appointment mturchie@fullerton.edu

7. How can I find out about financial aid opportunities?  (top)

The CSUF Financial Aid Office assists our students with loans, grants and scholarships to help fund their education. Call (714) 278-3125 or email fa@fullerton.edu. Check the financial aid website for the latest fee information.
Apply for financial aid early. To determine your estimated eligibility for financial aid, complete this online worksheet. If eligible, complete the online application after January 1st (for the following fall semester). The earlier you apply, the better your chances that your funds will be available the first week of the semester. Do not wait until you are admitted to the university to apply for aid.
Please go to this website for more information… http://ed.fullerton.edu/Current/scholarships.html

8. How can I change my adviser?  (top)

You may meet with any faculty member that teaches in the program.  He or she can assist you with your study plan or questions.

9. How do I submit a Change of Objective (change of major) or Change of Emphasis (within Curriculum and Instruction major)?  (top)

You need to go to Admissions and Records and fill out the forms to make this change.  There is a few associated with this change (approximately $10). You must do this to change from one concentration to another. A study plan may not be filed until you enrolled in the correct concentration. i.e. if the student is enrolled in the Educational Technology concentration and he/she decides that the Curriculum and Instruction concentration with an emphasis in Technology in Education would be a better match, a Change of Objective form must be filled out.

10. How do I file for a change in my study plan?  (top)

If you are taking the classes listed on your study plan but you are taking them during a different semester there is no need to change your study plan. If you are changing the courses that you plan to take, please contact your adviser so that you can fill out a change form.

11. When do I file for a graduation check?  (top)

It is essential that the Grad Check is completed no later than the week prior to your final semester it could alter your graduation date.
Specific information regarding grad checks and necessary forms can be found at the CSUF Admissions' Graduation Process page, or by calling the Admissions and Records office at 714-278-2300.

12. What should I do to prepare to take EDEL 594 (final project)?  (top)

The expertise and interests that you will develop throughout your program will shape the final project.  You are encouraged to discuss your ideas with your instructors, as well as continually deepen your knowledge of related theories, research, and practical application of the literature.   One year before you plan to take EDEL 594 begins the formal preparation for the project.  The three activities below will support your preparation.  Attendance at each is required, and it is your responsibility to confirm when the orientations will be held.

Project Orientation:  All students must attend the Project Orientation two semesters prior to taking EDEL 594.  The purpose is to provide an overview of the project, discuss the range of possible topics and formats, and present the Project Proposal guidelines.  One orientation is held in the fall and spring semesters, typically during the second half of the term.

Project Proposal Due:  All students are required to submit a project proposal the semester prior to taking EDEL 594.  The proposal is due within the first month of the semester and will be reviewed by Master’s program faculty.  Feedback will be provided at the Project Workshop.

Project Workshop:  All students must attend the workshop one semester prior to taking EDEL 594.  During the workshop you will receive feedback on your Project Proposal from Master’s program faculty.  Additional information about the project will be provided to support your preparation for the first class session.

Sample Timeline Based on Taking EDEL 594 in Fall 2008 (specific dates TBA)

1. Project Orientation – Fall 2007 (November)
2. Project Proposal Due – Spring 2008 (February)
3. Project Workshop – Spring 2008 (March or April)
4. EDEL 594 – Fall 2008 (class begins)

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