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Academic Standing for Graduate Students

If you’re on academic probation or have received a disqualification e-mail, you still have options. This page explains what your status means and the steps to move forward.

Student Resources

Graduate students are expected to maintain strong academic performance and make timely progress toward completing their degree. Academic standing is reviewed each term and may affect your ability to continue in your program, receive financial aid, and graduate.

Stay in Good Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing, graduate students must:

  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 University GPA in all coursework attempted after admission to the graduate program.
  • Meet any additional GPA or academic requirements established by their specific graduate program.
  • Complete all degree requirements within seven years of beginning the program, unless the program requires a shorter time frame.

If Your GPA Falls Below 3.0

If your University GPA drops below the required 3.0, you are no longer considered to be in good academic standing. Depending on your academic record, you may be placed on academic notice or become subject to academic disqualification. Academic standing may also affect financial aid eligibility and your ability to continue in your graduate program.

Graduate students who are academically disqualified:

  • Cannot register for classes as degree-seeking students.
  • Receive official notification through their CSUMB email.
  • May submit a reinstatement appeal if eligible.
  • Must submit appeals and supporting documentation to the Office of Graduate Studies by the published deadline.
  • If an appeal is not submitted or approved, must complete the required break in enrollment and meet readmission requirements before returning.

Graduate students may repeat a course for GPA purposes only if:

  • The original grade was B- or lower.
  • All grades remain in the GPA calculation—grade forgiveness is not available for graduate students.
  • No more than two different courses may be repeated during a graduate program unless the program has stricter requirements. 
  •  Some specific master's programs have even stricter rules. You should always check with your program coordinator.