Policies and Procedures

A post-baccalaureate student who holds a recognized bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may pursue a program leading to a second bachelor’s degree in approved majors. The major may not be the same as the previously awarded degree. All students are urged to consult with a department advisor to determine whether a second bachelor’s degree or a graduate program best meets their needs.

CSUN Graduates

Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree from CSUN, after having received a baccalaureate degree from the University, must:

1. Complete a minimum of 24 units of upper division coursework in residence at CSUN since completion of the most recent degree, of which at least 12 units of upper division coursework in residence must be in the major. Completion of the major may require more than 12 units.
2. Complete the upper division writing proficiency requirement*. Note: Second bachelor’s students in the Nursing major do not need to complete the upper division writing proficiency requirement.
3. Complete all units required in the major. Graduate-level courses (600-level) may not be applied toward second bachelor’s degree requirements, nor can coursework taken to meet the second bachelor’s degree apply toward a master’s degree.
4. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major and 2.0 in all units attempted at CSUN since the awarding of the last degree.
5. Submit a completed Application for Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma, a department evaluation from the major and/or minor department, and the appropriate fee to Undergraduate Degree Services.

Transfer Graduates

Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree from CSUN, after having received a baccalaureate degree from another regionally accredited institution, must:

1. Complete at least 30 units in residence at CSUN since completion of the first bachelor’s degree, including 24 units of upper division coursework in residence and at least 12 units of upper division coursework in residence in the major. Completion of the major may require more than 12 units.
2. Complete the upper division writing proficiency requirement*. Note: Second bachelor’s students in the Nursing major do not need to complete the upper division writing proficiency requirement.
3. Complete all units required in the major. Graduate-level courses (600-level) may not be applied toward second bachelor’s degree requirements, nor can coursework taken to meet the second bachelor’s degree apply toward a master’s degree.
4. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major and 2.0 in all units attempted at CSUN since the awarding of the last degree.
5. Submit a completed Application for Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma, a department evaluation from the major and/or minor department, and the appropriate fee to Undergraduate Degree Services.

*Notice: CSUN has suspended the GWAR for students with catalog years prior to 2023. The Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) is no longer offered. The GWAR policy will be revised for the 2023-24 Catalog. See Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) for additional information.