CAPE Faculty Resources
Coyote Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Education (CAPE) programs at CSUSB merge baccalaureate and master’s degree programs into a single, accelerated pathway.
Blended Programs Overview
CSUSB can now offer blended bachelor’s and master’s degree programs! Blended programs provide an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree and are an attractive option for undergraduate students who plan to obtain a master’s degree. Students in blended programs transition directly from undergraduate standing (bachelor's) to graduate standing (master's) without having to apply to the graduate program. Up to 12 units of graduate coursework may apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. These programs increase access to graduate study and reduce the time and expense of obtaining two degrees.
Student Benefits
For students, a CAPE Blended Program reduces the number of semesters needed to earn a master's degree, allows them to pay undergraduate fees for some graduate-level courses, and provides a seamless transition from their bachelor's into their master's program.
Available CAPE Programs
CSUSB currently offers CAPE Blended Programs in Accounting, Financial Analytics, Human Resource Management, Information Systems & Technology, Art, Chemistry, English, Geology, and Spanish. For the full list of current programs, eligibility requirements, and program coordinator contacts, see the CAPE Blended Programs page.
Key Policy Framework
The CSU Board of Trustees amended Title 5 in July 2022 to enable blended programs, permitting a maximum of 12 units of graduate-level coursework toward both a bachelor's and master's degree. CAPE programs require campus-level curriculum approval and Chancellor's Office authorization, though WSCUC approval isn't necessary.
Key policy documents:
- Chancellor’s Office Policy for Blended Programs
- Chancellor’s Office Statement of Reasons for Allowing Up to 12 Double-Counted Semester Units
- Coyote Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Education (CAPE) Blended Programs Policy: FAM 841.33
Program Requirements and Typically Maintain
Students must complete a minimum of 138 units to earn both degrees. Programs are created from existing CSUSB bachelor's and master's offerings, typically maintaining the same support mode (state-supported or self-support).
Application and Nomination Process
Step 1: Undergraduate Entry
The Blended Program Faculty Advisor or Faculty Sponsor completes the CAPE Blended Program Undergraduate Entry Form and emails it to Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@csusb.edu. This nominating form identifies eligible undergraduates for the program.
Step 2: Graduate Transition
The Faculty Graduate Advisor submits the CAPE Blended Program Graduate Form when the student expects to complete 120 blended applicable units.
Submission Deadlines:
- Fall transition: submit by March 1
- Spring transition: submit by October 1
Email completed forms to gradadmissions@csusb.edu.
Forms Required for CAPE Students:
Form | Submitted By | Purpose | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAPE Blended Program Undergraduate Entry Form | Faculty Advisor / Faculty Sponsor | Submitted for a student's initial admission into the blended program | Any time the student becomes eligible |
| CAPE Blended Program Graduate Form | Faculty Graduate Advisor | Submitted when the student reaches 120 applicable units, to transition to graduate status | March 1 (Fall transition) / October 1 (Spring transition) |
Approval Process for New CAPE Programs
Programs do not require WSCUC or Chancellor's Office pre-approval, though Chancellor's Office approval comes after campus-level curriculum review. The process involves:
- Initial consultation with the Dean of Graduate Studies
- Updated P-forms for both programs
- Completed B-form
Forms Required for New CAPE Programs:
Form | Submitted By | Purpose | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| P-Form through myCoyote (selecting the Administrative Systems tile, and then selecting CIM-P) | Department / College | Updated for both the undergraduate and graduate program to indicate CAPE availability | When proposing a new pairing |
| B-Form | Department / College | Required for initial approval of a new CAPE Blended Program | When proposing a new pairing |
Contact
Caroline Vickers, Dean of Graduate Studies
Email: cvickers@csusb.edu
Phone: (909) 537-5058
Graduate Admissions (for form submission)
Email: gradadmissions@csusb.edu