After admission to a graduate program, and in order to complete a program of study leading to the master's degree, several programs require the graduate student to apply for and be admitted to the status of candidacy. It is the individual's responsibility to apply for candidacy in due time and manner. Application for candidacy should be made when a graduate student has completed at least 6 but no more than 12 credits of graduate study at this University. Students failing to meet this candidacy requirement may be blocked from future registration. Credits completed in excess of 12 may not be accepted for inclusion in a degree program. The candidacy application form is available to download on the Graduate School website: http://www.calu.edu/academics/colleges/graduate-school/policies-forms/index.htm  in the Forms and Applications section, or in the Office of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Candidacy deadline dates are posted on the website each semester.

The applicant for candidacy must demonstrate a 3.00 GPA (B average) in graduate courses. Approval for admission to candidacy is granted by individual departments or programs, which may have special requirements such as interviews or tests, and by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

For more precise details, the applicant should consult with their assigned academic advisor or graduate program coordinator. The University reserves the right to deny the applicant's request for admission to candidacy for the master's degree.

Programs that do not require candidacy are the following:

• Applied Criminology
• Arabic Language and Culture Certificate
  
• Athletic Training
• Business Administration
• Exercise Science and Health Promotion
  • Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
  • Wellness and Fitness
  • Rehabilitation Science
  • Sport Psychology
• Legal Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Law and Public Policy
• Nursing Administration and Leadership
• School Administration–Administrative Program for Principals
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education - STEM
• Spanish for Law Enforcement Certificate
• Spanish for Business Certificate
  
• Sport Management
• Social Work
• Technology Education