Advancement to Candidacy

Select graduate programs recommend graduate student Advancement to Candidacy each semester in lieu of filing an ATC form.  The Department Chair or Graduate Coordinator recommends you for Advancement to Candidacy, if you have fulfilled all admission conditions and met the following criteria: 

• Completed or will complete the requisite number of units specified by the Graduate Program documented in the Degree Progress Report (DPR)
• Maintain good Academic Standing with a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average
• Resolved all incomplete grades
• Maintains active enrollment during the semester of Advancement to Candidacy 

Once approved, Advancement to Candidacy status will be reflected in your Student Center under Milestones. This designation signifies that you have demonstrated sufficient academic competency in graduate-level studies and are prepared to proceed with remaining degree requirements, including the Culminating Experience.

Chair or Graduate Coordinator Recommends Advancement (no form required):

• Classics
• Computer Science
• Counseling
• Counseling - Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling
• Curriculum and Instruction (Elementary Education) - Fall
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Administration and Leadership - Summer
• Educational Leadership - Community College - Summer
• Educational Leadership - K-12 - Summer
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Gerontology
• Instructional Design and Technology
• International Relations
• Mental Health Counseling
• Multiple Subject Credential & Curriculum and Instruction (Elementary Education) - Fall
• Museum Studies
• Nursing - (RN - MSN)
• Nursing - Entry Level Non-RN-MSN (ELM)
• Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
• Philosophy
• Psychology - Clinical Psychology
• Psychology - School Psychology
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Special Education

• The ATC form acts as a contract between you, your department, and the university. It lists the specific requirements you must complete before your degree can be awarded.
• The ATC form must be approved by your department and by Graduate Studies before enrolling in and beginning research for the culminating experience course.
• You can submit the ATC form after completing at least eighteen semester units.
• Forms are submitted the semester prior to enrollment in the Culminating Experience Course and are due every October and April 1st.
• ATC form needs to be filled out in coordination with your program adviser and submitted for final review. You can also use the Degree Progress Report in your Student Center to guide you. To begin, follow the instructions below:  

Step 1: Locate the Appropriate ATC Form

Find the correct Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form from menu below.

If a form is not listed for your program, you are not required to submit one. An automated process will advance you to candidacy. You will receive an email notification, and a milestone will appear in your Student Center. If you have questions, please consult your Graduate Coordinator.

Step 2: Complete the ATC Form (Please note: Handwritten forms will not be accepted)

1. Open the form in Chrome.
2. Complete the form online. You may use the Degree Progress Report in your Student Center to guide you.
3. Select Print, change the printer to Save as PDF, and save the file to your computer.

Step 3: Submit the ATC Form

1. Navigate to the Online ATC Submission Portal and complete the required information.
2. On the signature page, click the paperclip icon to upload your completed ATC form.
3. Review all uploaded documents to ensure everything has been attached and select Submit.
4. Enter the name and email address of your Program Advisor and Graduate Coordinator, then select Next.
5. Enter your name and email address, then select Submit.
6. You will receive an email from Adobe Sign asking you to confirm your email address.
7. Click the confirmation link.

Once confirmed, the form will be automatically routed for review and signatures. After final approval, you will receive a copy of the completed form by email—please save it for your records.

If you have questions at any point in the process, please contact your Program Advisor or Graduate Coordinator for assistance.