FAQs

BA in Quality Assurance Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program | Admissions | Financial Assistance | Coursework & Requirements | Graduation | Other

About the Program

Is an online degree for me?

Taking courses online isn't for everyone. A student has to be well-organized and disciplined to stay on top of their course work. Students need to plan ahead to ensure their course work is completed along with everything else in their life. There are benefits to studying online: you can take classes at your convenience, and you don't have to fight traffic and find and pay for parking.

The best way to determine if online study is for you is to take a course. The Organizational Leadership Studies program allows students to take courses before they are accepted into the program. Enroll in and complete a course before you apply. That way, you will know exactly what you are getting into.

What is the mission of the BSQA program?

The BSQA program provides the academic environment and the requisite course of study to blend the basic sciences, technologies, management principles, quality concepts, and statistical tools needed to prepare professionals for careers in quality assurance. This program is also designed to serve working professionals in the field seeking career enhancement. All of this is to be achieved while ensuring a well-rounded learning experience consistent with the overall university mission and the needs of industry and society.

What are the BSQA program goals?

• Prepare professionals in quality assurance for careers in the design, development, manufacture, and support of products and services.
• Meet the needs and interests of the quality assurance professional through a combination of theoretical and practical course work, independent study, and interaction with fellow students and leading professionals.
• Provide a well-rounded learning experience and preparation for advanced studies (e.g., a Master's Degree) through a broad-based curriculum that includes a culminating project.

Do I ever have to come to the Dominguez Hills campus?

No, you can take all of the upper-division courses necessary to complete the 120 units required for the degree without ever coming to the campus.

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Admissions

What are the requirements for admission to the program?

The ideal BSQA candidate:

• Has a grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted. 
• Has completed 60 general education units from an accredited institution, covering lower division GE areas as required by the catalog, including the written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning areas.
• Has a background that includes preparation in both college level mathematics and computer concepts.
• Is in official "good standing" at the last educational institution attended.

Note: The BSQA program no longer accepts students residing in the following US States: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Wyoming (SARA regulatory policy).

Are there openings for the next semester?

Yes. The BSQA accepts new applicants in the Spring and Fall semesters. Students can enroll in open university classes during any of the three semesters.

Do I need an AA or AS degree to be accepted into this program?

No. Students need to have earned a minimum of 60 lower division units, fulfilled the lower division general education requirement, have a 2.0 GPA in transferable units and be in good standing at the last college attended (see Transfer Students Website and CSUDH catalog).

What can I do if I have not completed all of the lower division requirements?

You can take courses at your local community college. If that is not possible, many community colleges offer online courses.

(See also Assist to find community college courses that transfer and fulfill CSU Dominguez Hills lower division general education requirements.)

How many credits can be transferred?

All of the first two years that satisfy California State requirements. Credit for upper division courses is possible if they satisfy the requirements of the BSQA curriculum.

Are credits acceptable through job experience?

No, unfortunately, not at this time. 

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Financial Assistance

Is financial aid available? Are students in this program eligible for Financial Aid?

Yes, but not until they have applied and been accepted to the university. OLS distance learning students are eligible for the same financial aid as on-campus students with one exception. Distance learning students are not eligible for State University Grants. (See Financial Aid)

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Coursework & Requirements

What kind of computer equipment and software do I need to do this program?

See CSUDH's Technical Requirements ►

What is the BSQA virtual classroom like?

Our objective is to create a dynamic, interactive distance learning environment for our students. To that end, we will use a variety of delivery methods, fitting each learning activity to the most appropriate technology.

Are there live lectures?

Some of the instructors include live lectures and Zoom meetings as a supplement to the learning process. Attendance for these lectures and meetings is not mandatory.

Are the programs using eBooks or real texts?

The BSQA utilizes a combination of learning materials. Traditional printed copies of textbooks are most used. Many current topics are studied through eBooks, conference proceedings, and published papers.

Does CSUDH utilize groups or teams as part of their program for all courses?

Groups of three are used for some assignments in some of the classes.

How are the quizzes/tests/exams handled for online learning?

Final exams are taken online using a learning management program called Canvas and administered through a proctoring agency, ProctorU. Most midterm exams and quizzes are embedded in the Canvas learning management system and do not require proctoring.

See Proctor Information ►

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Graduation

What are the requirements for graduation?

The major consists of 66 units. The BSQA requires 120 units, including General Studies and statutory requirements.

See Degree Requirements ►

How long does it take to graduate?

Generally speaking, a full-time student could expect to complete the program in as little as two years; a part-time student typically completes in a little over three years.

Is there a graduation ceremony?

Yes, students who have completed all the requirements for degree program can participate in the commencement ceremony, which takes place on the campus of CSUDH during the month of May in each year. Students who are close to meeting graduation requirements or currently have 90 units should review Graduation: FAQs. After reviewing all of the requirements for graduation, students should also contact the program advisor to make sure they have or are completing the major and minor requirements.

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Other Questions