(a) To be eligible for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, the candidate shall have completed a program of study that includes a qualifying assessment and a doctoral project and that is consistent with the specifications in subdivision (d) of Section 40513 and that is approved by the appropriate campus authority. A grade point average of 3.0 (grade of B) or better shall have been earned in courses taken to satisfy the requirements for the degree, except that a course in which no letter grade is assigned shall not be used in computing the grade point average.

(b) Advancement to Candidacy. For advancement to candidacy for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, the student shall have achieved classified graduate standing and met such particular requirements as the Chancellor and the appropriate campus authority may prescribe. The requirements shall include a qualifying assessment.

(c) The student shall have completed all requirements for the degree within five years of matriculation into the doctoral program. The appropriate campus authority may extend by up to two years the time for completion of the requirements under the following circumstances;