Application

Ready to advance your education and career?

• How to Apply

  Cal State Channel Islands accepts graduate applications through Cal State Apply, the centralized application portal for all California State University campuses.

  Get Started

  Applying to graduate school at CSUCI involves a few key steps. We're here to guide you through the process.

  1. Choose Your Program CSUCI offers a diverse range of Master's Degree Programs and Doctoral Programs. Explore our Graduate Program offerings to find the program that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
  2. Review Selection Criteria and Your Program's Requirements While the California State University system sets minimum requirements for admission to graduate programs, each individual degree program at CSUCI will also have its specific requirements for admission.
  3. Gather Application Materials To successfully complete your Cal State Apply application, you'll generally need:
     • Copies of your transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
     • Test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS if applicable) if required by your program.
     • Your Social Security Number (if available).
     • Household Annual Income information.
     • Additionally, many programs require supplementary materials that you'll upload directly to Cal State Apply or submit separately. Please refer to Selection Criteria for Graduate Students page to determine program specific materials.You can also contact admissions or the Graduate Coordinator for your specific program for detailed information regarding required supplementary materials and letters of recommendation. You can find contact information here.
  4. Review Deadlines The application deadline will depend on your specific program. Some programs only accept applications for the fall semester, while others may accept applications for the spring or summer terms. Be sure to check the Dates and Deadlines webpage. Early application is always encouraged!
  5. Apply Online through Cal State Apply CSUCI accepts applications online exclusively through Cal State Apply. You can start your application and find resources directly on their platform. https://www.calstate.edu/apply
  6. Send Your Transcripts and Test Scores When submitting your application, you are encouraged to attach unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting institutions. Please upload your program materials into "Program Materials" in Cal State Apply.

  The following programs require submission of the official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions by the application deadline, even if you uploaded unofficial transcripts:

  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Master of Science in School Counseling and the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential
  • Doctorate in Educational Leadership

  • Official Transcripts should be sent to: CSUCI Admissions Office Address - e.g., California State University Channel Islands Office of Admissions One University Drive Camarillo, CA 93012. Electronic transcripts sent directly from your institution are preferred.
  • Official Test Scores should be sent using:
    • GRE Institution Code for CSUCI: 4091
    • GMAT Institution Code for CSUCI: ZMG – GJ – 04
    • TOEFL Institution Code for CSUCI: 0236

• Dates and Deadlines

  Program	Term Start (2026-2027)	Application Open Date	Application Close Date
  Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies	Summer	10/1/2025	1/30/2026
  Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum & Instruction	Fall	1/9/2026	6/15/2026
  Master of Arts in Education - Disability Studies	Fall	1/9/2026	6/15/2026
  Master of Arts in Education - Educational Leadership, Higher Education Emphasis	Fall	11/1/2025	4/15/2026
  Master of Arts in Psychology	Fall	10/1/2025	1/16/2026
  Master of Business Administration	Fall and Spring	10/1/2025	6/1/2026
  Master of Science in Biotechnology and MBA	Fall and Spring	10/1/2025	6/1/2026
  Master of Science in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics	Fall and Spring	10/1/2025	6/1/2026
  Master of Science in Business Analytics	Fall	10/1/2025	5/1/2026
  Master of Science in Computer Science	Fall and Spring	10/1/2025	6/1/2026
  Master of Science in Nursing	Summer	12/01/2025	3/31/2026
  Master of Science in School Counseling with PPS Credential	Summer	10/1/2025	1/30/2026
  Masters of Healthcare Administration	Fall and Spring	10/1/2025	6/1/2026
  Master of Public Administration	Summer	11/1/2025	4/15/2026
  Master of Public Administration	Fall	12/1/2025	7/1/2026
  Ed.D Educational Leadership, Equity and Justice	Summer	10/1/2025	1/9/2026

• Selection Criteria for Graduate Students

  CSU Minimum Requirements

  The CSU requires that all graduate students meet the following minimum requirements:

  • You must have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate.
  • You must be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
  • You must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree.
  • You must meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations and specific course and/or grade prerequisites, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.

  Each individual graduate program has different selection criteria. Many programs require official GRE scores, Personal Statements, Resume/CV, Letters of Recommendations, etc. to be submitted with your application. Bellow, you can find the list of application requirements by program:

  Programs	Statement of purpose/personal statement	Resume	# of letters of recommendations	Transcripts	Other documents
  Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies	x	x	2	Last 60 credits of undergraduate studies with GPA 2.5 and above	Two letters of recommendation from professors or professional supervisors. Personal Statement – Write a one-page, single-spaced personal statement (saved as PDF) explaining your interest in pursuing a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies and how your experience has prepared you for graduate-level work. The essay should describe experiences working with young children in early childhood settings. BA in Early Childhood Studies, Child Development, Human Development, Family Studies or closely related field.
  Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum & Instruction	x		2	Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  Master of Arts in Education - Disability Studies	X		2	Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  Master of Arts in Education - Educational Leadership, Higher Education Emphasis	x		2	Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  Master of Arts in Psychology	x	x	3	Last 60 credits of undergraduate studies with GPA 2.5 and above	Applicants must have completed foundation courses with at least a grade of C to qualify for admission. Required coursework: • Introduction to Psychology • Biostatistics or Introductory Statistics • Psychological Research & Statistical Methods (or equivalent)
  Master of Business Administration	x	x	2
  Master of Science in Biotechnology and MBA	x	x	2	x
  Master of Science in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics	x	x	2	x
  Master of Science in Business Analytics	x	x	2	x	GRE/GMAT: An applicant may request to waive the GMAT or GRE if one of the following criteria is met. Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher Applicants with three or more years of professional experience in analytics, data-driven decision-making, or related fields, demonstrating an increasing level of responsibility and impact Applicants with a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university
  Master of Science in Computer Science	x	x	2	x
  Master of Science in Nursing	x	x	2	x
  Master of Science in School Counseling with PPS Credential	x	x	2	Cumulative grade point average of 3.0	Notification to School District Payment of $25 non-refundable Program Application Fee Basic Skills Requirements
  Masters of Healthcare Administration	x	x	2	x	RN license
  Master of Public Administration			2	Last 60 credits of undergraduate studies with GPA 2.5 and above
  Ed.D Educational Leadership, Equity and Justice	x	x	x	Last 60 credits of undergraduate studies with 3.0+ and graduate study combined; and a 3.5 GPA in graduate study	A statement from the applicant's employer indicating support for doctoral studies; or a statement from the applicant describing their plan to meet professional responsibilities and program demands

• Application Resources

  Find detailed information on completing each section of the Cal State Apply application. This guide supplements the instructions provided in the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center.

  
  

  • What is Cal State Apply? Cal State Apply is the centralized application system for all 23 universities in the California State University (CSU) system. You only need to submit one Cal State Apply application, even if you are applying to multiple CSU universities; however, each campus you apply to requires a $70 fee.
  • When to Apply: Application deadlines vary by program. It is crucial to review the Dates and Deadlines information before starting your application to find out which programs are available for each term. Do not apply before the "application opens" term date, as a submitted application is only considered for the term for which you applied.

  Required Information and Materials: Before you begin your application, be sure to have the following:

  • • copies of your official transcripts with degree information and GPA,
    • your Social Security number (if you have one),
    • citizenship status,
    • a credit card or PayPal account (application fees are due at the time of submission),
    • annual income
    • any other application materials for your specific program (link to Selection Criteria for Graduate Students page)
  • Setting up Your Account: Visit https://www.calstate.edu/apply , scroll down the page and select the correct term to apply for. You will then create an account with a username and password. Ensure you enter an email address you check regularly, as official communication regarding your application will be sent via email.
  • Completing Your Extended Profile: Carefully answer the questions in the Extended Profile section, as your responses determine which sections of the application appear and what programs are available. All graduate applicants should select "Second Bachelor's Degree and Beyond" for their degree goal, and then select all applicable degree options to view available programs. You can always refer to Graduate Application Guide if you have any questions.
  • Selecting Programs: After completing your Extended Profile, you will be taken to the Add Program page to select your specific program(s). You can apply to as many campuses as you wish, each with a $70 application fee, but you can only apply to one program per campus each term. Review your selections carefully before moving on.
  • Application Sections: The application has four main quadrants: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials. You must complete all sections in the first three quadrants to submit your application. The fourth quadrant, Program Materials, is program-dependent and often contains important program-specific information, questions, and document requirements.
  • Colleges Attended: Report all colleges and universities you have attended, including international institutions and those where degrees were awarded or are in progress. You can add an unofficial transcript for international colleges. If you cannot find your institution, ensure the name is entered correctly or select "Can't find your school" to provide additional information.
  • GPA Entries: For each institution reported, you will add your GPA, including the school level (Undergraduate, Graduate, or Other), units/credits, and GPA earned. Quality Points will calculate automatically and should match your transcript. If your transcript does not report a numeric GPA, use the charts in the Applicant Help Center for conversion.
  • Standardized Test Scores: You can self-report standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT) or planned tests. Refer to campus and program admissions pages for required tests.
  • Supporting Information & Program Materials: These sections allow you to add professional or academic achievements and employment experiences. The Program Materials section for each program may include specific questions, and require document attachments such as a statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts, CV/Resume, or writing samples. Files must be in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .jpg, .jpeg, or .png format, with a size limit of 15MB, and cannot be passcode protected.
  • Recommendations: In the Recommendations section, you will provide recommender contact information, and they will receive a secure email to upload their letters. You can track the status and update contact information until the recommendation is completed.
  • Submitting Your Application: You are ready to submit when the first three quadrants are complete (highlighted green), at least one Program Materials section is completed, and a red "1" appears in the Submit Application tab. Review the Summary Page carefully, as applications cannot be changed once submitted (with minor exceptions) and no refunds are issued for mistakes. You can submit to programs at different times as long as it's before the deadline. The CSU does not provide application fee waivers to graduate or international applicants. You will receive a confirmation receipt via email upon submission.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  • General Application Questions:
    • How do I apply for graduate school at Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI)? You apply for graduate school at CSUCI through Cal State Apply, the centralized application portal for all California State University campuses.
    • Can I apply to multiple CSU campuses through Cal State Apply? Yes, you can apply to as many CSU campuses as you wish through Cal State Apply, but each campus requires a $70 application fee, and you can only apply to one program per campus each term.
    • What are the initial steps for applying to a graduate program at CSUCI? The initial steps are: choosing your program, reviewing selection criteria and program-specific requirements, and gathering your application materials.
    • Where can I find information about the different Master's and Doctoral Programs offered at CSUCI? You can explore the Graduate Program offerings to find the program that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
    • What are the minimum requirements for admission to graduate programs at CSUCI? You must have completed a four-year college course of study with an acceptable baccalaureate, be in good academic standing, and have a GPA of at least 2.5 in your earned baccalaureate degree. You must also meet program-specific standards.
    • Where can I find specific admission requirements for individual graduate programs at CSUCI? You should refer to the Selection Criteria for Graduate Students page for program-specific requirements and supplementary materials.
    • Can I apply as a graduate student before I finish my bachelor's degree? Yes, you can apply to a graduate program while your bachelor's degree is still in progress. However, your degree must be awarded before you start the program.
    • When do I send my transcript? Submit transcripts only when requested by the campus(es) you applied to. Ensure transcripts and other documents are submitted by the deadline for the program you applied for. See the specific program or campus website or contact the campus for details.
    • How will I receive the admission decision? The admission decision will not be found within Cal State Apply. You will receive a notification directly from CSUCI (usually via email) regarding your admission decision.
    • Application Fees: The CSU does not provide application fee waivers for graduate or international applicants. A $70 application fee is required for every application submitted.
  • Costs and Financial Aid for Graduate Students
    • What is the estimated annual tuition for a full-time graduate student (6.1 or more units) at CSUCI for the 2025-2026 academic year? A: The estimated annual tuition and fees for a full-time graduate student (6.1 or more units) is $8,064.
    • Is there an additional fee for graduate business programs? Yes, there is a Graduate Business Professional Fee of $303 per unit for specific graduate business programs, in addition to basic tuition and campus fees.
    • How much is the non-resident fee for out-of-state and international graduate students? Out-of-state and international students must add $444 per unit to the tuition and mandatory campus fees.
    • What are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students? These are loans available to graduate students enrolled at least half-time (minimum of 4 units per semester at CSUCI), with an annual limit of up to $20,500.
    • What is the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, and how does it apply to graduate students? FWS is a federal need-based program offering part-time employment opportunities on and off-campus to help students cover educational expenses. Post-baccalaureate graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of four units to be eligible.
    • What is the State University Grant (SUG) Program? The SUG program provides need-based awards to eligible undergraduate and graduate/postbaccalaureate students who are California residents or AB 540-eligible.
  • Issues with Cal State Apply?
    • If you are experiencing technical issues with the Cal State Apply application, first visit the Cal State Apply Help Center. If you need additional support, you will find their contact information and Live Chat options on the Help Center website; Live Chat is the fastest way to receive assistance.
    • Making Changes After Submission: Once your application is submitted, the information on the application cannot be edited on Cal State Apply. If you have new or updated information, or if you made a mistake, please contact CSUCI directly to confirm how to submit the correct information.
  • Decision Timeline and Application Status:
    • While you can track the status of certain application sections (like program materials and recommendations) within Cal State Apply, the final admission decision will come directly from CSUCI.
    • Application deadlines vary by campus and program. Always check the specific program's website for the most accurate deadlines.