Graduate Admissions

You're ready for the next stage of your career. You're determined to succeed no matter what obstacles come your way. At CSUN, we have programs that will help you advance in your field or pivot to a new profession. Your work will make an impact in your local community and on the world. Rise to the challenge and begin your journey as a Matador.

How to Apply as a Graduate Student

Choose Your Program

At CSUN, we offer a variety of graduate programs across our eight academic colleges and one college of graduate and mid-career education. They are:

• Master's degrees
• Doctoral degrees
• Graduate certificates
• Credentials*

Use our program finder to find one that fits your educational needs. Note that you can apply to only one program per admission term. Please review details in the Apply Via Cal State Apply row below.

*See the "How to Apply to a Credential Program" section below for more detailed instructions.

Review Your Program's Admission Criteria and Requirements

Two applications are often required for prospective students: one to the university and the other to the individual graduate program. While CSUN sets minimum requirements for admission, each of our graduate programs will have its own criteria. This may include GPA, test scores, pre-requisite classes and recommendation letters. You can find requirement information on the program page, its department website or catalog listing.

Review Important Deadlines

Applications for admission to CSUN graduate and credential programs are accepted starting Oct. 1 for the fall and Aug. 1 for the spring. University application deadlines vary by program. Use the CSU Application Dates & Deadlines tool to find individual closing dates.

The additional application to an individual program, as well as transcript and other document deadlines, may differ for each program. Visit the program's department website for specific dates.

Prepare Required Materials

Once you know your program requirements and deadlines, start gathering the materials you need. You will need a copy of your transcripts, test scores, household annual income and your Social Security number, if you have one.

You may also need additional materials based on your graduate or credential program requirements. Please check your department requirements to determine where to send these items. The additional items may include:

• Letters of recommendation or contact information for people who will write your letter
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• A statement of interest
• A research paper

As soon as you submit your Cal State Apply application, you’ll need to send official transcripts and possibly additional supplemental materials required by your graduate program. Please review the next three rows.

Apply Via Cal State Apply

Create an account and complete your application on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. Be sure to carefully review your information and all sections of the application before submitting.

Please note:

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 per admission term. Select only one state-supported or one self-supported extension program in Cal State Apply because a refund will not be available if you apply for two programs or submit two separate applications for the same term. Please choose your program carefully.

Submit Official Transcripts

You must submit official college transcripts to the Office of the Registrar. Be sure to send:

• All courses taken at other colleges and universities previously attended, even if the course work was not completed.
• All college courses in which you are currently enrolled (these are your preliminary, work-in-progress transcripts).
• Your final transcripts for work in progress as soon as you complete the courses and grades are posted.

For electronic transcripts:

• Choose "CSU Northridge" as the recipient. If this option is not available, use registrar@csun.edu as the recipient email address.
• If you have any California community college transcripts, please review eTranscript California and have the transcripts sent through this system.
• Please do not send identical, duplicate paper and electronic transcripts.

For paper transcripts:

• Paper transcripts must be received in sealed, unopened envelopes.
• Ask your previous school(s) to send your official transcripts directly to:
  • California State University, Northridge
    Office of the Registrar
    18111 Nordhoff Street
    Northridge, CA 91330-8207

  You may also need to provide additional materials based on your graduate program requirements. Be sure to check your department’s website for a list of needed items and deadlines for submission. Please review “Apply to Specific Program” below.

  Apply to Specific Program

  Complete any supplemental application required by your program. This often includes filling out a separate application and submitting additional documents. Be sure to meet their deadlines for submission.

  Visit the graduate programs A-to-Z list to find your program’s department website. Review the website for admissions information and supplemental requirements.

  Create a CSUN Portal Account

  After you apply, you'll receive an email from CSUN with the information you'll need to activate your CSUN Portal. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. Each department has its own criteria for admissions and will notify you when it has reached a decision.

  CSUN Admissions Criteria

  You will be considered for admission to CSUN as a graduate student when you meet both university and individual program eligibility requirements.

  You must first meet the following university requirements:

  1. Have a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
  2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended
  3. Have satisfied one of the following conditions:
     • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all undergraduate units
     • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units from all post-secondary institutions
     • Hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at a regionally accredited institution and:
       • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all units attempted as an undergraduate, or
       • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted from all post-secondary institutions attended.

  You must also meet the higher admission standard of the individual graduate program.

  CSUN will first review your application to be sure you meet university standards. Then your application will be reviewed by the appropriate graduate department. The department will then determine if you meet the criteria for admission to its graduate program.

  *CSUN’s admissions criteria for prospective credential students are similar to those for graduate students. Before applying, please review How to Apply to a Credential Program below.

  How to Apply to a Credential Program

  Choose Your Program

  We offer programs for teaching, school services, school specialist and more. Get an overview of our credential programs.

  Review Your Program's Admissions Criteria and Requirements

  Two applications are required for prospective credential students: one to the university and the other to the individual credential program. While CSUN sets minimum requirements for admission, each of our credential programs will have its own criteria. Specific credential program GPA requirements may be higher than the university requirement.

  Review application requirements, instructions and deadlines for your program of interest. We also offer information sessions and application workshops. Get an introduction to our credential programs and learn how to apply to specific programs.

  Review Important Credential Deadlines

  Applications for admission to CSUN credential programs are accepted starting Oct. 1 for the fall and Aug. 1 for the spring. University application deadlines vary by program. Use the CSU Application Dates & Deadlines tool to find individual program closing dates.

  In general, credential program applications are accepted between these dates:

  • FALL semester admission: Oct. 1 to July 1*
  • SPRING semester admission: Aug. 1 to Dec. 1*

  *Please check Credential Office How to Apply for exceptions. If the program is closed, do not complete the university application; contact the Credential Office for guidance.

  Submit Your Credential Application

  You’ll need to complete both the supplemental credential program application and the university application. You may complete them separately or at the same time.*

  Before you apply, be sure to:

  • Visit the credential application page and select the specific program to which you plan to apply.
  • Review the application instructions for the credential program you’ve selected.

  Prepare any required materials and submit your credential application by the deadline listed for the specific credential program you've selected.

  There is a nonrefundable $50.00 fee for the supplemental credential application. (An additional $1.38, nonrefundable service fee will be assessed at checkout.)

  *Tip: If, after reviewing the credential application page, you complete your Cal State Apply application first, some information will carry over to your credential program application. See Step 4 below.

  Apply Via Cal State Apply

  Create an account and complete your application on Cal State Apply, the CSU's online application system. A $70.00 application fee is due upon submission. Please refer to the credential application page for additional university application guidance. Be sure to carefully review your information before submitting.

  PLEASE NOTE: If the application filing period for the individual credential program you selected is closed, do not complete a university application. Contact the CSUN Credential Office for guidance.

  Submit Official Transcripts

  If you are a CSUN graduate, the only transcripts you are required to submit are for any other post-baccalaureate coursework that you have completed at another institution.

  For electronic transcripts:

  • In your previous school’s transcript ordering system, choose "CSU Northridge" as the recipient. If this option is not available, use registrar@csun.edu as the recipient email address.
  • If you are submitting California community college transcripts, please review eTranscript California and use this convenient system.
  • Both Graduate Admissions and the Credential Office will have access to your electronic transcripts, so no duplicates are needed.

  For paper transcripts:

  If your previous school(s) do not supply electronic transcripts, have official paper copies of your transcripts sent in unopened envelopes to:

  Please do not send identical, duplicate electronic and paper transcripts!

  Create your CSUN Portal and Email Account

  After you apply, you'll receive an email from CSUN with the information you'll need to activate your CSUN Portal and email accounts. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. Each credential program has its own criteria for admissions and will notify you when it has reached a decision. Get help at CSUN User ID and Password.

  Additional Information

  International Graduate Students

  As an incoming international student, you will have additional steps in your application process.

  Veteran Graduate Students

  If you are a veteran or the dependent of a veteran, our Office of Veterans Affairs will review your benefits documents and guide you through the application process.

  Graduate Admissions

  Office of Graduate Studies

  Phone: 818-677-5800

  Domestic Graduate Admissions
  Email graduate help

  Credential Programs

  Michael D. Eisner College of Education

  Phone: (818) 677-2733

  18111 Nordhoff Street
  Northridge, CA 91330

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