Admissions Requirements

Admission to the University

• Completion of a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or equivalent.
• Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
• A grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
• Satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate university authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a university may make exceptions to these criteria.

Admission to the Department or Program

The applications of students meeting University requirements for admission and desiring admission to a master’s program must also be reviewed in the appropriate department, to determine whether the student meets requirements for admission to its particular program.

Each program may have its own requirements. It is important that all applicants consult with the specific department for guidelines, requirements and deadlines. 

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Application Requirements

A complete Cal State Apply application is composed of the following elements:

• Submitted University application with $70* fee for admissions through Cal State Apply.                     
• Official copies of all college transcripts and test scores. Order them from all institutions that you have attended and have one copy sent directly to CSUSM at transcripts@csusm.edu. Alternatively, hard copies may be sent to:

Office of Admissions & Student Outreach
California State University San Marcos 
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road 
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 
ATTN: Graduate Admissions

Unofficial Transcripts are submitted on Cal State Apply during the application process. 

• Program requirements such as statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc. Contact each department for specific program application requirements.

Application Dates

Graduate Application Dates

Admissions Term	Application Open	Deadline to Apply	Programs
Spring	August 1	October 31	Select programs only.
Summer	October 1	Varies	Select programs only.
Fall	October 1	Varies	Please check your program's website.