How to Apply

We are delighted you are considering California State University San Marcos for your Fully Employed MBA. This program is designed for experienced working professionals who are ready to leverage their professional background to advance their careers, expand leadership capabilities, and strengthen strategic business skills.

The Fully Employed MBA is a selective, cohort-based program. Applicants who are most successful typically have at least three years of full-time professional work experience, a strong academic foundation, and the ability to balance graduate study alongside full-time employment. We encourage prospective students to take time to prepare a thoughtful, high-quality application that reflects their professional experience, career goals, and readiness for an intensive MBA experience.

If you have questions about your fit for the program or would like guidance before applying, we encourage you to connect with the MBA team or attend an information session.

Submission Deadlines

With just 40 seats available, it’s important to apply early, before the pool becomes more competitive and spots begin to fill. Applications are reviewed on the 1st of each month.

• February 1, 2026
• March 1, 2026

After submitting a complete application, applicants can expect to receive an admissions decision within two to four weeks of the monthly review date.

Admitted students will receive next-step instructions regarding enrollment, registration, and program onboarding shortly after admission decisions are released.

Admission Requirements

The Fully Employed MBA is intentionally designed for experienced professionals to ensure a rigorous, peer-driven learning environment. Admission requirements are structured to support meaningful classroom discussion, collaborative learning, and the application of real-world professional experience.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as the program maintains a selective cohort to preserve academic quality and cohort strength. Applicants are encouraged to review the criteria below carefully and submit a complete application that reflects both academic readiness and professional experience.

For a more detailed explanation of each requirement, please refer to the drop-down sections below.

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units
• 3 years of full-time professional work experience
  • Must be post-bachelor’s work experience
  • (Read more on professional work experience) 

• Bachelors Degree from Accredited Institution
  Applicant must have completed a four-year college course of study or an appropriate baccalaureate degree (or equivalent preparation) from a regionally accredited institution or from an international institution that meets CSUSM accreditation standards.
• 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units

  A Grade Point Average (GPA) of “B” (3.0) or better in the last sixty (60) graded semester units, from a WASC-equivalent university. Applicant must also be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended. 

• Three Years of Professional Work Experience
  Applicant must have at least three years of professional full-time work experince. Only post-bachelor’s work experience is counted toward this requirment. Read more about professionally relevant work experience.
• International Students/ Non-resident

  The following requirements apply only to applicants who require an F-1 student visa. Domestic applicants and permanent residents do not need to review this section unless otherwise noted.

  International applicants are encouraged to review these requirements carefully and contact the appropriate offices early to ensure timely submission of all materials.

  All International applicants requiring the F-1 student visa should visit the Office of Global Education to get detailed information about the application process for graduate level international students. All international applicants requiring an F-1 Student Visa are required to submit a financial affidavit that certifies they have the financial resources to provide for all expenses as indicated under Estimated Expenses. This form is part of the application for admission. Verification of English proficiency, the financial affidavit, and all official academic records from foreign institutions must be on file by the application deadline, and if they are not written in English, they must be accompanied by certified English translations.

  All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement with one of the following:

  • TOEFL score of 80 iBT.
  • IELTS overall band score of 6.0, writing score no lower than 6.0 and no section score below 5.5.

Application Requirements

To help you navigate the application process smoothly, the requirements below outline the steps and materials needed to apply to the Fully Employed MBA at California State University San Marcos. Many applicants complete the process in stages, and you do not need to have every document finalized before beginning your application.

If you would like personalized guidance at any point, you are welcome to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an MBA advisor using the appointment link at the top of this page.

Step 1: Submit the Online Application

1. 1. 1. • Personal Achievements Essay
         • Program Experience Essay
         • Two Letters of Recommendation
         • Resume
         • Unofficial Transcripts
         • Tips: Application Tutorial, Application Essay Tips, Resume Example

2. Submit all official transcripts to CSUSM

• Application Filing Period
  Domestic Applicants:
  
  

  • Applications open in August 2025. 
    
  • Cal State Apply Application with all supplemental material must be completed before the review dates for consideration.

  International (F-1 Visa) Applicants:

  • Visit the GPS I Want to Apply page and follow the steps listed
  • Applications are currently being accepted.
  • Applications are processed as received.
  • International applicants requiring a F-1 Student Visa see GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
• Step 1. Apply to Cal State San Marcos MBA
  Summer 2026 Cohort

  Applications open August 1st, 2025 and will remain open until a full cohort has been selected. 

   

  Submit a Cal State Apply Application online and pay the application fee. On the application please select the Major/Program Objective “Business Administration,” and for the Degree Objective select “Other master's (MBA, MFA, MPA, etc.)".

   

  You will be asked to submit the following supplemental materials with your application:

  • Resume
  • Two Essays (1 page | single-spaced)
    1. Personal Achievements: Submit a one-page essay on your on achievements which you consider to be the best indicators of your potential for a successful management career.
    2. Program Experience: Submit a one-page essay on the rewards and challenges you anticipate from the program, and how you expect the experience to enhance your management career.
  • Two References
    • Provide the name and email address for two professional references.  We will contact them to complete a recommendation for you.
    • References can use the following recommendation template.
  • Unofficial transcripts for all colleges attended (attach a pdf copy of your transcripts)

   

   
• Step 2. Request official transcripts and scores

  Official Transcripts:

  All Official Transcripts must be requested to be sent to CSUSM. This INCLUDES all community college and university course work.

  1. 1. Official Transcripts may be sent to CSUSM electronically at transcripts@csusm.edu. 
     2. Official Transcripts may also be mailed to: 
        1.   Office of Admissions
              California State University, San Marcos
              333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
              San Marcos, CA 92096-0001

  Test Scores (Optional):
  GMAT/GRE: Request that your official GMAT score report to be sent to CSUSM. The school code for the GMAT test is V38-PT-28. If you are sending GRE scores the school code is 4155. 

  Proficiency is required submit ONE of the following:

  1. 1. TOEFL: score of 80 iBT.  Test result must be sent directly to CSUSM from ETS.
     2. IELTS: band score of 6.0.  Send a copy of your score report via: Email to intappl@csusm.edu  or Fax to (760) 750-3284 
     3. American Language and Cultural Institute (ALCI) TOEFL waiver and CONDITIONAL ADMISSION: To apply, visit SMBA Admission Requirements.

  International students please contact:  intappl@csusm.edu for assistance.  

  If you are an international (F-1 visa) applicant, provide the following: The address for submission of your transcripts, translations, GRE score report, TOEFL/IELTS score report, photocopy of passport and financial affidavit:

  Admissions and Recruitment
  California State University San Marcos
  333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
  San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 USA

  Transcripts may also be sent electronically to: transcripts@csusm.edu.