How to Apply

We are delighted you are considering Cal State San Marcos for your MBA. We encourage you to explore the application process, meet our advisors, and to take the time to compile a high-quality application that reflects you and your career aspirations. This is your opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. We look forward to helping you every step of the way.

When starting the application, we advise prospective students to use the step by-step guide below to complete the online application through CSU Apply.

 

Admission Requirements

To provide clarity on our admission requirements, we've listed them below. For a more in-depth understanding, you can refer to the detailed information available in the drop-down items

1. A Bachelor Degree from an accredited Instition 
2. 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units
3. 3 years of full-time professional work experience
   • Must be post-bachelor’s work experience
   • (Read more on professional work experience) 

• 1. 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.
• 2. Good Academic Standing & GPA Requirement

  Applicant must be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of “B” (3.0) or better in the last sixty (60) graded semester units, from a WASC-equivalent university. Only regular courses from four-year colleges and/or universities will be used in calculating an applicant’s GPA—no extension courses or community college courses will be included.

• 3. Professional Work Experience
  Applicant must have at least three years of full-time, professionally relevant work experience.
• 5 International Students/ Non-resident

  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 our application process seamlessly, we've outlined the requirements below. If you're seeking more detailed information, please refer to the drop-down items. If you'd like to schedule a one-on-one meeting to walk through the application, you can do so using the appointment link at the top of this page. We're here to assist you at every step of your application journey.

1.Start the Application on CSU Apply. Attach the required supplemental material to the application: 

• 1. 1. 1. Personal Achievements Essay
        2. Program Experience Essay
        3. Two Letters of Recommendation
        4. Resume
        5. Unofficial Transcripts
• Optional Application Essay Tips and Resume Example

2. Submit all official transcripts to CSUSM

• Application Filing Period
  Domestic Applicants:
  
  

  • Applications open in August 2024. 
    
  • 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.
  • The application submission deadline for all materials for international applicants outside of the United States requiring an F-1 Visa is January 15, 2025.
  • The application submission deadline for all materials for international applicants already on an F-1 Visa and in the United States is January 15, 2025.
  • International applicants requiring a F-1 Student Visa see GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
• Step 1. Apply to Cal State San Marcos MBA
  Summer 2025 Cohort

  Applications open August 1st, 2024 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.