Application Requirements
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
- A Bachelor Degree from an accredited Instition
- 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units
- 3 years of professional work experience (Read more on proefssional work experience)
- 1. Bachelors Degree from Accredited InstitutionApplicant 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 ExperienceApplicant 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 Process/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.
Application Requirements
1.Start the Application on CSU Apply. Attach the required supplemental material to the application:
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- Personal Achievements Essay
- Program Experience Essay
- Three Letter of Recommendations
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcripts
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- Optional Application Essay Tips and Resume Example
2. Submit all official transcripts to CSUSM
- Application Filing PeriodDomestic Applicants:
- Applications will be open in August 2023.
- Cal State Apply Application with all supplemental material must be completed before the following review dates
for consideration:
- First Review - October 31, 2023
- Second Review - November 30, 2023
- Final Review - January 15, 2024
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, 2024.
- The application submission deadline for all materials for international applicants already on an F-1 Visa and in the United States is January 15, 2024.
- International applicants requiring a F-1 Student Visa see GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
- Applications will be open in August 2023.
- Step 1. Apply to Cal State San Marcos MBASummer 2024 CohortApplications open August 1st, 2023 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Three References
- Provide the name and email address for three 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.
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- Official Transcripts may be sent to CSUSM electronically at transcripts@csusm.edu.
- Official Transcripts may also be mailed to:
- Office of Admissions
California State University, San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
- Office of Admissions
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:
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- TOEFL: score of 80 iBT. Test result must be sent directly to CSUSM from ETS.
- 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
- 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 USATranscripts may also be sent electronically to: transcripts@csusm.edu.
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