Division of Research and Graduate Studies
Graduate Admissions
Become a Bulldog!
We are extremely proud that you are interested in our university for graduate study.
Over 3,000 graduate students believe that Fresno State offers excellent education
and outstanding career and professional preparation. Our dedicated professionals will
help guide you through the admissions process.
Become a Bulldog!
We are extremely proud that you are interested in our university for graduate study. Over 3,000 graduate students believe that Fresno State offers excellent education and outstanding career and professional preparation. Our dedicated professionals will help guide you through the admissions process.
Contact Us!
(closed 12:00 -1:00 p.m. daily)
University Deadlines
| Term | Cycle Opens | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | October 1 | June 1 |
| Spring | August 1 | November 1 |
| Summer | February 1 | May 1 |
*Please check the Program Information page for the most current deadline date specific to your program. Some programs set earlier deadlines or do not accept applications for spring semester admission.
How to Apply
An admissions application must be submitted for the intended semester of attendance. Visit Cal State Apply to complete an online application to Fresno State! Instructions on how to complete the application can be found here: Cal State Apply Graduate Application Guide
For assistance with completing your Cal State Apply application you may use the following resources:
- Use the Cal State Apply Help Page
- Contact the Cal State Apply Help Desk at 857-304-2087 or CalStateApply@liaisoncas.com
- Contact Graduate Admissions office at 559.278.4073 or email us at graduateadmissions@mail.fresnostate.edu
You must apply for the same semester that you intend to start the graduate program. Students are encouraged to apply early.
Continuing Students
Students who are currently enrolled in a postbaccalaureate program and plan on pursuing another master’s degree, certificate of advanced study, or credential program in the immediate subsequent semester are not required to submit a new Cal State Apply application.
- Students seeking another master’s degree or advanced certificate program should contact the Division of Research and Graduate Studies office to seek advisement about submitting a Major Change/Add form
- Students who want to pursue a credential program in the immediate subsequent semester must contact the Credential Office for instructions.
Application Fee Waivers
At this time, we are not offering application fee waivers for graduate-level programs at California State University, Fresno, unless you qualify for the following:
The following students may be entitled to an application fee refund:
- Students/dependents approved to particiapte in the Cal Vet fee waiver program
- CSU staff, faculty, and their dependents seeking a degree program at a CSU campus
Please contact Graduate Admissions for more information regarding application fee waiver or refund eligibility.
| Admission Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| CSU Minimum Eligibility Requirements |
The minimum requirements for admission to graduate or postbaccalaureate studies at a CSU campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, chapter 1, subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, you will qualify for admission if you:
|
| Cal State Apply Application Fee* | An online admissions application must be completed for the intended semester of attendance. The university application fee is $70. (Note: The $70 application fee is non-refundable.) |
| Official Transcripts |
College Graduates: Submit official transcripts from every college attended after high school. Official transcripts should include an awarded undergraduate degree and finalized grades. Currently Enrolled: Submit official transcripts from every college attended after high school, including the institution you are currently attending. If you have not graduated yet, submit official transcripts with your final semester courses in progress. An official transcript with all grades and a bachelor’s degree posted will be required at the end of your attendance. Fresno State graduates are not required to submit Fresno State transcripts to the Graduate Admissions Office. |
| Undergraduate Degree |
An official transcript with proof of an awarded bachelor’s degree from a regionally
accredited university is required for admission. Fresno State graduates are not required to submit proof of degree. |
| Program Application |
Most programs will have additional admission requirements. Program application items may include but are not limited to:
Items can be submitted through the Cal State Apply application. If you do not have the option to upload your materials through Cal State Apply, you must submit the program application directly to the department office. Please visit your department website to find out additional requirements and document deadlines. |
| Test Scores |
Depending on the program you applied to, the GRE, GMAT, MAT, CBEST, or CSET exam may be required for admission. Check your program’s admission requirements for more information.
ETS School Code- California State University, Fresno (4312) |
How do I submit official transcripts?
Electronic- transcripts sent electronically or as a PDF attachment MUST come directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts emailed by the applicant will not be accepted for admission review.
Have your institution email transcripts to:
Fresno State Admissions OR Fresno State Division of Graduate Studies
imaging@csufresno.edu*
Hardcopy- transcripts must remain in their original, sealed envelope.
Transcripts should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions Office
California State University, Fresno
5150 N. Maple Ave M/S JA57
Fresno, CA 93740-8026
*This is a secure email for transcript submission ONLY. Email any questions regarding your application or transcripts to graduateadmissions@mail.fresnostate.edu
How do I submit official test scores?
Professional Examination Services offers the GRE and TOEFL. Visit Professional Examination Service for information on how to register and schedule your test date. You can also call (559) 278-2457 to get service hours applicable for your test.
ETS Code- California State University, Fresno (4312)
In addition to completing a Cal State Apply application, submitting program application materials, and meeting standardized test requirements, students with internationally earned degrees must submit the following documents to the Graduate Admissions Office for admission review:
| Admission Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Cal State Apply Application and Fee | An online admissions application must be completed for the intended semester of attendance. The university application fee is $70. (Note: The $70 application fee is non-refundable.) |
| Official Transcripts | Official transcripts or mark sheets that demonstrate all courses completed in your program of study are required. |
| Proof of Degree | Official diploma, title, license, or degree certificate is required as proof of an awarded degree. |
| Certified English Translation | An English translation of transcripts and degree certificate from a certified translation agency is required if documents are not already translated to English. |
| English Competency Exam |
Per CSU Policy, applicants with a degree earned outside the United States where the mean of instruction is not primarily English MUST take the TOEFL exam (minimum score of 80) or IETLS exam (minimum score of 6.5). |
| Professional Evaluations |
A professional evaluation from a certified agency is not required but may be submitted with official transcripts to expedite the review process. Acceptable evaluation agencies include: |
How do I submit official transcripts or an official evaluation?
Transcripts or official evaluations must remain in their original, sealed envelope. Official evaluation reports issued by an evaluation agency should be submitted directly to our campus via mail.
Official documents should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions Office
California State University, Fresno
5241 N. Maple Ave M/S TA51
Fresno, CA 93740
Drop-off in person:
Division of Research and Graduate Studies
Frank W Thomas Building, Rm. 130
Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 12 PM, 1 PM - 5 PM
How do I submit official test scores?
Professional Examination Services offers the GRE and TOEFL. Visit Professional Examination Service for information on how to register and schedule your test date. You can also call (559) 278-2457 to get service hours applicable for your test.
ETS Code- California State University, Fresno (4312)
Thank You For Applying!
| Next Steps | |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email from Fresno State containing your Student ID number and next steps within 5-7 business days. |
| Step 2 |
Once all transcripts, test scores, and other required admission materials have been submitted, your Cal State Apply application will be evaluated to determine if you meet CSU minimum eligibility requirements. Applications are reviewed within 2-8 weeks from the date all application materials are submitted. |
| Step 3 |
If you meet CSU minimum eligibility requirements, your application will be sent to the Graduate Program Coordinator for a final review. All application materials required by the program (statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, etc.) should be submitted by the program deadline. |
| Step 4 | Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email notification with your admission status update. Students are encouraged to check their email account regularly, including spam or junk folder. |
Check Your Application & Transcript Status
- Once you are logged into My Fresno State, select Student Self Service tile.
- Select the green arrow next to My Admissions and Program Applications and click on Univ Application Status link.
- From the Univ Application Status page, you will be able to see the status of your application and official transcripts.
Conditional and Classified Admission
Congratulations! You’ve been admitted to Fresno State for postbaccalaureate study. As a newly admitted student, you will be assigned a student standing. Please see the chart below to better understand your student standing.
| Classification Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Conditionally Classified | The applicant has been admitted conditionally to the program, but not yet satisfied all program admission requirements. Conditionally Classified students must meet all assigned admission conditions in order to attain classified standing in their program. |
| Classified | The applicant has been admitted to the university and fulfilled all program admission requirements. Classified graduate students are those who have been fully admitted to their program. |
| Credential/Certificate Classified | The applicant has been formally admitted to a credential or certificate program. |
University Admission Requirements
All admitted students, regardless of their student standing, MUST submit final official transcripts and test scores before they can be fully admitted to the university.
Students who do not submit final admission requirements will be subject to delays in financial aid disbursement and prevention of registration in their second semester.
To determine which requirements still need to be submitted, please visit your student center at MyFresnoState.
Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification
California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a California State University program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
Applicants who do not meet the Title V admission requirements (see CSU minimum eligibility criteria) will be denied to the university. Applications may be denied for one of the following:
- The applicant does not hold a GPA of at least 2.5 in either their cumulative GPA or last 60 (90 quarter) units completed
- The applicant has not completed or will not complete a bachelor’s degree program by the start of the graduate term
- The applicant has not earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- The applicant has not passed the TOEFL or approved equivalent English competency exam
- The applicant did not leave their last institution attended in good academic standing
Applicants will have the option to pursue an appeal of this decision through the Assessment for Special Admission process. An admissions appeal will require both the support of the graduate program as well as approval from the Dean of The Division of Research and Graduate Studies.
For more information about this process including the link to the form, visit: Assessment for Special Admission.
Students denied by the program are not eligible to appeal the decision through the Assessment for Special Admission process.
Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Pursuant to Executive Order 1084, students seeking a second baccalaureate degree will only be considered for nursing majors.
For applicants pursuing a second bachelors in nursing, a Cal State Apply application and NursingCAS application must be submitted. View the Nursing Department’s website for more information.