How to Apply: Graduate Students

We’re excited to welcome you into the Otter community. Here’s what you need to know to apply.

Advance your career in an inspiring coastal environment—or from wherever you are. We offer flexible graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, from business and tech to education and social work. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree or certificate at Cal State Monterey Bay, this page outlines everything you need to know about the application process. 

Important Dates and Deadlines for Applicants 

Spring 2025

Program

Application Open

Application Deadline

Transcript Deadline

Master of Instructional Science & Technology (MIST) - Blended

8/1/2024

10/31/2024

10/31/2024

Master of Instructional Science & Technology (MIST) - Online

8/1/2024

10/31/2024

10/31/2024

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

6/1/2024

11/15/2024

11/22/24

Instructional Science & Technology - Blended Certificate

8/1/2024

10/31/2024

10/31/2024

Instructional Science & Technology - Online Certificate

8/1/2024

10/31/2024

10/31/2024

Important Dates and Deadlines for Applicants 

Summer 2025

Program

Application Open

Application Deadline

Transcript Deadline

Education (MAE) + Elementary Education Credential

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Education (MAE) + Secondary Education Credential

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

10/4/2024

4/11/2025

4/18/2025

School Psychology (EdS)

10/1/2024

2/1/2025

2/28/2025

Speech Language Pathology

8/1/2024

1/1/2025

1/11/2025

Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary)

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Single Subject Credential (Secondary)

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Special Education (SPED) Credential: Mild/ Moderate or Extensive Needs

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Important Dates and Deadlines for Applicants 

Fall 2025

Program

Application Open

Application Deadline

Transcript Deadline

Education (MAE) + Elementary Education Credential

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Education (MAE) + Secondary Education Credential

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Education (MAE) - Curriculum + Instruction Online

10/1/2024

6/15/2025

6/30/2025

Education (MAE) - Education Administration Online

10/1/2024

4/1/2025

5/1/2025

Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

10/1/2024

TBD

TBD

Environmental Science (MS ENSCI)

10/1/2024

2/1/2025

3/1/2025

Instructional Science & Technology - Blended or Online (MIST)

10/1/2024

5/30/2025

International 5/1/2025 Domestic 6/12/2025

Marine Science - Moss Landing Marine Labs (MS MLML)

10/1/2024

2/1/2025

3/1/2025

Social Work (MSW)

10/1/2024

2/1/2025

2/10/2025

Instructional Science & Technology (IST) - Blended Certificate

10/1/2024

5/30/2025

International 5/1/2025 Domestic 6/12/2025

Instructional Science & Technology (IST) Online Certificate

10/1/2024

5/30/2025

International 5/1/2025 Domestic 6/12/2025 

Science Illustration Certificate  

10/1/2024

2/16/2025

3/10/2025

Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary) 

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Preliminary Administrative Services Online

10/1/2024

4/1/2025

5/1/2025

Single Subject Credential (Secondary)

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Special Education (SPED) Credential Mild/Moderate or Extensive Needs

10/1/2024

3/1/2025

3/15/2025

Steps to Apply

Applicants must meet both Cal State University Monterey Bay’s official admission requirements and the individual graduate, credential, or certificate program’s specific admission requirements.

At the time of enrollment, an applicant must meet either the Undergraduate Degree requirements or Post-baccalaureate Degree requirements outlined below.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

  • Submitted official documents and transcripts to the CSUMB Office of Admissions from all colleges and universities attended, and
  • Be in good standing at the last school attended, and
  • Completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and
  • Earned a cumulative baccalaureate degree grade point average of at least a 2.50 or a grade point average of at least 2.50 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted, and
  • Meet all program-specific admission requirements.

Post-baccalaureate Degree Requirements

  • Submitted official documents and transcripts to the CSUMB Office of Admissions from all colleges and universities attended, and
  • Be in good standing at the last school attended, and
  • Hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Earned a cumulative post-baccalaureate degree grade point average of at least a 2.50 or a grade point average of at least 2.50 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted, and
  • Meet all program-specific admission requirements.

Each graduate degree and certificate program has its own set of admission criteria. Please take a moment to review information for your area of interest.

Find Your Graduate Program

To apply to CSUMB, you’ll first need to register for an account with The California State University centralized admissions website, Cal State Apply. Once your account is created, you can immediately begin your application for admission.

Create or Update Your Cal State Apply Account

Begin your application through Cal State Apply; the website will guide you through the steps. Don’t worry; you can save your work and come back later. 

You’ll start by selecting the term you wish to apply for, and then you’ll be able to select your campus and desired program. 

To get started, you should have the following information on hand: 

  • Social security number
  • Citizenship status
  • Annual income
  • Credit/debit card or PayPal account for $70 application fee

Download the Cal State Graduate Admission Guide

Go to Cal State Apply

In addition to your application, you may be required to submit additional materials, such as official high school and college transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume/CV, or an admission essay. 

Be sure to check your program-specific requirements for guidance.

Be sure to complete the online application and get in any supplemental materials by the deadline for your desired term. 

Once you submit your application through Cal State Apply, you will also receive instructions on how to access your CSUMB dashboard.

You’ll be able to check the status of your application at your CSUMB dashboard, as well as see a checklist of next steps. You will also receive updates and reminders about the process. 

Please check with your program of interest for more details about when to expect your admission decision. Decisions are often released on a rolling basis. 

Students admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay will receive information about next steps, including financial aid options, housing (if applicable), and orientation.

Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library

Why Cal State Monterey Bay?

Located on the central California coast, our inspiring location opens you up to a wealth of opportunities. We’re proud to be recognized as one of the top schools for social mobility in the West.

See What Makes Us Special

Additional Admissions Resources

Find Your Program

Cal State Monterey Bay offers a variety of master’s and certificate programs to help you advance your potential.

Explore Financial Aid Options

Graduate students may be eligible for financial aid programs, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and teaching assistantships.

Admissions team member

Questions About Graduate Admissions?

If you have questions about the graduate admission process, we can point you in the right direction — such as connecting you with the relevant program director.

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