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. 

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.

Important Dates and Deadlines for Applicants 

Summer 2027

Master's Programs

Application Open

Application Close

Transcript Deadline

Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

Education (MAE) + Elementary Education Credential

10/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

5/1/2027

Education (MAE) + Secondary Education Credential

10/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

5/1/2027

Business Administration (MBA)

10/4/2026

4/16/2027

4/30/2027

5/14/2027

School Psychology (EdS)

10/1/2026

2/1/2027

2/19/2027

5/1/2027

Speech-Language Pathology (MS SLP)

8/1/2026

1/22/2027

1/22/2027

4/15/2027

Credential Programs

Application Open

Application Close

Transcript Deadline

Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary) 

10/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

5/1/2027

Single Subject Credential (Secondary)

10/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

5/1/2027

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

10/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

5/1/2027

Important Dates and Deadlines for Applicants 

Fall 2027

Master's Programs

Application Open

Application Close

Transcript Deadline

Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

Education (MAE) + Elementary Education Credential

8/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

7/1/2027

Education (MAE) + Secondary Education Credential

8/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/12/2027

7/1/2027

Education (MAE) - Curriculum & Instruction Online

8/1/2026

6/15/2027

6/30/2027

7/30/2027

Education (MAE) - Education Administration Online 

8/1/2026

6/15/2027

6/30/2027

7/30/2027

Business Administration (MBA)

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

Environmental Science (MS ENSCI)

8/1/2026

2/1/2027

3/1/2027

5/1/2027

Instructional Science & Technology - Blended or Online (MIST)

8/1/2026

5/31/2027

6/11/2027

7/16/2027

Marine Science - Moss Landing Marine Labs (MS MLML) 

8/1/2026

2/1/2027

3/1/2027

5/1/2027

Master of Nursing

8/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/10/2027

5/3/2027

Master of Computer Science

8/1/2026

5/31/2027

6/11/2027

7/16/2027

Social Work (MSW)

8/1/2026

2/1/2027

2/10/2027

5/1/2027

Certificate Programs

Application Open

Application Close

Transcript Deadline

Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

Instructional Science & Technology (IST) - Blended or Online Certificate

8/1/2026

5/31/2027

6/11/2027

7/16/2027

Science Illustration Certificate 

8/1/2026

2/15/2027

TBD

TBD

Credential Programs

Application Open

Application Close

Transcript Deadline

Enrollment Confirmation Deadline

Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary)

8/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/1/2027

7/1/2027

Preliminary Administrative Services Online 

8/1/2026

6/15/2027

6/15/2027

7/30/2027

Single Subject Credential (Secondary)

8/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/1/2027

7/1/2027

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

8/1/2026

3/1/2027

3/1/2027

7/1/2027

Programs Application Open Application Close Transcript Deadline Enrollment Confirmation Deadline
Business Administration (MBA) 5/31/2026 11/20/2026 12/4/2026 12/10/2026
Instructional Science & Technology - Online (MIST Online or Blended) 7/1/2026 10/31/2026 10/31/2026 12/1/2026
Instructional Science & Technology (IST) - Blended or Online Certificate 7/1/2026 10/31/2026 10/31/2026 12/1/2026
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.

Student painting a seascape

Explore Financial Aid Options

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

A smiling Cal State Monterey Bay staff member wearing a “Support each otter” shirt greets admitted students and families during Admitted Otter Day, engaging in conversation at an outdoor campus welcome event.

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.

Interested in learning more about our programs? Complete the Request Information form and a member of our team will be in touch to answer your questions and help you explore your next steps.

Admissions

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