How to Apply: Transfer Students

Cal State Monterey Bay welcomes transfer students from college and universities across the state and around the country, as well as from California community colleges.

Whether you’re taking the next step after earning your associate degree or are looking to switch to a university that’s a better fit for your needs and goals, we’re ready to welcome you to the Otter community.  

The Cal State Monterey Bay admissions team is here to make sure you get the most out of your previous educational experience — and to help you make a smooth transition to a new campus. 

If you’re considering transfering to CSUMB, this page outlines everything you need to know about the application process. 

Important Dates and Deadlines for Applicants 

October 1

Application period opens

December 2

Application deadline

January 15

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Deadline

May 2

Financial aid priority deadline (FAFSA, Cal Grant and Dream Act)

Students are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Determining Your Transfer Status 

CSUMB offers two pathways for transfer students: upper division and lower division. Your specific admissions criteria will depend on your status: 

Upper Division

Lower Division 

Have completed 60 or more transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units) 


Note: To help guide you, this could be the equivalent of completing two years of college and transferring in at the junior level. 

Have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units) 


Note: This could be the equivalent of completing less than two years of college and transferring in as a first year or sophomore student. 

About the California Community Colleges Associate Degree Transfer Program (CCC-ADT)

The CCC-ADT program is designed as an intentional pathway to help eligible students earn two degrees: an associate of art or science from a California Community College and a bachelor’s degree from a CSU campus. Sometimes called a “degree with a guarantee,” Cal State Monterey Bay is a proud participant in this state-wide academic opportunity. 

Learn More About CCC-ADT

Steps to Apply as a Transfer Student

View All Programs

Before you start your transfer application, you should have an idea of what you’d like to major in at Cal State Monterey Bay. Take some time to explore our 80+ programs to see what’s right for you. If you’re coming directly from a two-year school, maybe you’ll want to build off your associate degree. Or, maybe you want to start fresh in a new area of study!

This section outlines criteria for lower division and upper division transfer students residing in California. 

Lower Division transfer students must meet the following requirements: 

  • have achieved an overall college GPA of at least a 2.00. This GPA is calculated using all your transfer units attempted;
  • be in good standing at the last college or university you attended. ("Good Standing" means you are eligible to re-enroll at your last college or university);
  • have completed (or will complete before the first term at CSUMB), with a grade of C- or better, a course in Written Communication (GE Section A2) and a course in Mathematics or Quantitative Reasoning (GE Section B4);
  • have graduated from high school (received a high school diploma or General Education Development, or GED, certificate);
  • have completed "a-g" course requirements in high school.

Upper Division transfer students must meet the following requirements: 

  • have completed a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable coursework;
  • have an overall college GPA of at least 2.00; your GPA is calculated using all your transfer units attempted;
  • be in good standing at the last college or university attended. "Good standing" means you are eligible to re-enroll at your last college or university;
  • have completed general education courses (30 semester units or 45 quarter units) of basic skills courses, with a grade of C- or better, and specifically, four courses completed in the following areas below (in either section):
    • Area A - English Language Communication & Critical Thinking
      • A1: Oral Communication (Speech)
      • A2: Written Communication (English)
      • A3: Critical Thinking
    • Area B - Scientific Inquiry & Quantitative Reasoning
      • B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
    • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum* (IGETC)
      • Area 1 - English Communication
        • 1A: Written Communication (English)
        • 1B: Critical Thinking
        • 1C: Oral Communication (Speech)
      • Area 2 - Mathematical Concept & Quantitative Reasoning

Notes: 

  • CSUMB accepts transferable coursework from regionally accredited institutions.
  • All admission requirements must be completed before your first term at CSUMB. Admission is considered conditional until any in-progress coursework is satisfactorily completed and documented on official transcripts sent to CSUMB.
  • CSUMB will accept "Credit" or "Pass" for all courses completed including courses taken to satisfy: the "Golden Four" (A1, A2, A3, and B4); all other General Education courses; and major prerequisite courses.
  • CSUMB accepts transferable coursework from regionally accredited institutions.
  • For Lower Division transfers:
    • California high school graduates or residents of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49, or non-California high school graduates or non-residents of California earning a GPA between 2.47and 2.99, will be evaluated based upon supplemental factors posted on the First Year Admissions webpage [link].
    • If you did not complete all the subject requirements in high school, appropriate college courses may be used to make up the missing subjects. One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study. Non-California residents must meet the eligibility index for nonresidents.
  • You may qualify for admission or earn credit toward your degree if you pass any of the following standardized external examinations:
    • College Board Advanced Placement Tests
    • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Please see our Credit by Exam page [link] to see detailed information about the passing scores, minimum units of credit earned, and certification area (for General Education Breadth and/or U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals) awarded for successful completion of standardized external exams.

 

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 Log in to Your 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: 

  • Unofficial high school and college transcripts
  • Social security number
  • Citizenship status
  • Annual family income
  • Campus student ID number (for CCC-ADT students)
  • Credit/debit card or PayPal account for $70 application fee

Download the Cal State Transfer 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.

Transcripts

These are typically sent electronically directly from the school. If your school prefers to mail your transcripts, they can use this address: 

Office of Admissions
Cal State Monterey Bay
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA  93955-8001

Other Materials

Depending on which program you’re applying to, other materials may be requested.

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. 

Decisions are released on a rolling basis.

Students admitted to Cal State Monterey Bay — Future Otters! — will receive information about next steps, including financial aid, housing, and transfer orientation.

Visit Our Admitted Otters Page

Join the Raft

If our supportive, inspiring coastal community sounds like the right fit, we encourage you to start your application today. We can’t wait to learn more about you and your goals.

Join the Raft with Monte

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

Meet With a Transfer Evaluator

Set up a time to meet one-on-one with a knowledgeable admissions evaluator. They can answer your questions about the programs, process, transfer credits, and more.

Find Your Program

Between majors, minors, and concentrations, you’ll find more than 80 areas of study at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Explore Financial Aid Options

CSUMB is among the most accessible schools in the state system. Learn more about how financial aid can make your education even more affordable.

Admissions Team

Questions About Transferring to CSUMB?

If you have questions about the transfer admission process, we’re here to help.