Post-Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs

A post-baccalaureate or graduate student is one who holds a Bachelor's degree and wishes to continue his or her education for the purpose of personal enrichment or meet professional needs via a certificate, credential, second Bachelor's degree, or a Master's degree.

What are the general requirements for admission into a post-baccalaureate or graduate program?

The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post baccalaureate studies at a California State University campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, chapter 1, subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.

Specifically, a student shall:

(1) have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities;

(2) be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;

(3) have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and

(4) satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.

In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

What are the classifications of post-baccalaureate or graduate programs?

If you meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post baccalaureate studies, you will be considered for admission in one of the five following categories:

Post baccalaureate Unclassified: To enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, you must be admitted as a post baccalaureate unclassified student. By meeting the general requirements, you are eligible for admission as a post baccalaureate unclassified student. Some departments may restrict enrollment of unclassified students because of heavy enrollment pressure. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program.

Post baccalaureate Classified: If you wish to enroll in a credential or certificate program, you will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus.

Grad Conditionally Classified: You may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, you can remedy deficiencies by additional preparation.

Graduate Classified: To pursue a graduate degree, you will be required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus.

Graduate / Post baccalaureate TOEFL Requirement: All graduate and post baccalaureate 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 post secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some campuses require a higher score.

Credential Programs

California State University, Bakersfield offers several credentialing programs accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Visit the School of Education department for more information.

I've recently graduated from CSUB. Do I need to reapply to enter a post-baccalaureate or graduate program?

Yes! You must reapply to the university just like a new student. You must complete a graduate application and submit appropriate supporting documentation such as transcripts if necessary. There are several ways to apply to CSUB. We encourage you to apply to CSUB by visiting CSUMentor. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may request an admissions application packet be sent to you. Just call the University Outreach office at (661) 654-3138 or e-mail at outreach@csub.edu and let them know you need a graduate application sent to you.

The application fee requires a non refundable $55.00 filing fee whether sent via CSUMentor or on paper. Fee waivers are available if you qualify.

Is there a deadline to apply?

California State University, Bakersfield does not have an application filing deadline. However, submitting your application early is strongly encouraged so you can take advantage of any other requirements such as placements tests, entrance exams, etc. you may need to fulfill before the term begins. Also, make sure to check with the specific graduate department you are pursuing for any deadlines they may have.

When will I know if you received my application?

Once your application is received and preliminary information such as your name, address, and date of birth, etc., is collected, we will send you a letter that acknowledges receipt of your application. In the following weeks after you have received the acknowledgment letter you will receive another letter requesting any additional information required. You may call the Admissions office at (661) 654-3036 to determine the status of your application. Please have your student identification number (social security number) and term applying for ready when calling.

What about transcripts and other documents?

Transcripts will be required of all institutions attended in order to determine graduate eligibility and admission. Transcripts may be enclosed with your application, however they must be sealed in a separate envelope. Other documents may include a residency questionnaire, immigration documents, or proof of California residency. Visit the Residency page under Admissions to obtain more information about California Residency.

When will I be notified of my admission status?

If your application file is complete with all supporting documents received and evaluated, we will send you a written notice if your admission status within four weeks of acknowledgment of your application. In addition, you will also receive an e-mail address from CSUB which will be the method of communication from the campus during your academic career.

If you are admitted to California State University, Bakersfield:

Financial Aid

Visit the Financial Aid web site to learn about financial aid offers, programs, scholarships, and to plan your college career.