Language Testing Requirements

Students that earned a degree from an Institution located in a nation where English is not the Official Language* must take TOEFL or IELTS or PTE (www.toefl.org or http://www.ielts.org or www.pearsonpte.com)

1. TOEFL: paper based test (pbt) Graduate, Second Baccalaureate score of 550**
2. TOEFL: computer-based version (cbt) Graduate, Second Baccalaureate score of 213**
3. TOEFL: internet based (iBt) Graduate, Second Baccalaureate score of 80**
4. IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) Graduate, Second Baccalaureate score of 6.5**
5. PTE (Pearson's Test of English Academic) Graduate, Second Baccalaureate score of 65**

The institution code required when requesting score reports from ETS is 4671.

No decision will be made on your application for admission until your official report on the TOEFL exam or IELTS is received. Test scores must be received by the final application filing deadline date for your program.

*Note: California State University, Sacramento interprets “where English was the principal language of instruction” to mean that a school is located in a country where English is the native language (the daily medium of communication of the majority of residents is English), and that the students receive academic instruction in all subjects (except foreign language courses) at all levels of education in English.

**Note: Some graduate departments have different language test requirements and may require a higher score. For example, English and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) only accept TOEFL and require a score of 600/250/100. You must contact the Department of the degree program for score requirements.

Document Evaluation

University-evaluated Documents

If you choose to have your documents evaluated by the Office of Graduate Studies, you will not be provided a copy of the evaluation. Evaluations are for campus use only. Documents are to be submitted one (1) month prior to the posted deadline for your program, and must come in the manner specified on our webpage. Please submit official academic records for each semester or year attended. Academic records may be called transcripts, mark sheets, Certificado de Notas/Calificaciones/certificado de estudios, Relevé de notes, Diploma Supplement, Leistungsnachweise or other names; essentially these are the records showing all courses taken and marks (grades) received.

The word “official” means academic records that bears an official signature in ink of the affiliated college principal, University Registrar, Rector, Controller of Examinations or Recorder of Records, and bear the university’s seal. These “official” documents must arrive at the Office of Graduate Studies, Sacramento State in an unopened sealed envelope of the university, institution, ministry, technical board, or other authorized institution.

An evaluation cannot be completed and an admission decision will not be made based upon unofficial, incomplete, or consolidated academic records. Official academic records are required from all post-secondary schools attended, showing all courses completed and/or in progress, and evidence of degree completion. Please use our Request for Academic Records form below when requesting your academic records.

In addition to your academic records, you must provide official copies of documents or verification of all degree certificates or diplomas, such as: titulos, licenciados, Diplôme de Licence, Diplôme de Maîtrise, Diplôme de Docteur, Diplom Bakalavra. The document must bear an issuance date (month, day, and year), be granted by the university, and certified by one of the following: affiliated college principal, University Registrar, Rector, Controller of Examinations or Recorder of Records.

Request for Academic Records Form

Outside Agency Evaluation

You may also have your official documents evaluated by one of the companies listed below. Those choosing to use one of these agencies do not have to submit official transcripts from their institution of origin to the university, as the evaluations will be accepted as an official documents.

Please note: Applicants electing to have one of these agencies perform the evaluation, do so at their own expense. The university will not reimburse applicants.

Special Conditions & Reminders

• Applicants who attended foreign institutions and want the university to evaluate their documents are required to submit their official transcripts one month prior to their degree program's application deadline. Those having their records evaluated by an outside agency must have their documents submitted by their degree program's individually-posted deadline dates.
• Students must submit academic records from all educational institutions attended, whether or not transfer credit is desired. Concealing attendance at an educational institution is considered a serious offense by the University and can nullify your admission and enrollment.
• Please do not send transcripts before you apply. If you are not yet in our records system when they arrive, they may not be matched to your application, and your application will be delayed.
• Graduate students should contact the Department of their desired degree program to determine whether the GRE or GMAT is required for their area of study.

Review Nation-Specific Requirements

Translation

Academic records or transcripts must be prepared in the native language and accompanied by complete, literal English translations prepared by the university’s authorized official, such as the Registrar, Rector, or Recorder. Grade conversions to the U.S. scale are not acceptable. The translation must include the names of all degrees, diplomas, and certificates as they are known in the country of origin.

If a translation cannot be obtained by the issuing institution or appropriate government agency, a sealed copy can provide for translation. CSUS will provide the applicant with a sealed copy that must be delivered to the translation service. Upon completion the translation service will mail DIRECTLY to CSUS a sealed translation. Applicant is responsible for the cost of translation and postage.

Translating Agency must belong to one of the following organizations.

• The American Translators Association
• National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators

Supplemental Department Documents

Many Sacramento State graduate departments require an additional application form, as well as other requirements (e.g. letters of recommendation, portfolio, tests, essays, etc.). Please, contact your graduate department immediately for this information (see Graduate Programs).