Graduate Programs & Deadlines

For more information on How to Apply to California State University, Sacramento, please visit our Application Information & Procedures section, which goes into more detail.

Please note:

• Sacramento State operates under a completion deadline process. Your application must be filed and all transcripts, test scores, and documents must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies by the close of business on the final application deadline for your department.
• University applications are term specific, which means that Sacramento State will not defer or roll forward your application or admission from term to term.
  • If you do not attend Sacramento State in the term you applied for, then you must reapply for the term you wish to start attending Sacramento State.
• Graduate education is open and available to all who are interested in applying, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

Office of Graduate Studies: Cal State Apply Application Guide

Cal State Apply FAQs

Supplemental Application Materials

If the department requires additional documents, you will be prompted to upload them through Cal State Apply during the application process.

Note: The Master of Social Work (MSW) program has a unique process for collecting Supplemental Application materials. Please refer to their website for more details and carefully read the email communication from the Office of Graduate Studies once you have submitted your Cal State Apply application for the MSW program as well as any communication sent directly to you from the MSW program.

Applicants with Foreign Documents

Students with foreign documents must submit transcripts/mark sheets at least one month prior to the program deadline. Students with F or J visas must apply through International Admissions. Please contact the department for supplemental deadlines and applications.

For Applicants To Programs That Lead To Licensure Or Credentialing

Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the department or program. Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer-identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

Spring 2026 Graduate Programs & Deadlines

Spring 2026 Admission Opens August 1, 2025

1. GPA calculated using last 60 semester units/90 quarter units attempted
2. GPA calculated using last 60 semester units/90 quarter units of undergraduate work attempted
3. 2.67 GPA in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework OR a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester units/90 quarter units attempted
4. 3.0 GPA in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework OR a 3.25 GPA in the last 60 units completed.
5. Please Note: For PRIORITY DEADLINES, applications received after the priority deadline, but before the final deadline, will be considered on a space available basis.

Spring 2026 Certificate Program Deadlines

1. GPA calculated using last 60 semester units/90 quarter units attempted
2. GPA calculated using last 60 semester units/90 quarter units of undergraduate work attempted
   
3. 2.67 GPA in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework OR a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester units/90 quarter units attempted

Spring 2026 Credential Program Deadlines

1. GPA calculated using last 60 semester units/90 quarter units attempted
2. GPA calculated using last 60 semester units/90 quarter units of undergraduate work attempted
3. 2.67 GPA in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework OR a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester units/90 quarter units attempted

Fall 2025 Graduate Programs & Deadlines

Fall 2025 Admission Opens on October 1st, 2024

Master's/Doctorate Program GPA Requirements

All GPA requirements are listed with the overall GPA requirements.

Please Note: For PRIORITY DEADLINES, applications received after the priority deadline, but before the final deadline, will be considered on a space available basis.

*Pending WASC and Chancellor’s Office approval

Fall 2025 Certificate Program Deadlines

Fall 2025 Credential Program Deadlines