Returning Graduate Students

The general application filing period for CSUN applications begins Oct. 1 for the coming fall and Aug. 1 for the coming spring. Application deadlines will vary for each graduate program. Visit the programs department website for specific dates. you can also use the CSU Application Dates & Deadlines tool.

Before beginning your online university application, be sure to contact your department or program. You may need to submit additional documents before re-applying.

• Credential program applicants: For forms and instructions, visit the Credential Office page How to Apply. You should also contact the Credential Office for guidance.
• Master's program applicants: Review admission requirements for your CSUN graduate program in the University Catalog or on the department page. Contact the department to determine whether higher admission standards, an additional departmental application, and/or other documents are required.
• Doctoral program applicants: Visit the Doctoral Programs page or your department for application instructions.

• Once you know your program requirements and deadlines, start gathering the materials you need. You will need a copy of your transcripts, test scores, household annual income and your Social Security number, if you have one.
• You may also need to submit additional materials based on your graduate program. Please check with your department to see which items are needed and where to send them.

Complete your application on Cal State Apply.

• If you already have a Cal State Apply account, you can copy your existing application data to a new application.
  • Learn more at Use an Existing Account to Reapply.
  • You might also need to Reset Your Cal State Apply Password.
• Carefully review your information before submitting.

• If you are a returning student in good academic standing who has not taken courses elsewhere since your last attendance at CSUN, no transcripts are required.
• If you have completed additional courses since you last attended CSUN:
  • Submit your official transcripts.
  • Send preliminary transcripts for course work now in progress.
  • You may need to provide a duplicate set of official transcripts for your graduate program admissions. Be sure to check your department's requirements.
• For information on how to submit transcripts, see the "Transcript Submission Information" section below.

Complete any supplemental application required by your program. This may include filling out a separate application or submitting additional documents. Be sure to meet their deadlines for submission.

After you apply, you'll receive an email from CSUN with the info you'll need to create or update your account in our CSUN Portal. Once you've set up an account, you can check your application status. Each department has its own criteria for admissions and will notify you when it has reached a decision.