Admissions: How do I apply?
All application information and supplemental materials must be submitted through Cal State Apply. Official transcripts from all schools listed in your application must be submitted to the CSUF Office of Admissions.
Admissions: Are GRE Scores required to apply?
No, GRE Scores are not required to apply to the program.
Admissions: Can non-history majors apply?
Yes, we welcome applications from all disciplines. If you received your bachelor’s degree in a subject other than History, we highly encourage you to submit a writing sample in addition to your Statement of Purpose. Non-history majors may be conditionally admitted and asked to complete one or more specified courses prior to beginning graduate-level work.
Admissions: How do I check my application status?
Your application status can be found in your Student Homepage, under “Admissions.” For instructions on how to find your Student Homepage, please see the ""How Do I Access the Student Homepage (Student Center)?" guide.
Admissions: How do I submit letters of recommendation?
Letters of Recommendation must be requested and submitted through Cal State Apply. In your application, select the “Recommendations” tab and follow instructions to request letters from your recommenders. Letters submitted directly to the department will not be accepted. Instructions and information on this process can be found on the Cal State Apply Program Materials page.
While we strongly prefer letters of recommendation written by college or university faculty who are familiar with your academic work, if you have been out of school for several years, we will accept letters of recommendation written by employers or others who are familiar with your work performance and/or academic potential.
Admissions: How do I write my statement of purpose?
You should submit a Statement of Purpose through your Cal State Apply application under "Documents" Please discuss the following carefully and thoughtfully, in 600-1,000 words or about 2-4 pages:
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What are your goals in pursuing an M.A. degree at CSUF?
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Do you want to enhance existing social studies teaching credentials or work toward teaching at the community college level?
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Are you more interested in Public and Oral history where you would work in a museum or archival setting, or is this more of a personal goal that you hope to accomplish?
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What are your areas of interest geographically (U.S., European, Asian, World), chronologically (ancient, medieval, modern), and/or topically (women's history, military history, etc.)?
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How did you become interested in the field? You may want to mention books that have been especially influential in shaping your interests.
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Alert us of any anomalies in your record. For example, if your GPA is below a 3.0 you should explain why the graduate advisor should still consider your application.
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Alternately, let us know if you have any academic awards or honors.
Admissions: Is a writing sample required?
While a writing sample is not required, applicants are encouraged to submit writing samples if they are returning students or received a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than History.
Admissions: Is there a GPA requirement?
Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. In addition, applicants must have a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units and a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) in upper-division history courses. Only those who have at least a 3.5 GPA in upper-division history courses may request an exemption. Students with deficiencies will be considered for admission only after they have completed courses approved by the coordinator.
Admissions: When is the deadline to accept my admission offer?
Fall admission offers must be accepted by May 1st.
Spring admission offers must be accepted by December 15th.
Applicants who received their university acceptance after the dates listed above have 14 days from the date of their university acceptance letter to accept admission.
Admissions: How can I check my CSUF student account for any holds?
You can check for holds on your account that may be preventing your application from being processed by accessing your Student Homepage and selecting the "Tasks" tile. If there is a hold on your account, it will appear here with specific information on the hold, who to contact to resolve the hold, and what document is missing from your application.
CSUF's "How Do I Check for Holds on My Account?" guide for more information and guidance on this process.
Admissions: When is the deadline to apply?
Fall Admission: application period begins October 1st and ends March 1st.
Spring Admission: application period begins August 1st and ends November 1st.*
*International Students: spring admission deadline is October 1st.
Admissions: Where do I submit my transcripts?
Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts submitted to the History department will not be accepted toward your application. For more information on how to submit your transcripts, please visit the Office of Admissions website or call (657) 278-3100.*
*Current CSUF students or alumni are not required to request official transcripts from CSUF.
