Applying to Graduate School
The GRAD Center offers a wealth of resources for students (undergraduate and graduate students) who are preparing their applications to graduate programs.
If you are a current graduate student seeking additional support, please select Current Students to find financial support, professional development opportunities, a list of upcoming events and information about your student profile. We look forward to supporting students as they pursue the next step in their education.
Resources
If graduate school is in your future, consider applying to the Faculty Mentoring Program. Students will be paired with a faculty mentor and receive one-on-one mentoring to support them in applying to graduate school.
Learn more about the Faculty Mentoring Program
The Advancement to Graduate Education (AGE) Conference is an all-day event where students learn about graduate school. If you are applying to graduate school, we encourage you to attend the conference.
Financing Your Graduate Education: The Higher Education Hustle
Speaker: Pauline Serrano, MEd, MA
Date: Monday, October 7th
Time: 4:00 pm
Workshop Description: In this workshop, former CSUN alumni and current professor will discuss the process behind obtaining the necessary funds to support yourself as you navigate higher education. Topics include how to start writing, how to seek mentorship, and how to ask for letters of recommendation.
Building Bridges: Requesting Letters of Recommendation and Connecting with Faculty
Speaker: Dr. Omar Ruvalcaba
Date: Wednesday, Oct 30th
Time: 2:30 pm-3:30pm
Location: JD 3516
Workshop description: Are you a first-generation student unsure of how to request letters of recommendation or build strong relationships with faculty? Join us for an interactive workshop led by a first-generation faculty member who understands your unique experiences. Learn effective strategies to connect with professors, approach them for recommendations, and gain insights into making the most of your academic journey. This welcoming and supportive space is designed to empower you to build lasting academic relationships.
Statement of Purpose and Diversity/Personal Statement
Speaker: Dr. Brianne Posey
Date: Tuesday, Nov 5th
Time: 2:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location: Via Zoom
Workshop Description: The Statement of Purpose (SOP, sometimes called Personal Statement, Objectives Statement, or some other similar title) is generally the most important component of your application, and the Personal/Diversity Statement (or some similar title) complements that document to reflect on how your lived experience has contributed to the goals outlined in your SOP. In this workshop, we will explore how this document outlines what you intend to focus on in a graduate program, how all of your academic and work experiences thus far have built towards this moment, and how your intended school is the ideal place to pursue your graduate education. We’ve created three groups for this workshop based on similarity in expectations for the document, so you’ll receive information targeted to your general field. We will discuss strategies for standing out from the crowd while also adhering to the structure and content schools expect in the document. You will leave this workshop with an understanding of content and approach so you can get started with a draft.
Overview of Graduate Application Process
Date: Thursday, November, 21st
Time: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Location: Via Zoom
Workshop Description: In this workshop, we'll offer an overview of applying to graduate school. We'll discuss the components of graduate applications, the timeline for applying, how to select schools to apply to, and where to look for information about those schools.
Did you know that CSUN has over 70 graduate programs? The AGE Graduate Program Coordinator Fair is designed to connect students with Graduate Coordinators from each of our graduate programs. Students who are interested in attending CSUN for graduate school are encouraged to attend.
Learn more about the AGE Graduate Program Coordinator Fair
Students can find a variety of resources at the GRAD Center that will help them prepare for the GRE.
Learn more about the GRE Resources
If you're looking for resources, videos, and links that will support you in preparing your graduate application, select learn more about Graduate Application Support.
The Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) aims to support promising doctoral students seeking future CSU faculty positions by offering them assistance in the form of a financial loan, grant opportunities, and mentorship by CSU faculty.
Learn more about the Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program
Students are encouraged to utilize the links below if they are interested in applying to CSUN for Graduate School.