Admissions

INDEX

General Information

• Admission Procedures and Policies
  • Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents
  • Residence Determination
  • Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs
  • Application Filing Periods
  • Application Acknowledgment
  • Use of Social Security Number
  • Hardship Petitions
  • Reservation
  • Appeal of Admission Decision
  • Reapplication after Failure to Enroll
  • Readmission
• COVID-19 Vaccination & Immunization
  • CSU Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
  • CSU Immunization Requirements

• Undergraduate Admission Requirements
  • Regular Admissions  
    • Second Baccalaureate
    • International
    • Returning Students
    • Transfers
    • Freshman
  • Special Admissions
    • Veterans
    • High School Nongraduates
    • High School Students
    • The California Promise
    • Early Entrance (EEP)
    • Educational Opportunity (EOP)
    • Adult Students (25 years+ of age)
  • English Language Requirement
• Undergraduate Application Procedures
  • Transcript and Admission Test Score Requirements
  • Impacted Programs
  • Supplementary Admission Criteria
• Admission and Evaluation of Academic Records
  • Evaluation of Transfer Credit
    • Categories and Credit Allowances
    • CSU Systemwide Credit By External Examinations
  • Evaluation of Optional Undergraduate Tests and Examinations
    • Advanced Placement (AP)   
    • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    • International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
    • Credit Awarded Through Associate Degrees for Transfer
    • Transfer of Credit Earned by Examination at Another Institution
    • American Chemical Society Examination
    • Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) 
  • Credit for Non-Traditional Learning Experiences
• Freshman Skills Assessment and Placement Measures for 1st-Year General Education
  • GE Written Communications Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement
  • GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non-Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors) Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
  • GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre-STEM/STEM and Other Math-Intensive Majors Has Fulfilled the GE Sub-area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

• Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Admission Requirements
  • General Requirements
  • Special Action Admissions
  • International Admissions
  • Requirement for Returning Students
  • English Language Requirement
  • Transcript Requirements
• Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application Procedures
  • File an Application
  • The Appeal of Admission Decision

               

General Information

Admissions Procedures and Policies

Requirements for admission to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State L.A.) are set in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available on the California State University website. 

All CSU applications must be submitted online on the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

Cal State L.A. advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Residence Determination

The determination of whether students qualify as legal residents of California for admission and tuition purposes is made by a review of information in the residence questionnaire that all applicants submit with their application for admission. For a summary statement of the principal rules and exceptions regarding residence determination, please refer to Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes  under the Chapter of Procedures and Regulations .

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU have access to courses at other CSUs on a space available basis unless those universities/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host university and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home university academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host university.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at (323) 343-3901.

CSU Fully Online Courses -Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host university. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated pre-requisites. Credit earned at the host university is electronically reported to the student’s home university to be included on the student’s transcript at the home university.

CSU Visitor Enrollment -  Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU may enroll at another CSU for one term. Credit earned at the host university is reported at the student’s request to the home university to be included on the student’s transcript at the home university.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment - Matriculated CSU, UC or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home university.

Application Filing Periods

Visit the admission wesbite: http://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/deadlines 

* Note:  Most CSUs do not admit students to summer term.

Application Acknowledgment

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

Use of Social Security Number

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). the University uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service requires the University to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Hardship Petitions

The university has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write to the university Admission Office regarding specific policies governing hardship admission.

Reservation

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs as the University, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the University.

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the university. The procedure is limited to addressing university decisions to deny an applicant admission to the university.

Admission appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted and indicate a time estimate for when the university expects to respond to an appeal. The appeal procedures must be included in all denial of admission notifications to students and must also be published on the university website at https://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/admission-appeals

Reapplication After Failure to Enroll

Applicants who fail to register for the term for which they have been accepted will have their admission canceled. Those who desire admission to any future term must file another application (with fee) within the stated application period and must meet admission requirements in effect at the time of the new application.

All transcripts on file for applicants who are admitted but do not attend are kept one year and may be used for admission during that period. However, transcripts of any additional work completed since the original transcripts were filed must be requested by the applicant from the college(s) attended as part of the new application procedure.

Readmission

Students who are absent without prior approval for any two consecutive semesters before the semester they wish to return must apply for readmission. An application fee is charged except for students who were enrolled during any of the two consecutive semesters immediately preceding the semester of desired readmission. An application with fee also must be filed by any student who enrolls at another institution during an absence, with the following exceptions: a summer session or extension program; dual registration, with prior approval; or concurrent or visitor enrollment at another CSU campus. Students who were disqualified from Cal State L.A. following the last semester of attendance must file an application for admission as returning disqualified students. For details see Readmission of Disqualified Students below.

Returning Veterans (Military, Alternative Service)

Cal State L.A. students who enter active U.S. military service or approved alternative service are eligible for continuing student status following active service. Time served in active military or approved alternative service, including the entire semester in which the student entered the service and the entire semester during which the discharge occurred, will not be counted as a break in attendance in determining continuing student status.

Readmission of Disqualified Students

Readmission after disqualification is not automatic. Disqualified students will not be considered for readmission until at least two semesters have elapsed. Students will be eligible for readmission when they have satisfied the terms and conditions established during the disqualification interview as documented in the student’s file by the academic advisor, provided that they meet or exceed the following minimum Cal State L.A. and cumulative grade point averages for their class level when they apply:

Units earned at an accredited higher education institution while under disqualification can be used to raise the cumulative grade point average above the minimum required for admission. However, any deficiency in the Cal State L.A. grade point average may only be corrected by completing Cal State L.A. courses through Open University or special sessions offered by the College of Professional and Global Education. Students who have not previously been placed on special notice and whose grade point averages do not meet these minimum criteria may be considered for readmission with special notice with the approval of their college dean.

Readmission Appeals Procedure

Students who have not met the requirements established at the time of the exit interview will be ineligible for readmission and will be so notified by the University Admissions Office. Students may appeal this decision by submitting a petition to the dean of their college or the dean of Undergraduate Studies if they have not declared a major.

Students who wish to request readmission must provide evidence to their advisor that they have met the terms and conditions specified in their disqualification interview, including official transcripts of all transfer work attempted since disqualification. Advisors who support the request for readmission must specify on the petition for readmission a plan for attaining good academic standing. Students requesting readmission must obtain approval for readmission from the department, division, or school and the college from which they were disqualified. The University Academic Advisement Center and the Office of Undergraduate Studies will rule on petitions for readmission of disqualified students with undeclared majors.

COVID-19 Vaccination & Immunization

CSU Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.
All individuals who access Campus/Programs must be Fully Vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, as defined by this policy, subject to the terms and limited Exemptions described in this policy, as well as comply with Other Safety Measures established on each campus.
A Student may be exempted from the vaccine requirement in this policy as described below:

Medical Exemption - due to a medical (including mental health) condition for which an Approved Vaccine presents a significant risk of a serious adverse reaction. Any medical Exemption must be verified by a certified or licensed healthcare professional.

Religious Exemption - due to either (i) a person’s sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice, which includes any traditionally recognized religion, or (ii) beliefs, observances, or practices that an individual sincerely holds and that occupy a place of importance in that individual’s life, comparable to that of traditionally recognized religions.

• CSU Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
• Cal State L.A. COVID-19 Vaccination Information

CSU Immunization Requirements

In accordance with the CSU Immunization Requirements policy, undergraduate and graduate students, students matriculated in self-support degree programs and K-12 students participating in concurrent enrollment courses entering the California State University (CSU) in or after fall 2023.

Immunization and Screening, Recommendations and Requirements are adopted from the American College Health Association (ACHA) Immunization Recommendations for College Students (linked here), and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immunization & Screening Recommendations for College Students (linked here).

See the CSU Immunization Requirements policy for more information regarding additional authorized discretionary requirements, academic program and fieldwork or clinical placement requirements, or immunization access.

NOTE: Any revisions of the CDPH recommendations for colleges and universities as of February 1, each year, will be reflected in CSU recommendations for the subsequent fall academic term.

Exemptions

A student may be exempted from any requirements in this policy as described below:

Medical Exemption: due to a medical condition for which an Approved Vaccine presents a significant risk of a serious adverse reaction. Any medical Exemption must be verified by a certified or licensed healthcare professional.

Religious Exemption: due to either (i) a person’s sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice, which includes any traditionally recognized religion, or (ii) beliefs, observances, or practices which an individual sincerely holds and that occupy a place of importance in that individual’s life, comparable to that of traditionally recognized religions.

Required Immunization

Hepatitis B (Hep B) - Ages 18 and younger as per California law (HSC sections 120390-120390-7), enrollees who are 18 years of age or younger are required to provide proof of full immunization against the hepatitis B virus prior to enrollment.

Immunization and Screening Recommendations

The CSU recommends that students are current for the immunizations listed below. Immunizations and screening recommendations, and immunization schedules are linked above. Campuses should link to this policy to provide students with detailed immunization and screening recommendations.

Recommended Vaccines to Reduce Outbreaks

• Influenza Vaccine
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
• Meningococcal Conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, W-135) Vaccine
• Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

Other Vaccines Recommended for Adults

• Hepatitis A (Hep A) Vaccine
• Hepatitis B (Hep B) Vaccine - Ages 19 and older
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Vaccine
• Polio Vaccine

Recommend Screening

• Tuberculosis Screen/Risk Assessment (TB)

The above are not admission requirements but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.  Important details on the requirements, including compliance information, are available through the CSU’s Immunization Requirements.

Please visit the Student Health Center for timeline and Enrollment Immunization and Screening Requirements for Cal State LA. 

Measles/Rubella immunizations and TB tests and chest x-rays are offered at the Student Health Center. For complete instructions, clinic dates, and fees, call the MR/TB Information Line, (323) 343-3300, or visit the Student Health Center’s webpage regarding enrollment immunization and screening requirements. For questions you may have regarding a registration hold, call directly (323) 343-6547. The fax number is (323) 343-6557.

Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate Admission  Requirements

Regular Admissions

Freshman Requirements

General Requirement

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements:

1. Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE);
2.  Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses;
3.  Have completed, with grades of C- or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”); and The CSU will accept “Credit” or “Pass” grades to satisfy “a-g” requirements completed during Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and during Winter, Spring or Summer 2021 terms. The CSU expects and assumes that high school Pass (Credit) grades will represent work completed at the C- or higher level. As of Fall 2021 and forward, grades are expected for courses.
4.  Earn a qualifying “a-g” grade point average (GPA) as described below.
   • California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA.
   • Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the university admission decision.
   • Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 or greater “a-g” GPA along with other supplemental factors utilized by the individual university, including those outlined by impacted universities and programs.
   • Any Non-California resident earning a GPA between 2.47 and 2.99 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the university admission decision.
5.  Each CSU will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students.

ACT/SAT Requirement

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility Submitted test scores by admitted students would be considered only for purposes of student placement in Math or English courses.

Subject Requirements

The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government.
• 4 years of English.
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended).
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological and 1 physical, both must include laboratory instruction).
• 2 years in the same language foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence).
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater, or music
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.

Foreign Language Subject Requirement 
The foreign language subject requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language other than English equivalent to, or higher than, that expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. Consult your school counselor or any CSU campus Admissions or Outreach and Recruitment Office for further information.

Substitution for Students with Disabilities 
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements if possible. If you are judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement because of your disability, you may substitute alternative college preparatory courses for specific subject requirements.

Substitutions may be authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by your academic adviser or guidance counselor in consultation with the director of a CSU program for students with disabilities. Although the distribution may be slightly different from the course pattern required of other students, students who qualify for substitutions will still be held for 15 units of college preparatory study. You should be aware that failure to complete courses required for admission may limit your later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. For further information and substitution forms, please contact the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities at your nearest CSU campus.

Honors Courses
Grades in up to eight semester courses designated as honors courses in approved subjects and taken in the last two years of high school receive additional points in grade point average calculations. Each unit of A in approved courses will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

College Preparatory Courses Recommended
Most academic advisers agree that preparation for university study includes preparation in subjects beyond English and mathematics. Bachelor’s degree curricula build upon previous study in the natural sciences, social sciences, visual and performing arts, foreign languages, and the humanities. Students who plan to major in mathematics, the sciences (including computer science), engineering, premedicine, other science-related fields, business, or economics should complete four years of college preparatory mathematics. Students in the social sciences and preprofessional fields of study should include at least three years of college preparatory mathematics in their studies. Further, all students should include English and mathematics in the final year of high school.

Transcript and Test Score Requirements
First-time freshman applicants should not request high school transcripts to be sent to the University until the date of high school graduation is posted on their high school transcript, or unless requested by the University to do so. Transcripts must be sent directly from the high school to Cal State L.A.’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment. All transcripts become University property and will not be released or copied, except for students who request that their application be redirected to another CSU campus.For fall applicants graduating from high school in June, the final high school transcript with date of high school graduation posted must be received by July 15, or the term’s specified transcript deadline date, to ensure enrollment and to prevent the offer of admissions from being cancelled. For applicants with a final calculated high school grade point average of less than 3.00, an SAT or ACT score is required which generally is included on the high school transcript.

Foreign High School Graduates
U.S. Citizen and/or immigrant applicants who are graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries will have their records assessed for academic preparation and equivalence to those of eligible California high school graduates. The SAT and/or ACT is not an admission requirement from these individuals, except when specifically requested to do so.

Applicants who have graduated from U.S. high schools abroad will be held to academic requirements as those who have graduated from high schools outside California. Please refer to the transcript and test score requirements as noted in the above paragraph.

Provisional Admission

Cal State LA may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The university will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A CSU may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. 

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or university, have met all supplementary criteria.

Transfer Requirements

Transfer Policies of CSU Campuses

Most commonly, college-level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency are accepted for transfer to member universities of the CSU; However, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each university.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower- division general education requirements for any CSU prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed on the official transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities website, assist.org.

CSUs may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSUs, any or all of the California community colleges and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90 semester (135 quarter) units may be transferred into the university from all sources.

Transfers Requirements

• Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. 
• Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students.
• Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshman admission.
• Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the university to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower Division Transfer Admission Requirements

1. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
2. Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and B4 requirements, respectively;
3. Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
4. Meet any one of the following eligibility standards.

Transfer Based on Current Admission Criteria
The applicant meets the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term for which the application is filed; - OR -

Transfer Based on High School Eligibility
The applicant was eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation; - OR -

Transfer Based on Making Up Missing Subjects
The applicant had a qualifiable eligibility index at the time of high school graduation (combination of GPA and test scores if needed), has made up any missing college preparatory subject requirements with a grade of C- or better, and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation. One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study.

Note: Some CSUs may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses, as part of their admission criteria.

Upper Division Transfer Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:

1. Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all transferable units attempted;
2. In good standing at the last college or university attended; and
3. Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses that meet CSU general education requirements, including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.

CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission consideration over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS- T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted university/program or to CSUs/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU. For the admissions process, students are responsible for working with their community college counselors to complete verification of AA-T or AS-T degree progress through the e-verify process within the established university deadlines.

For more information contact your Community College Transfer Center or review these resources:

• https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/transfer/Pages/ccc-associate-degree-for-transfer.aspx
• http://adegreewithaguarantee.com/

Provisional Admission

Cal State L.A. may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The university will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college-level work completed. CSUs may rescind admission for any student who is found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. In no case may such documents be received and validated by the university any later than a student’s registration for their second term of CSU enrollment.

Admission Requirements for Returning Students

Students return from educational leaves - Please refer to the Categories of Enrollment - Withdrawal and Leaves under the Procedures and Regulations  chapter. 

Readmission of Disqualified Students - Please refer to the Readmission section in this chapter and the Readmission of Disqualified Student section under the Procedures and Regulations  chapter.  

International (Foreign) Students Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The California State University uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students. Verification of English proficiency (see the paragraph below about the English Language requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations for admissions. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least 60 days before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Foreign applicants and all others who are not permanent U.S. residents will be admitted to Cal State L.A. only if they meet one of the following sets of requirements:

• Completion of two years (56 semester units or equivalent)of acceptable college work with a minimum 2.4 grade point average as evaluated by the University (A=4.0), an acceptable course in English composition, speech, critical thinking and mathematics with a minimum grade of C in each course, and a qualifying English proficiency test score; or
• Graduation from a foreign high school where the language of instruction was not exclusively English (with a minimum 3.0 grade point average as evaluated by the University), a minimum 2.4 grade point average in any college work attempted (as evaluated by the University), and a qualifying English proficiency test score. The academic eligibility requirement is the same as for graduates of high schools outside California, although submission of ACT or SAT scores is not necessary unless specifically requested by the University. Foreign high school equivalencies are determined by the University; or
• Graduation from a foreign high school where the language of instruction was not exclusively English with a minimum 3.0 grade point average as evaluated by the University, and a qualifying English proficiency test score. The academic eligibility requirement is the same as for graduates of high schools outside California, although submission of ACT or SAT scores is not necessary unless specifically requested by the University. The University determines foreign high school equivalencies.

Undergraduate applicants who have attended full time, for at least three years, either an accredited U.S. college or university or a foreign high school, college, or university where the principle language of instruction was English are exempted from the English language requirement.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that F-1 visa undergraduate students carry a minimum study load of 12 semester units. Visa students must have advance proof of adequate financial resources, be in good health, and comply with all Cal State L.A. and USCIS regulations. Consult International Programs, (323) 343-3170, for information about visas, housing, and related matters. International students may apply online at the Cal State Apply website: www.calstateapply.edu.

General Guidelines for Foreign Records

Applicants with foreign academic work are required to submit official copies of academic records, along with a certified English translation. Academic records should include secondary school records; yearly records from each college or university attended that indicate the number of hours per semester or year devoted to each course and the grades received; and official documents that confirm the awarding of the degree that include the title and date.

All official documents submitted become the property of the University. The University will determine the acceptability of any foreign work.

Insurance Requirement

Effective August 1, 1995, as a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in The California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State and NAFSA, Association of International Educators. The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Further information may be obtained from the International Programs in College of Professional and Global Education (323) 343-4900.

Second Baccalaureate Applicants

Students who have earned a baccalaureate from an accredited institution may earn a second baccalaureate at Cal State L.A. They are considered post-baccalaureate applicants and must meet the admission requirements for graduate and postbaccalaureate students. Please refer to the Graduate and Postbaccaluareate (section) in this chapter. 

Special Admissions

Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
• Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
• If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation. Questions should be directed in writing to the Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Tammie Leung (tleung1@calstatela.edu).

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) assists undergraduate students who are disadvantaged because of their economic or educational background. EOP serves California residents who do not meet regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular admission, if they have a history of low income and need academic and financial assistance.

In addition to special admission procedures, the program provides specialized orientation, financial assistance, advisement by professional and peer counselors (usually upper division students), tutoring, and access to specialized courses. Because not all EOP applicants can be guaranteed admission, alternative opportunities should be investigated. Applications and information may be obtained from the EOP Office, Student Affairs 215, (323) 343-4EOP.

Early Entrance Program (EEP)

Cal State L.A.’s Early Entrance Program  (EEP) serves highly gifted students who need the academic challenges of a university environment to develop intellectually but who are chronologically younger than traditional undergraduates and have not yet graduated from high school. The EEP provides the opportunity for these highly gifted students to begin their college studies early at Cal State LA as full-time college students and offers them support, guidance, counseling, and a social environment necessary to prepare them for success at the university level. Visit the Early Entrance Program Curriculum  page for description and for complete details about the admission requirements. 

For further admission information please contact the EEP at (323) 343-2287, fax (323) 343-5574 or visit the EEP Website at Early Entrance Program

The California Promise

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSU campuses to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4-years. All campuses have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2-years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the 4-year or 2-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating campuses may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact campus offices or visit the California Promise Program website.

High School Students

High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute the right to continued enrollment.

Provisional Admission of First-time Freshmen

Cal State L.A. may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The campus will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all course work has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the University. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any University registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma have earned a qualifiable minimum eligibility index, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

Subject requirements - The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater or music
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list

High School Nongraduates

Applicants older than 18 years of age who have not graduated from high school are considered for admission only when their preparation in all other ways is such that Cal State L.A. believes their promise of academic success is equivalent to that of eligible California high school graduates. These applicants are required to submit General Educational Development (GED) test scores to establish high school graduation equivalence and an official high school transcript that shows all work completed to the last date of attendance. Scores on the ACT or SAT also are required.

Veterans

Under special circumstances and by authorized action, veterans of U.S. military service who are California residents may be admitted as either first-time freshmen or transfers even though such applicants are not otherwise eligible.  Students with veteran benefits including active duty or dependent eligible for VA Chapter Benefits 31 and 33 will have their fees deferred while being certified by the VA and no late fees will be incurred. The veteran, active duty or dependent eligible for chapter benefits 31 and 33 will need to provide a Certificate of Eligibility, a Statement of Benefits, or VA Authorization Notification form before the first semester of benefits. Please see 38 USC 3679(e) for complete details.

Applicants Not Regularly Eligible:  Applicants who are not admissible under one of the above provisions should enroll in extension courses, a community college, or another appropriate institution to meet eligibility requirements. Only under the most unusual circumstances and by authorized action will such applicants be admitted to Cal State L.A. without additional academic preparation as described above.

English Language Requirement

All CSU undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a minium score of 61 ibT or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalanet (refer to the chart below). Some majors and some CSUs may require a higher score. A few CSUs may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). Each university will post the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores. 

CSU minimum TOEFL standards are: 

Cal State L.A. qualifying tests and scores for undergraduate applicants are:

Notes: Exam scores are only valid for two years after the test date. Official scores must be sent directly to the University by the respective testing agency.

• TOEFL - Request report to be sent to Cal State LA using Institutional Code 4399.
• IELTS - Request electronic or paper (hard copy) report to be sent to California State University, Los Angeles.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Send report to California State University, Los Angeles.
• Duolingo English Test (DET) - Request electronic report to be sent to Cal State LA via your online Duolingo Account.

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $70 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be requested on the application if desired by the university. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted university may be redirected to another university at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Transcript and Admission Test Score Requirements

Undergraduate transfer students are required to comply with the following transcript and test score requirements as part of the application procedures for admission. Classifications (class level) of applicants apply as of the date of intended enrollment.

Transfer applicants - Transcripts: must submit transcripts to the University from all colleges and universities previously attended, even if no coursework was completed. If transferring with fewer than 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units completed, the high school transcript and official test scores (for applicants with a final calculated high school grade point average of less than 3.00) must also be sent.

Transcripts from within the U.S.  - must be sent once you are admitted and must be received by the Document Deadline indicated in the email offering admission to avoid registration delays and to prevent the offer of admission from being canceled, and if enrolled, being dropped from all courses.

Documents from outside the U.S. - must be sent prior to an offer of admission and received at least 60 days before the first day of the term to which the applicant applies. Students should refer to the appropriate terms’ deadlines for more information (See https://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/international-applicants). All transcripts become University property and will not be released or copied, except for students who request that their application be redirected to another CSU campus. Transcripts are retained one year for applicants who do not enroll in the term of application or who send transcripts but do not file an application.

Official transcripts are documents received in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution. For initial advisement purposes, students are recommended to bring their own set of transcripts.

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every university which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few universities.

Candidates for admission must meet all of the university’s specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or university.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those CSUs or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on university and program impaction is available on the Impaction at the CSU website.

Each university will communicate supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their application service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published on the Cal State LA campus website as Major-Specific Criteria for Admission.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered for impacted programs at more than one CSU should file an application at each university for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each university with impacted programs or class-level admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on the combination of student’s “A-G” GPA and supplemental factors or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degrees, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted universities or programs may need to have a higher “a-g” GPA . In no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making freshman admission decisions.

The supplementary admission criteria used by individual CSUs to screen applicants are made available by the universities to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.

Admission and Evaluation of Academic Records

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

Undergraduate transfer students’ previous college work is evaluated in terms of its relevance to Cal State L.A. course offerings and degree requirements. The transfer credit evaluation is prepared for all new transfer and readmitted students by their second quarter of attendance. This evaluation identifies general education and graduation course requirements met by transfer courses and transfer credit accepted in satisfaction of unit requirements. For readmitted students, it also identifies general education and major requirements met by Cal State L.A. courses. The policies of the transfer institution(s) are followed when grade point averages of transfer course work are computed. If such policies cannot be determined, Cal State L.A. policies are followed. Credit for selected vocational/technical courses not generally accepted for transfer credit may be recognized after admission if approved by the Cal State L.A. academic department or division responsible for the related degree program.

Categories and Credit Allowances

• Baccalaureate-level course credit certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) yields a maximum of 24 semester-units.
• Advanced Placement examinations of the CEEB with scores of 3, 4, or 5 yield 6 semester-units for each examination.
• For credit allowance for standardized external examinations, including CLEP, Advanced Placement, the CSU English Equivalency Exam, the American Chemical Society Cooperative Examination, see the explanations later in this chapter.
• For basic training military service, 6 semester-units of lower division elective credit are awarded for 1 year or longer of active duty with an honorable discharge, and 3 semester-units for 6 months to one year with an honorable discharge.
• Civilian and military courses and schools recommended for credit by the American Council on Education’s Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials yield a maximum of 8 semester-units.

Quarter Units/Semester System

Credits at Cal State L.A. are expressed in semester units; one semester unit normally represents no fewer than fifty minutes of class work and two or more hours of outside study per week for one semester. One semester unit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter units, and one quarter unit is equivalent to 0.67 semester units.

Credit for Community College Course Work

A maximum of 70 semester units (105-quarter units) earned in a Community College will be allowed towards the units required for graduation. Neither upper division credit nor credit for professional education courses is allowed for community college work.

Credit for Extension, Correspondence Courses

The maximum amount of credit for correspondence and extension courses that may be applied toward the baccalaureate is 24 semester units (36 quarter units). Extension and correspondence course credit does not satisfy Cal State L.A. residence requirements. Students should consult their major department or division adviser before they enroll in extension or correspondence courses to ensure that courses elected will meet both unit and content requirements for the degree.

No undergraduate degree credit will be allowed for University of California extension courses in the X300 or X400 series taken after Spring Quarter 1968, except as specifically approved by the individual department or division concerned.

Credit for Supplementary Transfer Work

To request evaluation of credit toward a bachelor’s degree for work taken at other colleges or universities subsequent to matriculation at Cal State L.A., students must have official transcripts forwarded to the Admissions Office.

Credit for Non-collegiate Instruction

Cal State L.A. grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, which has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Credit for Military Service

Students are granted 6 semester units of lower division elective credit, upon admission, for one year or more of regular active duty in a U.S. military service with an Honorable Discharge, including completion of basic or recruit training. For six months to one full year of military service, including completion of a six-month reserve training program with basic recruit training, and an Honorable Discharge, 3 semester units of lower division elective credit are granted upon admission. Additional credit to a maximum of 8 semester units may be granted for completion of certain service school certificate programs, based on recommendations of the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education.

Students should submit a copy of their military separation, DD214 or equivalent record, at the time of application for admission. Information on how to request an evaluation of military service school credit can be obtained at www.acenet.edu, the American Council on Education home page. Military service credit is not applied toward the residence requirement.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Credit Certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES)

A maximum of 24 semester units of baccalaureate course credit may be earned for course work certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES). Students must have an official DANTES transcript forwarded to the Office of University Admissions.

Credit for Peace Corps Training

Peace Corps volunteers who completed their training at Cal State L.A. may earn a maximum of 1 semester units for each week of the training program. The number of units and the area in which the units are given varies with each project. Grades are recorded as Credit (CR).

Credit for work taken at another institution while in Peace Corps training will be granted by Cal State L.A., but only as it appears on an official transcript from another college or university. The credit will be validated when the volunteer becomes a student at Cal State L.A. or another institution of higher education.

CSU Systemwide Credit for External Examinations

The California State University (CSU) faculty has determined passing scores and, when appropriate, certification areas (for General Education Breadth and United States History, Constitution, and American Ideals) for CSU-approved standardized external examinations. The list is included below and may also be found online on the Cal State Apply website.

Note that each CSU campus still determines how it will apply external examinations toward credit in the major. For students not already certified in General Education (GE) and/or American Institutions, the campus also determines how to apply credit from such exams toward the local degree requirements.

For questions concerning credit for external examinations, please contact Dr. Melissa Lavitt, Assistant Vice Chancellor and State University Dean, Academic Programs at (562) 951-4147 or by email at mlavitt@calstate.edu.

In the table below, the American Institutions and G.E. Breadth Areas refers to the following:

American Institutions

• US 1 - United States History
• US 2 - United States Government and Politics (Does not cover California and Local Government)

Area A Communication and Critical Thinking

• A1 - Oral Communication
• A2 - Written Communication
• A3 - Critical Thinking

Area B Natural Science and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

• B1 - Physical Science
• B2 - Life Science
• B3 - Laboratory Activity
• B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

Area C Arts and Humanities

• C1 - Arts (Arts, Cinema, Dance, Music, Theater)
• C2 - Humanities (Literature, Philosophy, Languages Other Than English)

Area D Social Sciences

• D0 - Sociology and Criminology
• D1 - Anthropology and Archeology
• D2 - Economics
• D3 - Ethnic Studies
• D4 - Gender Studies
• D5 - Geography
• D6 - History
• D7 - Interdisciplinary Social or Behavioral Science
• D8 - Political Science, Government and Legal Institutions
• D9 - Psychology

Area E Lifelong Understanding and Development

• E - Lifelong Learning and Self-Development

Area F Ethnic Studies

• F - Ethnic Studies

Evaluation of Optional Undergraduate Tests and Examinations

Cal State L.A. grants undergraduate degree credit to students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include Advanced Placement Examinations, the CSU English Equivalency Examination, and some CLEP examinations, as outlined below. The total credit earned in external examinations that may be applied to a baccalaureate shall not exceed 30 semester units, exclusive of credit for Advanced Placement examinations.

Following is a list of External Examinations for which the University grants credit:

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

Cal State L.A. grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of three or better will be granted up to six semester units (nine quarter units) of college credit.

Please look up the AP Score Table  for transfer credit information. 

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Credit is awarded for successful performance in certain examinations of the College Level Examination Program. Four quarter units may be earned in any of the following examinations, with passing scores as indicated.

Credit for one examination in mathematics may be applied to the mathematics requirement of the general education program. Credit for additional examinations is allocated to electives; acceptance for major, minor, or prerequisite use is granted on approval of the appropriate academic department or division.

Please look up the CLEP Score Table  for transfer credit information. 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Please look up the IB Score Table  for transfer credit information. 

Notes for the score tables:

Credit Awarded Through Associate Degrees for Transfer

When within the Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T), a California Community College awards course equivalency credit for a CSU-approved standardized external examination-and the student’s transcript is annotated to reflect the course to which credit was earned-the CSU campus shall accept the course units awarded. These units shall be applied toward the lower-division minimum unit requirement for the CSU degree and, if applicable, toward meeting the minimum unit designation for the CSU major or CSU GE-Breadth requirements. For CSU campuses, entry of this credit to a student’s record can be accomplished through multiple methods. In the Common Management System, campuses may use “test credits” (automated or manual) functionality or “other credits” functionality to award the credit.

Authority: This policy is issued pursuant to provisions of Executive Order 1036, Article 1, Section 2.4. Prior versions of this policy were issued on 11/02/1981, 09/18/1989, 06/22/1993,08/12/2008, 12/18/2008, 05/11/2009, 05/10/2010, 09/06/2011, 04/01/2014, 01/30/2015, 11/10/2015, 04/21/2017, and 04/11/2018. All revision dates:4/20/2020 

Transfer of Credit Earned by Examination at Another Institution

Credit earned by examination at another accredited institution is accepted upon transfer if the units have been accepted by the previous institution as equivalent to specific courses and are not in violation of any other regulation.

American Chemical Society Examination

Students may earn three semester units of credit by achieving a score at the 50th or higher percentile on the General Chemistry examination offered as part of the American Chemical Society Cooperative Examination Program.

Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) 

Utilizing the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations as described below, three lower division semester hours for language shall equate to three semester units (or their quarter equivalent) in CSU GE Breadth Subarea C2. When assigning academic credit using the DLPT, campus articulation officers and credit transfer evaluators should refer to the ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training. This ACE online guide organizes foreign language test scores and credit recommendations by language, version of test and modality of language. The Guide then provides lower and upper division credit recommendations based on the DLPT test score in the following modalities: listening, reading, and oral. Campuses may continue to award additional GE and/or major course credit as they have done in the past. An internal CSU guide for reviewing the DLPT is posted on the CSU Veterans Affairs SharePoint site (here).

Documentation

• The following documents may be accepted to award DLPT GE or course credit:
• Official Defense Language Institute Foreign Language (DLIFLC) Transcripts
• Official Joint Services Transcripts (JST)
• Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) DLPT Examinee Results
• DA Form 330 Language Proficiency Questionnaire

If there are any questions about DLPT test documents or ACE’s National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training as it applies to the DPLT, please contact Dr. Marshall Thomas, Director of Active Duty and Veterans Affairs at mthomas@calstate.edu or (562) 951-4130.

Credit for Non-Traditional Learning Experiences

Credit for certain nontraditional learning experiences may be used in determining eligibility and credit allowances of undergraduate applicants. These nontraditional credit allowances are listed and described below. A more detailed analysis of each category appears later in this chapter under Evaluation of Transfer Credit.

Freshman Skills Assessment and Placement Measures for 1st-Year GE

Placement Measures for First-Year GE Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses 

Freshman skills assessment and placement for general education  written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on systemwide skills assessment standards that include the Early Assessment Program/ Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA.

Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment. These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs.

First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program.

The Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Programs offers pathways and academic and social support that align with each incoming student’s needs.  The programs’ goal is to ensure that first time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year.

Assessments and Placement for GE Written Communications Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement

The student has met the requirement via the completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test

• AP Language and Composition: 3 or above
• AP Composition and Literature: 3 or above

College Transfer Coursework

Completed approved college course that satisfies CSU GE Area A2 (written communication) with a grade of C- or better

Placement in a GE Subarea A2 English Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

• English CAASPP/EAP Test:
  • Standard Exceeded
  • Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with a grade of C- or better
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test:
  • 550 or above
  • 510 - 540 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with a grade of C- or better English
• ACT Test:
  • 22 or higher
  • 19-21 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with a grade of C- or better
• High School Courses and GPA:
  • Weighted GPA 3.3 or above
  • GPA 3.0 or above and completed approved 12 grade year-long English course (AP, CSU ERWC, Weighted Honors English)
  • GPA 3.0 or above and completed Honors English
  • GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test: 510 - 540 and 4 or more years of high school English
• ACT Test: 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school English
• High School Courses and GPA: weighted GPA 3.0 or above and 4 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start Page to learn about the Early Start Program. 

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non-Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors) Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via the completion of one of the following:

 Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• Calculus AB: 3 or above 
• AP Calculus BC: 3 or above
• AP Statistics: 3 or above
• AP Computer Science Principles: 3 or above

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement:

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:

• CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:
  • Standard Exceeded
  • Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
  • Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• SAT Math Test:
  • 570 or above
  • 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• ACT Math Test:
  • 23 or above
  • 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• High School Courses and GPA:
  • Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
  • Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
  • Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
  • Weighted high school GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement:

• The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:
  • High School GPA: Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
  • High School GPA: Weighted high school GPA 3.0 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in the Early Start Program Required:

• Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess.org to learn about this program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre-STEM/STEM and Other Math-Intensive Majors Has Fulfilled the GE Sub-area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via the completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• AP Calculus AB: 3 or above
• AP Calculus BC: 3 or above
• AP Statistics: 3 or above 
• AP Computer Science Principles: 3 or above

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement:

• The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

SAT Math Test:

• 570 or above
• 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

• 23 or above
• 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement:

• The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via the criteria below:
  • High School Math GPA: Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in n the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program Required:

• Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program. Visit csustudentsuccess.org to learn about this program.

  • The goal of the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program (SPFY) is to Ensure that first-time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year
  • Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of freshman year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
  • For general information about Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program (SPFYP), visit csustudentsuccess.org/supportive-pathways. Students are encouraged to visit the university website for SPFYP information once admitted.
  • Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit SPFY fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Supportive Pathways for First Year Students Program, please visit csustudentsuccess.org.

Graduate and  Postbaccalaureate Admissions

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:

General Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post- baccalaureate studies at a CSU are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, a student shall at the time of enrollment

1. Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate university authorities;
2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
3. Have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and
4. Satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate university authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a university may make exceptions to these criteria.

Admission Categories

Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:

1. Graduate Classified - To pursue a graduate degree, applicants are required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the university; or
2. Graduate Conditionally Classified * -Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate university authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or
3. Post-Baccalaureate Classified, e.g. admission to an education credential program - Persons wishing to enroll in a credential or certificate program will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the university; or
4. Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified - To enroll in undergraduate courses as preparation for advanced degree programs or to enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, applicants must be admitted as post- baccalaureate unclassified students. By meeting the general requirements, applicants are eligible for admission as post-baccalaureate unclassified students. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program. (Most CSUs do not offer admission to unclassified postbaccalaureate students).

* Admission to a California State University campus with conditionally classified standing does not constitute full admission to graduate degree curricula. Also, individual colleges and departments or divisions may have additional requirements which students must fulfill before they may be fully accepted into degree, credential, and certificate programs at Cal State L.A.  Additional general procedures and regulations that apply to all applicants, graduate and undergraduate.

These and other CSU admission requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the CSU admissions portal are good sources for the most up-to-date information.

Special Action Admissions

In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to admission criteria and grant admission by special action. For special action admission, applicants who were in good standing at the last college attended, but who do not meet the mandated admission requirements may petition for admission by special action if acceptable alternative evidence exists that they possess sufficient academic, professional, and other potential pertinent to their proposed graduate objective. Special action admission may be granted by the appropriate college graduate dean upon recommendation of both the proposed major department or division and college graduate studies committee for any of the following three reasons:

Applicants Who Lack Minimum Required Grade Point Average

Students admitted by special action to pursue a master’s degree program will be admitted to conditionally classified graduate status and must complete specific prerequisites and a minimum of 9 semester units of qualifying courses specified by the major department or division and college graduate dean with a minimum B (3.0 on a scale in which A = 4.0) grade point average, as specified under Requirements for Classified Graduate Standing later in this chapter. Students admitted to pursue a nondegree program (e.g., credential, certificate) must complete special requirements as designated by the major department or division and college graduate dean.

Graduates of Unaccredited Institutions

A degree from an unaccredited college is not recognized for admission in graduate standing. Graduates of such institutions may be admitted in undergraduate standing if course work completed is deemed acceptable and meets undergraduate admission requirements, and may be granted postbaccalaureate or graduate standing upon satisfaction of the following conditions:

1. Meet the minimum University, college, and department or division requirements for admission to classified graduate standing in a degree program.
2. Complete a minimum of three upper division courses (at least 9 semester units), specified in advance by the proposed major department or division, with a grade point average of at least B (3.0). These courses may not be 5000 level. Upon recommendation of the department/division/school and the college graduate dean, 4000-level qualifying courses may be applied to the master’s degree program.
3. Receive the written recommendation of the department or division in which the degree is sought and of the appropriate college graduate dean.
4. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree from an unaccredited institution and a master’s degree from an accredited institution may be admitted as a regular postbaccalaureate or graduate student, assuming that all other requirements have been met and that appropriate approvals have occurred.

Graduates of Specialized or Professional Schools

Graduates of specialized or professional schools that are professionally accredited are admitted in conditionally classified graduate status. They may be granted classified graduate standing by satisfying the following conditions:

1. Meet the minimum University, college, and department or division requirements for admission to classified graduate  standing in a degree program.
2. Complete a minimum of three upper division qualifying courses (at least 9 semester units), specified in advance by the proposed major department or division, with a grade point average of at least B (3.0). After they have completed their faculty-approved list of qualifying courses, students may not add any additional courses, nor may they repeat any of the qualifying courses, to raise their grade point average.
3. Receive the written recommendation of the department or division in which the degree is sought and of the appropriate College graduate dean.

International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “foreign students.” Verification of English proficiency (see the paragraph on Graduate-Postbaccalaureate English Language Requirement below), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be accompanied by certified English translations.  For relevant deadlines and process, see http://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/submitting-transcriptstest-scores-admissions. 

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those majors or programs with limited openings.

For admission in postbaccalaureate or graduate standing, foreign applicants must fulfill the following minimum requirements:

• Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate, or its equivalent, from an accredited institution.
• Have a minimum 2.5 grade point average (A=4.0) in the last 60 attempted semester units equal to that required for admission to classified graduate standing. (The entire semester or quarter in which the 60 semester [90 quarter] units began will be used in this calculation.)
• Have approval of the academic department or division that offers the desired degree program.

International students should contact International Programs and Services for information about housing, financial assistance, and related matters.

Requirement for Returning Students

Readmission: Please refer to the Readmission section in this chapter.

Also refer to the Categories of Enrollment section under the Procedures and Regulations   chapter for information on Withdrawal and Leaves: Return from Educational Leaves.

English Language Requirement for Graduate-Postbaccalaureate Applicants

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 80ibT on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some programs require a higher score. Several CSUs may use alternative methods for assessing fluency in English including Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). 

Cal State L.A. minimum respective test standards for graduate or postbaccalaureate applicants are:

Notes: Exam scores are only valid for two years after the test date. Official scores must be sent directly to the University by the respective testing agency.

• TOEFL - Request report to be sent to Cal State LA using Institutional Code 4399.
• IELTS - Request electronic or paper (hard copy) report to be sent to California State University, Los Angeles.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Send report to California State University, Los Angeles.
• DuoLingo English Test (DET) - Request electronic report to be sent to Cal State LA via your online Duolingo Account.

Transcript Requirements

Applicants with either a degree or credential objective must request that two copies of official transcripts be sent to the University from all colleges and universities previously attended, even if no course work was completed. Official transcripts must be received from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope.

For initial advisement purposes, students are recommended to bring their own set of transcripts.

Transcripts from within the U.S.  - must be received at least 30 days before the first day of the term to which the applicant applies.

Documents from outside the U.S.  - must be received at least 60 days before the first day of the term to which the applicant applies. Processing of applications cannot be guaranteed unless all required documents are received during the designated application period.

All transcripts become University property and will not be released or copied except for students that request that their application be redirected to another CSU campus. Transcripts are retained for one year for applicants who do not enroll in the term of application or who send transcripts but do not file an application.

The Appeal of Admission Decision: Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Please see the Appeal of Admission Decision paragraph under the General Information section in this chapter.

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Applications Procedures

File an Application: All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (i.e., doctorate, joint Ph.D. applicants, master’s degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials or certificates and, where permitted, holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials on the Cal State Apply website.

Applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree must submit an undergraduate application for admission. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements in the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $70 nonrefundable application fee. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one CSU, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. All CSU applications must be submitted online via the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Reapplication After Failure to Enroll : Please refer to the Reapplication After Failure to Enroll section in this chapter.