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Graduate Studies

Investing in graduate education is an investment in yourself—opening doors to achieve your goals and empowering you to transform your future.

As part of our highly rated graduate programs, you'll thrive in a supportive community with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty and peers. Develop critical skills in problem-solving and communication and build a robust professional network. Unlock your potential by growing your expertise, delving into unique research opportunities, and gaining real-world experience. In fact, few graduate institutions offer our mix of academic excellence and practical learning. We are ranked in the top 1% of master's universities in the country by Washington Monthly.

Whether you choose to study at our picturesque campus or be part of a tight-knit online cohort, elevate your future with a graduate degree at Chico State.

Graduate Programs Offered

  • Mount Lassen student research

    Master’s Degrees

    Choose from master’s programs in anthropology, business, education, history, English, data science and analytics, psychology, social work, natural sciences, and more. Options are available for both in-person and online study.

  • Smiling student

    Teaching Credentials

    Chico State’s roots are in education. Be part of that legacy when you earn a single-subject, multiple-subject, or other teaching credential through our School of Education.

Academic Excellence

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Research That Counts

Work with faculty mentors at Chico State who are devoted to helping you discover new knowledge through research. Every year, students highlight their discoveries during our Student Research Symposium and a variety of other public events featuring work in disciplines from across campus.

Among the Best

In higher ed, reputation matters. One of our proudest recent honors: The Graduate Equity Fellowship Program earned national recognition as an Example of Excelencia for its intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices that showcase success among Latino students at the graduate level!

Graduate Admission to Chico State

All applications to Chico State graduate programs start online through Cal State Apply.

How to Apply to Chico State 

Application open period

  • Fall (August) Start: October 1
  • Spring (January) Start: August 1 

Deadlines for graduate applications vary by program. Review the graduate admission requirements for full details.

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Research and Innovation

Breakthroughs Start Here

Our award-winning faculty work side by side with students researching innovative cancer treatments, designing robotics, developing sustainable farming practices, and finding solutions to homelessness. Last year alone, public and private sponsors awarded $61 million to support our research projects across campus.

Graduate Research and Support Programs

Several unique research and support programs are also available just to Chico State graduate students. Some are need-based, while others recognize merit and scholarship.

This award-winning program aimed at historically underserved groups boosts the diversity of students completing master’s degrees at Chico State, and encourages more of those students to consider doctorates and careers in academia.

Current graduate students are eligible for special funding to support travel to present their research at conferences (within the United States) and purchase necessary equipment.

The Provost's Student Awards for Research and Creativity are grants available to students at Chico State to complete original projects under the guidance of faculty or staff advisors.

Supporting students in the master's of business administration program, these scholarships are awarded on a variety of criteria, including academics, residency in northern California, etc.

For students aspiring to pursue a doctorate, the California Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program and the California State University (CSU) Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program are designed to support your academic journey from Chico State to whatever’s next. The programs provide resources, mentorship, and guidance to help you thrive and succeed in your doctoral studies.

Scholarship and Aid

Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and University scholarships that can ease the financial burden of pursuing a master’s degree. Beyond federal and state aid, Chico State offers scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major, and career goals.

Explore Scholarships and Aid



Sierra Bowling, one of the 2023-2024 recipients of the Lieutenant Robert Merton Rawlins Merit Award
I feel completely transformed by the exceptional, unique hands-on experiences at Chico State.
Sierra Bowling (Communication Sciences and Disorders, ’23)
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Contact Us

More Questions?

Grad school is a big step, and you may have a lot more questions. You can always contact us to speak with a graduate admission officer one-on-one, or read our FAQs. Learn more about financial aid, research protocols, job prospects, tutoring, and more.