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biology graduate student working on research

Graduate Students

You are considered a graduate applicant if you if you wish to continue your studies in a graduate or credential program after completing your bachelor’s degree.

Start Your Journey

Dare to take the next step on your educational path with a master’s degree or teaching credential. Each of the following student types will submit the graduation application in Cal State Apply and must complete additional requirements depending on the program. 

If you are an international student who requires an F or J visa to study in the United States, visit our International Graduate admissions page.

If you already have a bachelor's degree and are seeking a second bachelor’s, review the second bachelor’s process.

  • Master’s Degree

    With dozens of master’s degrees available, including online options, begin by choosing a program and learning about the degree requirements and deadlines.

  • Teaching Credential

    Become an elementary, middle, or high school teacher, with pathways for single subject, multiple subject, bilingual authorization, and education specialist programs.

Two graduate students in cap and gown show off their diplomas at Commencement

Your Application

Chico State accepts graduate applications for fall and spring semester starts, depending on the program. Learn more about our application process, requirements, and how to submit your application materials.

Application Periods

Applications are typically accepted for both fall (August) and spring (January) semester starts, but some graduate programs only accept applications for fall (August) state. Review the program page for your desired degree for specific information.

Application Open Dates

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

Deadlines

Master's program deadlines vary and some have priority deadlines. Please confirm the application deadline for your specific program on the graduate dates and deadlines page.

Graduate Deadlines

Academic Excellence

Chico State is an exceptional destination for your master's degree and continues to rank nationally as a top master’s granting University in a number of categories. Benefit from the guidance and expertise of our faculty, pursue your passion, and unlock countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Top 10

US Public University in the West

4.5/5

Star Ranking for America’s Best Colleges

Top 1%

Master’s Universities

Graduate student Letty Mejia
I feel like I can finally do all the things and be all the things that were never possible for me.
Letty Mejia (MSW, '24)

Take Charge of Your Future

  • Increase Your Salary

    As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts it, the more you learn, the more you earn. Workers with graduate degrees have the lowest unemployment rates and highest earnings.

  • More Job Opportunities

    A master’s degree can help move your application to the top of the pile in many fields, especially as more positions require a master’s degree as a minimum qualification.

  • Become an Expert

    Graduate school offers an in-depth understanding of your field. Not only is it a chance to dive deeper into an area of interest, you will be prepared to share that knowledge at work, as an educator, or in life.

Grad cap that reads Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat

Once You’re Accepted

Did you get an offer of admission and are wondering what you need to do next? Learn more about the steps you need to take and the things to remember after you have been selected for Chico State.