California Pre-Doctoral Scholars

The California Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program (CPSP or Pre-Doc) is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Upper division undergraduate and graduate students who apply for this program are sponsored by a faculty member within their academic discipline.

Selected Pre-Doctoral Scholars receive $3,000 for one academic year to visit PhD programs at universities throughout the US and to attend a professional meeting or conference in their academic discipline. In addition, Scholars may participate in a summer research program on their home campus or on a UC campus. Funds for these activities are provided by the CSU Chancellor's office.

Who Can Apply

• Applicants must be upper-division or master's degree students who are enrolled at a CSU institution and will be enrolled at a CSU campus for at least one semester or two (2) quarter terms in the academic year.
• Applicants are required to have a faculty sponsor who will be available during the academic year to help them implement a plan that will prepare them for admission to a doctoral program. The plan should be tailored to the specific needs and career objectives of the student.
• The successful applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

Application & Deadlines

The 2024-2025 application cycle opens in December 2023. The application and information on how to apply will be available on the CSU Chancellor's website. 

For More Information contact:  Dr. Matthew Thomas, CSU, Chico campus coordinator.