California Pre-Doctoral Scholars

The California Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program offers two tracks, Sally Casanova Scholars track or the Health Professions Scholars track. Both tracks are designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students, including those 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 up to $5,000 for one academic year to visit PhD programs at universities throughout the US and to attend professional meetings or conferences 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.

Health Professions Scholars Initiative: The initiative's mission is to "guide California State University (CSU) students toward graduate education in the health professions by fostering mentorship, applied research, and community-focused scholarship". The scholars program is open to students majoring in health-related fields - such as public health, social work, kinesiology, human development, health psychology, speech/language/hearing sciences, or nursing and plan to pursue a research-focused doctoral degree such as a PhD, DrPH, DNP, DSW, or AuD. 

Who Can Apply

• Sally Casanova Scholars Pre-Doctoral Program - Eligibility information is on the Chancellor's Office How to Apply webpage.
• Health Professions Scholars - Eligibility information is on the Chancellor's Office How to Apply to the Health Professions Scholar Initiative webpage