Admission Procedures and Policies

Requirements for admission to [name of California State University campus] are 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

CSUCI 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).

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, e-check, 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 from the campus. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted campus may be redirected to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

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 campus which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses. Candidates for admission must meet all of the campus’ specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or campus.

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

Campuses will communicate its 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 CSU campus website and made available on CSU website.

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 campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration. CSU Channel Islands’ only impacted programs are Nursing and Mechatronics Engineering. Applications for the University admissions for Nursing are only accepted during the fall term. Information regarding Nursing is available at www.nursing.csuci.edu. Mechatronics Engineering applications are only accepted during the fall term and only from first time freshmen. Information regarding Mechatronics Engineering is available at https://www.csuci.edu/academics/mechatronics.htm. 

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each campus 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 CSU eligibility index 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 campuses 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 campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application Procedures

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (e.g., Ed.D., joint Ph.D. and Ed.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 should submit the undergraduate application for admission unless specifically requested to do otherwise. 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 campus, 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 acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

CSU Channel Islands (main campus) only accepts second bachelor degree applications in the fall terms from Nursing majors. A limited number of Extended University self-support programs accepts second bachelor degree applications. For more information visit, https://ext.csuci.edu/.

Application Filing Periods

(Not all campuses/programs are open for admission to every term.)

Application Acknowledgment

On-time applicants may expect to receive an e-mail 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.

Hardship Petitions

The campus has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the campus Admissions office regarding specific policies governing hardship admission. Petitioners can visit the Denied Student website: www.csuci.edu/admissions/denied-students.htm for more information.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Freshman Requirements**

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 consider course grades of “Credit” or “Pass” as fulfilling “a-g” requirements for those courses 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. Beginning Fall 2021and 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 campus 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 campus, including those outlined by impacted campuses 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 campus admission decision.
5. Each CSU campus will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students.

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

Provisional Admission

CSUCI 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 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 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 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 in the same discipline: 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

ACT and New SAT Eligibility Tables**

**The California State University (CSU) has temporarily suspended the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses for the 2022-2023 academic year. This temporary change of admission eligibility applies for the following terms: Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023 and Spring 2023 admission cycles

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 a right to continued enrollment. CSU Channel Islands does not participate in this program. 

Transfer Policies of CSU campuses

Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency is accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus.

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 campus 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 at on the official transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universitites website, assist.org.

CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses, 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 campus 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.

Transfer 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 campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Course Credit

For information regarding CSUCI’s policies on the transfer of prior educational experiences, please refer to Course Credit in the Policies and Regulations   of the catalog.

Lower-Division Transfer Requirements

Due to increased enrollment demands, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfer applicants. CSU Channel Islands does not accept lower division transfer applications. 

Students are advised to check the respective campus they are interested in to see if lower division transfer applications are accepted.

An applicant who completes fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college credit is considered a lower-division transfer student. Due to enrollment pressures, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfers so that more upper-division transfers can be accommodated.

Having fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units at the point of transfer may affect eligibility for registration priority at CSU campuses and may affect the student’s financial aid status.

California resident transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units must:

• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
• 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;
• Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
• 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 campuses may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses, as part of their admission criteria. Please consult with the CSU campus admission office to which you are applying for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements. 

Upper-Division Transfer Requirements

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

1. They have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted;
2. They are in good standing at the last college or university attended; and
3. They have 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 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 requirement 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. CSUCI requires for admission requirements to be completed by the preceding spring for fall admission and summer for spring admission. 

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

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 campus 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 campus/program or to campuses/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 campus. 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 campus deadlines.

Provisional Admission

CSUCI may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus 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. Campuses may rescind admission for any student who is found not to be eligible 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.

English Language Requirement

All 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 score of 500 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some majors may require a score higher than 500. Some majors and some campuses may require a higher score. A few campuses 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 campus 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:

Directed Self Placement (DSP)

Incoming first year students shall select their own first year composition courses using Directed Self Placement. Typically, two-thirds of students choose to begin with ENGL 102  , a three-unit General Education course that bridges the gap from high school to college writing. ENGL 102   helps students develop habits of mind and strategies for success in writing at the college level and fulfills the requirement for Lifelong Learning and Self Development (GE Area E). Successful completion of ENGL 102   prepares students to enroll inENGL 105   , a three-unit General Education course focused on college writing and research. Students who successfully complete ENGL 102   will be given priority enrollment for an ENGL 105   course in the following semester with the same instructor and cohort of students. Students who feel prepared to go directly to ENGL 105   without first completing  ENGL 102    may choose to do. Completion of ENGL 105   with a grade of C- or higher satisfies the General Education Requirement for English Writing (GE Area A-2). For questions about options for first year writing, please email Dr. Stacey Anderson, Composition Director, at stacey.anderson@csuci.edu.

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 Early Start Program.  The Early Start Program gives students the opportunity to earn college credit in written communication and mathematics/ quantitative reasoning the summer before their first term. 

Assessments and Placement for GE Written Communications

Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement

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

Advanced Placement (AP) Test

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

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 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 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 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 completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

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

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
• 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 Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start page to learn about the Early Start Program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre-STEM/STEM and Other Math- Intensive Majors

Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

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

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

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

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 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.

The goal of the Early Start Program (ESP) is to:

• 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.
• If required to participate in ESP, as determined by multiple measures, students will begin in the summer before the start of the freshman year.
• For general information about ESP including fees and course listings, visit csustudentsuccess.org/earlystart-overview. Students are encouraged to visit the campus website for ESP information once admitted.
• Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit ESP fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Early Start Program, please visit www.csustudentsuccess.org

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 he or she meets all of the following conditions:

1. Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
2. Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
3. 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 space availability and 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. Due to limited availability, CSU Channel Islands currently does not accept students as adult students.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

Beginning Catalog Year 2020 - 2021, students will meet the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) by passing a GWAR-approved course with a grade of C- or better. Programs will identify as part of their major catalog copy, one GWAR-approved, writing-intensive course as a major requirement. GWAR courses may be taught by the major or a discipline outside the major.

(SP 17-05)

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Admission Requirements

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 campus 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 campus 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 campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.
• Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:
  • 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 campus; or
  • Graduate Conditionally Classified - Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or
  • 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 campus; or
  • 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 CSU campuses do not offer admission to unclassified post-baccalaureate students).

(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.)

Please note: CSU Channel Islands (main campus) only accepts applicants from 2nd Bachelor’s Degree students for Nursing majors only. A limited number of Extended University self-support programs accepts second bachelor degree applications. For more information visit, https://ext.csuci.edu/.

Graduate-Post-Baccalaureate English Language Requirement

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 post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some programs require a higher score. Several CSU campuses 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).

Returning Students

Undergraduate students requesting to return to CSU Channel Islands after more than two semesters away may apply has a Re-entry student.  Re-entry students will not need to re-apply for admission through Cal State Apply, with the exception of impacted programs such as BS Nursing/BS Mechatronics Engineering and the following self-support degree programs offered through Extended University:  BA Psychology (Santa Barbara/Goleta), BS Business (Santa Barbara/Goleta), BS Business Online, BS Nursing (RN to BSN and ADN to BSN).  Procedure and deadlines can be found on the Registrar’s Office website: https://www.csuci.edu/registrar/returning.htm.   

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 non-immigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “foreign students.” Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least six months in advance of enrollment for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations. Further information can be found at www.csuci.edu/exed/international.htm.

Other Applicants

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

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

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 Enrollment Center.

CSU Fully Online Courses

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

CSU Visitor Enrollment

Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll on a space available basis at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

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 campus. CSU Channel Islands currently does not accept students for intersystem cross enrollment.

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 which an individual sincerely holds and that occupy a place of importance in that individual’s life, comparable to that of traditionally recognized religions.

CSUCI COVID-19 Intructions and Information

CSU Immunization Requirements

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 incoming CSU students are REQUIRED to obtain these vaccinations and undergo Tuberculosis screening.

Required Vaccination:

• Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease).
• Varicella (chickenpox): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease) prior to enrollement.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap): One (1) dose after age 7.
• Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135): One (1) dose on or after 16 for all students and age 21 or younger)
• Screening for Tuberculosis: All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. Incoming students who are at higher risk* for TB infection, as indicated by answering “yes” to any of the screening questions, should undergo either skin or blood testing for TB infection within one year of CSU entry.
• Hepatitis B (Hep B): all new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must rprovide proof of full immunization agains Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three  timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months’ period.

*Higher ridk include travel or living in South or Central America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Middle East; prior positive TB test; or exposure to someone with active TB disease.

The CSU Strongly Recommends the Following Groups of Students Also be Vaccinated Against:

• Human papillomavirus vaccine (for women and men through age 26 years)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (all students regardless of age)
• Meningococcal  conjugate (students up to age 23)
• Meningococcal B (ages 16-23 who elect vaccination after discussion with their health care provider)
• Influenza vaccine (annual; all students regardless of age)
• Hepatitis A vaccine  (all students regardless of age)
• Pneumococcal vaccine (for students with certain medical conditions e.g., severe asthma, diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease)
• Poliovirus vaccine (if series not completed as a child)
• Vaccines for international travel, based on destination

• Check out the CDC for more information.
• New Vaccination Bill

The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.

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.