Online Application Submission
Steps in the Application Process
The Statement of Purpose prompt and other required materials may be found under the "Program Application Materials on MyCED" below.
Completed applications must be submitted by the following deadlines:
Fall 2025
Application period began: October 1, 2024
- Cal State Apply Application due date for domestic applicants: June 1, 2025*
- MyCED Application due date: June 10, 2025
Applications are not accepted after the deadline.
NOTE: Access to MyCED is permitted after submitting the University application in Cal State Apply.
*Please note that international applicants (F1 Visa) have an earlier Cal State Apply application deadline of March 15, 2025 for Fall 2025 consideration.
Use Cal State Apply to apply and be sure to complete all components of the application by the published deadline.
The Cal State Apply dashboard is divided into four sections:
- Personal Information: contact information, biographic information and financial information, etc.
- Academic History: colleges attended, GPAs, etc.; do not hand-enter transcript information
- Supporting Information: enter “I am not adding any experiences”
- Program Materials: select "I am not adding any program materials" (these will be submitted on MyCED)
Please refer the tutorial on the GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website for tips on filling out these sections of Cal State Apply. Please also refer below for detailed information for what documents to submit for the program application materials.
Lastly, there is a non-refundable $70 application fee. Your application will not be processed until this fee has been paid. Please note that the CSU system does not offer a fee waiver for graduate level applications.
Important: you may only apply to one graduate program per CSU. If you are unsure about which program is best for you, contact the Graduate Studies Office.
For technical assistance with Cal State Apply, please contact the Cal State Apply Help Desk: (857) 304-2087, via email or visit the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center. Cal State Apply Application Support is available Monday – Friday, 6AM – 5PM PT.
Access to MyCED is permitted after submitting the University application in Cal State Apply.
After you complete and submit the CSULB Cal State Apply application, please upload supplementary program application materials via MyCED by the MyCED program application deadline:
- Statement of purpose
- Résumé
- Submit proof of completing CTC preconditions
- Verification of 3 years of credentialed service experience.
Please refer to the MyCED tutorial on the GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website for general tips on filling out the MyCED application.
Please email ced-gradstudies@csulb.edu if you need technical support navigating MyCED.
Statement of Purpose Prompt
Please write a 2-3 page, double-spaced Leadership Philosophy statement (1 “ margins, 12 pt font) describing:
- Your educational preparation,
- Your experiences as a teacher or other educational professional, highlighting examples of your own leadership, and
- Your general philosophy of leadership which includes your beliefs on inclusiveness and equity
Your statement must be clear, concise, and mechanically correct.
Need help with writing your Statement of Purpose? Visit our website for tips and resources: GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website
Access to MyCED is permitted after submitting the University application in Cal State Apply.
After you complete and submit the CSULB Cal State Apply application, please upload supplementary program application materials via MyCED by the MyCED program application deadline:
- Statement of purpose
- Résumé
- Submit proof of completing CTC preconditions
- Verification of 3 years of credentialed service experience.
Please refer to the MyCED tutorial on the GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website for general tips on filling out the MyCED application.
Please email ced-gradstudies@csulb.edu if you need technical support navigating MyCED.
Résumé
Please upload the most recent copy of your résumé. Need help with updating your résumé? Visit our website for tips and resources: GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website
Access to MyCED is permitted after submitting the University application in Cal State Apply.
After you complete and submit the CSULB Cal State Apply application, please upload supplementary program application materials via MyCED by the MyCED program application deadline:
- Statement of purpose
- Résumé
- Submit proof of completing CTC preconditions
- Verification of 3 years of credentialed service experience.
Please refer to the MyCED tutorial on the GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website for general tips on filling out the MyCED application.
Please email ced-gradstudies@csulb.edu if you need technical support navigating MyCED.
Proof of Completing CTC Preconditions
Submit, in one file, proof of completing CTC preconditions (see this page):
- Proof of one of the following credentials:
- (a) a clear or life California teaching credential that requires a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching or the equivalent, and holds an English learner authorization; or
- (b) a clear or life California designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, career technical education, vocational education or special subjects, provided the applicant also possesses a baccalaureate degree, and holds an English learner authorization; or
- (c) a clear or life California services credential in pupil personnel services, health services for school nurse, teacher librarian services, or speech-language pathology or clinical or rehabilitative services requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including field work or the equivalent
NOTE: as of July 2024 the Basic Skills Requirement can now be met with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university.
Access to MyCED is permitted after submitting the University application in Cal State Apply.
After you complete and submit the CSULB Cal State Apply application, please upload supplementary program application materials via MyCED by the MyCED program application deadline:
- Statement of purpose
- Résumé
- Submit proof of completing CTC preconditions
- Verification of 3 years of credentialed service experience.
Please refer to the MyCED tutorial on the GSO Tips and Tutorials for Applying website for general tips on filling out the MyCED application.
Please email ced-gradstudies@csulb.edu if you need technical support navigating MyCED.
Other
- Title(s) of Credentialed Position(s)
- Date Initial Employment in Credentialed Position(s)
- Name of Employing Agency
- Mailing Address - Street City State ZIP
- County of Employment
- Telephone
- Name of Immediate Supervisor
- Letter(s) must be signed by an authority of the district or organization and include a wet signature.
(Note: If an applicant is pursuing the MA only and not the credential, this requirement can be waived. Please contact a program advisor for more information.)
Access to MyCED is permitted after submitting the University application in Cal State Apply.
Be prepared to enter the names and e-mail addresses for two recommenders. Recommendations due by June 10th. You may complete and submit your MyCED application before your recommenders submit their letters.
Who to ask
Recommendations are preferred from those who are familiar with your experience and educational leadership potential. At least one letter must be from a current supervisor (e.g., principal). We encourage you to seek the strongest possible letters regardless of the source. Therefore, we suggest speaking with your recommenders before completing this section.
Once you have entered and saved information for a recommender, an email request from MyCED will automatically be sent to the recommender on your behalf. Please advise your recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.
Your recommenders will be instructed to respond to the following statement:
Please comment on the candidate’s overall abilities as well as their potential as a future administrator. It is helpful if you would also provide your impressions of the applicant’s:
- attitudes and actions toward individuals with disabilities as well as those from diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds,
- level of community involvement,
- relationships with professional colleagues, and,
- leadership experiences in which they have engaged.
How to Order Official Transcripts
If you have any questions or need help with the application process, please contact the College of Education Graduate Studies Office via email.
