Between test scores, transcripts and deadlines, applying to college can seem a bit overwhelming. But it gets easier once you're organized. Click on the topics below to read about important dates and reminders. Be sure to consult your high school or college counselor and, above all, apply early.
For first-time freshmen
A first-time freshman is a student who has not earned any college credit after the summer following high school graduation.
Eligibility criteria
With the growing number of students interested in pursuing an education at a California State University, several CSU campuses now manage the number of students that are admitted using a strategy known as impaction. California State University, Northridge has implemented regional and academic-based impaction to align with CSU enrollment targets.
What does this mean for you? Admissions requirements now vary depending on whether you are a local area or nonlocal area applicant, and what major you plan to apply for. Out-of-state students are not affected by impaction. Read more about freshman admissions criteria.
How to apply
All first-time freshmen applicants are required to submit SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts, and complete an online application through Cal State Apply. For further details, read more about how to apply.
When to apply
The best time to submit your Cal State Apply application is during our initial filing period prior to the fall of desired enrollment. Consult our admissions calendar for exact details.
Resources
- The searchable University Catalog includes detailed information about eligibility criteria as well as an alphabetical list of degree programs and courses of study.
- Prospective Students provides an overview of everything you need to know to become a CSUN student.
- For customized information, create your own personalized myNorthridge Prospective Student Portal.
- Have a question? Visit Ask Matty to get an online response to your questions about all things CSUN.
- Want to reach a real person? Call Student Outreach and Recruitment at (818) 677-2967, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or email anytime.
For graduate students
CSUN offers more than 70 master's degree programs and two doctoral programs through the Office of Graduate Studies.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants to master's and doctoral programs must meet university baccalaureate degree requirements as well as any higher departmental program requirements. Read more about graduate admissions criteria.
How to apply
Applicants to master's and doctoral programs must typically apply to both the university and the academic department. The department you apply to will make a final decision about your admission. All graduate degree applicants are required to submit transcripts and complete an online application through Cal State Apply. For further details, read more about how to apply.
* Doctoral applicants: Visit the program websites, Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) and Physical Therapy (DPT), for specific admissions instructions.
When to apply
The best time to submit your Cal State Apply application is during our initial filing period prior to the fall of desired enrollment. For information specific to your desired program, consult the admissions calendar.
Resources
- The searchable University Catalog includes detailed information about eligibility criteria as well as an alphabetical list of degree programs and courses of study.
- Prospective Students provides an overview of everything you need to know to become a CSUN student.
- For customized information, create your own personalized myNorthridge Prospective Student Portal.
- Have a question? Visit Ask Matty to get an online response to your questions about all things CSUN.
- Want to reach a real person? Call Student Outreach and Recruitment at (818) 677-2967, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or email anytime.
For international students
Visit the International Students section.
For transfer students
California State University, Northridge welcomes applications from upper-division transfer students, those who have completed at least 60 transferable units and met the standard CSU requirements. At this time, CSUN is not accepting applications from lower-division transfer students.
Eligibility criteria
With the growing number of students interested in pursuing an education at a California State University, several CSU campuses now manage the number of students that are admitted using a strategy known as impaction. For upper-division transfer students, regional and academic-based impaction has been implemented to align with CSU enrollment targets.
What does this mean for you? Admissions requirements now vary depending on whether you are a local admissions area or nonlocal area applicant, and what major you plan to apply for. Out-of-state students are not affected by impaction. Read more about upper-division transfer admissions criteria.
How to apply
All transfer applicants are required to submit an online application through Cal State Apply, as well as official transcripts. For more information, read these application instructions for transfer students, and for more information contact Admissions and Records.
When to apply
The best time to submit your Cal State Apply application is during our initial filing period prior to the fall of desired enrollment. Consult our admissions calendar for exact details.
Resources
- The searchable University Catalog includes detailed information about eligibility criteria as well as an alphabetical list of degree programs and courses of study.
- Prospective Students provides an overview of everything you need to know to become a CSUN student.
- For customized information, create your own personalized myNorthridge Prospective Student Portal.
- Have a question? Visit Ask Matty to get an online response to your questions about all things CSUN.
- Want to reach a real person? Call Student Outreach and Recruitment at (818) 677-2967, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or email anytime.
