Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated total cost for the program?

As a part-time Graduate program, tuition and student fees are approximately $2,900 per semester, including summer sessions. Please vist the Student Business Services for the most current tuition and fee information.

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

No. We do not require the GRE for admission.

What is the GPA requirement?

CSUF requires graudate applicants to have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 from the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

What if my GPA is below 2.5?

While our admission committee uses a holistic approach in evaluating applications, the university may deny an applicant based on GPA. If you believe you have a compelling reason as to why your GPA is on the lower side, we still encourage you to apply.

Do I need to request transcripts from every school I previously attended?

Post-baccalaureate applicants (post-bacc certificates, credentials, master's) are required to provide a transcript from the institution in which their bachelor's degree was earned. However, CSUF Admission may request additional documentation after initial application review.

Where do I sent my transcripts?

Send official transcripts to Cal State Fullerton's Office of Admissions. See their website for complete instructions. It is imperative that Admissions receives your official transcripts as soon as possible. You may submit transcripts before you complete the Cal State Apply application. Applicants who do not supply their official transcripts cannot be offered admission to the university.

If transcripts do not contain your most recent semester/quarter completed grades, you must still submit them. You will be required to send in final transcripts at a later date. We are unable to provide final admission decisions until all transcripts are processed by the university.

Note: If you earned your bachelor's degree at CSUF, do not send transcripts. After applying, Admissions will notify you if additional transcripts are required.

What if my resume is more than one page?

Longer resumes with relevant experience are welcome.

Does the Educational Leadership office accept letters of recommendation?

No. Our office does not accept letters of recommendation directly. All application materials, including recommendations, must be submitted online via Cal State Apply.

Please inform your recommenders that they will receive an email from Calstateapply@liaisoncas.com asking them to submit their recommendation via the Cal State Apply portal. Problems should be reported to the CSA Help Center.

If I graduated with my undergraduate degree a while back, what type of recommendations should I seek: professional recommendations or academic recommendations?

Our admissions committee prefers to receive recommendations from faculty. However, we will accept professional recommendations should you be unable to reconnect with faculty. Three recommendations must be submitted via Cal State Apply.

Cal State Apply asks for a brief statement describing my reason for applying, what should I write?

You can write, "Statement of purpose addressed in Program Materials."

What do I write in the department’s Statement of Purpose?

The department prompts, as well as instructions, can be viewed on the MSHE admission web page. Please read them carefully.

Is a Fee Waiver available for the application?

Cal State Apply application fee waivers are not available to graduate applicants.

When is the deadline to apply?

To receive full consideration we highly recommend submitting your application by the priority deadline February 1st at 5:00pm PST.

Are there any prerequisites or courses I can transfer into this program?

There are no prerequisites required for our program. Occasionally, some applicants have completed a student development course from another institution. The MSHE faculty coordinator can assist applicants in determining if prior coursework is eligible for transfer. The university may allow a maximum of 9 units of transfer credits.

What are the course delivery formats for the M.S. Higher Education?

Classes are currently offered in a face-to-face model. However, some individual class sessions may be held virtually throughout the program.

What days and times do classes meet? Am I able to work full time during the program?

Classes are designed for working professionals and are offered once a week in the evening. Cohorts that are odd numbered (19, 21, 23 etc.) meet on Mondays and cohorts that are even numbered (18, 20, 22 etc.) meet on Wednesdays. Further example: Fall 2026 admits will be in cohort 19, Fall 2027 admits will be in cohort 20 and so on. Typically, classes begin at 4:00 pm, and last until around 10:00 pm. During the summer session students are required to attend twice a week (Monday's and Wednesday's for 10 weeks).

Are there any assistantships?

Yes! Students have the opportunity to serve as Graduate Assistants while enrolled in the Master’s program. MSHE students are not required to hold a GA position, but it is highly recommended for those who are not currently working full-time. More information about Graduate Assistantships will be provided to applicants who are recommended for admission.

What are some of the program requirements?

• Curriculum:
  • 30 total units of coursework
  • 250 hours of fieldwork (divided between summer year 1 and spring year 2)
  • Year-round (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring)
  • Comprehensive exam (taken in final semester of year 2)
• Co-curricular:
  • Attend new student orientation (August prior to first term)
  • Attend the MSHE retreat (September of first term)
  • Professional Conference attendance (throughout the program)
    • Attend two higher education/student affairs focused conferences
      (one regional and one national)
    • Must be completed by the final semester

Do you host any information sessions?

Yes! Please check our program website for current dates and times. Sessions take place during each fall cycle, between September and December.

May I speak with someone about the program?

Please see our department contact page for the current MSHE Faculty Coordinator or call our main office at 657-278-4023.

How do I apply for a graduate assistantship? 

Incoming students: Once you have been recommended for admission and returned your intent to enroll form, you will receive details about the GA Placement event. Be sure to start utilizing your CSUF email account.

Current students: In February/March, you will receive an email from the department asking if you intend to stay in your current position, if you are interested in seeking a different position, or if you would like to start a GA for the next academic year.

In March, all interested students receive registration information for GA Placement Day(s). This will include a link to view the available assistantships and job descriptions. MSHE students will be able to select their top preferences and upload their current resume. Students will be provided with an interview schedule by late March. GA Placement Day typically occurs in early April during our MSHE Visitation Day. Final placements are usually arranged by the end of April and early May.

Where can I get additional help in preparation for placement day? 

We highly encourage you to prepare for the GA job search by visiting the CSUF Career Center and seeking outside resources. If you are finishing your undergrad work at another college, seek out their career planning services.

Can I be hired in two positions? Can I hold a full-time job at the same time? 

No. Students are not allowed to hold more than one GA position. Students are not allowed to hold a full-time job and a GA position at the same time.

What is the pay rate for a GA position? Salaries vary by department, office, and campus. However, the current California minimum wage is the baseline.

How many hours am I able to work? 

GAs cannot exceed more than 20 hours per week. GAs do not typically work fewer than 10 hours per week.

I am dissatisfied with my employer. What should I do? 

As with any job, first speak with your supervisor. Any problems with your supervisor or at your site should be discussed with the current MSHE coordinator.  

What is the duration of a GA appointment?

GAs are typically appointed to a position for one year. However, we encourage a commitment of two academic years. This allows students to experience developmental opportunities in their roles. The goal of the second year is to provide GAs with more responsibilities through applicable projects as a higher education professional.

What is the GA appointment start and end date? 

Upon final placement in June, GAs may start as soon as both parties are ready. Incoming MSHE students may start working once they have registered for fall courses, which typically happens no later than July. The suggested end date for the assistantships is May 30th or the end of the following spring semester.