If you are seeking information about Graduate School options here at Stan State, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. They can share information related to specific programs, application deadlines, tuition and much more!
Location: Mary Stuart Rogers Building, Suite 360
Website: Graduate Admissions
Email: GraduateStudies@csustan.edu
Phone Number: (209) 667-3493
Did you know Stan State offers a variety of Graduate School options? Check them out here!
Meet with us to review your resume, identify jobs of interest, and practice interviewing. Let us help you explore the career process with confidence.
Starting a new resume or updating one you have not changed in years can take some time. Review these resources to get started and connect with us for further assistance.
Find department website and program coordinator information.
Find Certificate and Credential Programs information here.
Additional Information
Learn More about the Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP).
Learn more about preparing for Graduate School.
Read the What is a Fellowship and Why It Matters article.
Where to Begin
The Career and Professional Development Center can help graduate students to:
Is grad school for you?
Take time to assess your interests and goals for graduate school. Understand your motivations for graduate school and why this is the next best step for your educational, personal, or professional goal.
Do you have an interest to enhance your education and learn about a subject or discipline? Do you want to teach or conduct research? What type of degree will help you achieve your educational goals, a research or professional degree? Master’s or Doctoral degree? Research types of graduate degrees and determine which one best fits your needs.
Checkout these resources below:
- U.S. Department of Education: Structure of U.S. Education
- US NEWS Article: A Guide to Different Types of College Degrees
- Educationusa: What Graduate Programs Are Available
Does your career require an advanced degree? Do your research and identify the entry level job requirements for your career. According to BLS, these are the TOP 33 occupations that typically require a master’s degree level of education.
Other things to consider: does your career require a license or certification beyond a degree? Visit CareerOneStop License Finder to learn more to help you plan and prepare for future employment opportunities.
Yes to grad school! Congrats on making this big decision to invest in your educational and professional career. Other things to consider are:
When is a good time? Reflect on what is going on in your life now. Can you start graduate school right away or will you need to work? Do you meet the qualifications? Or, would work experience enhance your application? Everyone comes from different backgrounds with different skills and experiences.
Evaluate when would be a good time, mark your calendar and plan your next steps.
No matter what you decide, proper research and planning will help in broadening your understanding of your career area of interest and its many possibilities. Checkout some of these resources to help you explore and make informed decisions.
Considering a Career in Health:
Stan State Resources
Pre-Health Society: On-campus resource group for students interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, podiatry, physical therapy, or any other professional healthcare field. For course recommendations and other advising services, access the pre-health society website and scroll to bottom of the page.
Student’s Nurses’ Association: Student Nurses Association (SNA) is an organization on the Stanislaus State campus made up of those in the nursing program, those that wish to be in the nursing program, or those just interested in nursing. We love telling people about nursing, networking within the health community, and promoting the well-being of our community. All are welcome to come and check out what we do!
Online Resources:
Consider a Rewarding Career in Nursing (PDF)
Overview of nursing career, specialties and other important decision-making factors
Explorehealthcareers.org provides easy access to updated, peer-reviewed career descriptions that inspire and motivate students to find health careers that suit them.
Summer Health Professions Education Program is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. These students include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino, and who are from communities of socioeconomic and educational disadvantage. SHPEP, formerly known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), expanded in 2016 to include a broader array of health professions.
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
Optometry
UC Berkeley Opto-Camp: 5-day program that provides participants the opportunity to learn about the profession of optometry and process of becoming an optometrist.
Dentistry
American Dental Education Association:
Considering a Public Service, Social Work or Mental Health/Counseling related degree:
- What Can I Do with my Public Service Degree
- Counseling Degree Guide
- MastersinPsychology.com
- Master's Level Clinical Degrees at CSU Campuses
Considering a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
Stan State Resources
Online Resources
Application deadlines can range from August 1 to July 1. Take note of application deadlines, start early and set a goal of when to submit your application. It is recommended that applications be submitted within the first month of the application period.
Graduate School Application Timeline:
Not sure when to apply for grad school? The Princeton Review provides a general overview of typical timeframes to consider, tasks to complete, when to take and submit tests and many more. Keep in mind, each graduate program has different application requirements and deadlines. Make sure to check with your specific program dates.
Checkout our Planning for Graduate School to learn what to expect and prepare for each application requirement.
Typical application package requirements:
- Application to Graduate School of university
- Application to the individual Graduate Programs
- Non- refundable fee
- Explore financial aid, fellowships and other funding sources
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
- Learn about differences between the two statements with this article from Peterson’s.com
- Standardized testing (check with programs for specific dates, where and how to send scores).
- Interview (may vary per program)
- Do some self-reflection and jot down reasons why you applied and what are your passions for pursuing graduate studies. PRACTICE is key when preparing for Interviews, regardless if its for a job or graduate program. Checkout the #1 interviewing training tool, BIG INTERVIEW to practice some sample graduate interview questions, understand what they’re looking for and review sample answers.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Most graduate programs will request for a Resume or CV. This allows you to choose the format that best represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Read this article from Prepscholar to learn the differences between the two and which best fits your needs.
Updated: February 26, 2025