Applying to the Criminology Graduate Program

The Department of Criminology only admits new graduate students to the program every fall semester. To apply for Fall 2025 admission, applicants will need to submit all of the application materials via Cal State Apply by April 1, 2025.

All applicants will need to complete the application process online via Cal State Apply. This online application portal will allow applicants to submit all materials that are required by the university, as well as all application materials that are required by the Department of Criminology.

To complete the online application for the Criminology Graduate Program, please visit the Cal State Apply website.

The minimum requirements that need to be met by applicants in order to qualify for admission to a graduate program in the California State University (CSU) comply with university regulations and the California Code of Regulations. Applicants will qualify for admission to a graduate program at the university if:

• They have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate
• They are in good academic standing at the last college or university they attended
• They have attained a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.5 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree or have attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted
• They need to have satisfactorily met the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations and and specific course and/or grade prerequisites, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe

For more information on these requirements, please visit Cal State Apply or the University Admission section of the Fresno State Graduate Studies Regulations.

To be considered for admission to the graduate program in the Department of Criminology at California State University, Fresno, applicants must:

• Have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in the last 60 semester units attempted
• Complete the application for graduate study in criminology (which is part of the online application via Cal State Apply)
• Submit three academic/professional letters of recommendation (to be completed via Cal State Apply)
  • At least two of the three letters of recommendations must be provided by academicians (e.g., college professors or instructors) who can speak directly to your academic capabilities at the college level
• Submit a statement of purpose
  • This is a typed statement of about 500-750 words explaining your reasons for wanting to pursue a master's degree in Criminology and the benefits you expect to derive from your graduate studies

Applicants will complete the application process online via Cal State Apply. This online application portal will prompt each applicant to complete and/or submit:

1. An application to the university
2. Undergraduate transcripts
3. An application to the Department of Criminology
4. Three letters of recommendation (applicants will be asked to provide the name and email address of their letter writers when completing their online application. These individuals will then receive a link via email which they will use to submit their letter of recommendation and complete a brief recommendation survey)
5. Statement of purpose