Admission Procedures & Policies
Requirements for admission to Humboldt State University are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available on the California State University website.
All CSU applications must be submitted online on the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.
Contact the Humboldt State University Office of Admissions or California high school and community college counselors for more information.
Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents. Humboldt State University advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).
Undergraduate Application Procedures
Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $70 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be requested on the application if desired by the campus. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted campus may be redirected to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.
Impacted Programs
The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every campus which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses. Candidates for admission must meet all of the campus’ specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or campus.
The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those campuses or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on campus and program impaction is available on the Impaction at the CSU website.
Campuses will communicate supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their application service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published on the HSU Office of Admissions website. Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered for impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration.
Supplementary Admission Criteria
Each campus with impacted programs or class-level admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on the CSU eligibility index or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degrees, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted campuses or programs may need to have a higher “a-g” GPA. In no case will standardized test scores be used in making freshman admission decisions.
The supplementary admission criteria used by individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.
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Graduate & Post-Baccalaureate Application Procedures
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (i.e., doctorate, joint Ph.D. applicants, master’s degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials or certificates and, where permitted, holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials on the Cal State Apply website. Applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree must submit the undergraduate application for admission. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements in the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $70 nonrefundable application fee. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. All CSU applications must be submitted online via the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.
HSU Application Deadlines. Apply to Humboldt State University as early as possible:
- To be considered for admission (the deadline for applying may occur any time after the initial filing period - October 1 to November 30 for fall term; August for spring term);
- To be among the first considered for campus housing;
- For early notification about the application, allowing more time to plan a college career
The application period for Fall semester begins October 1 of the previous year. Humboldt may stop accepting applications in certain enrollment categories any time after November 30. The application period for Spring semester begins on August 1. The university may stop accepting applications in certain enrollment categories any time after August 31. The Office of Admissions, 707-826-4402, can confirm deadlines and policies.
Official transcripts are required from every institution an applicant has attended, even if the applicant completed no courses there.
- Applicants should ask their high school or college(s) to send a copy of their transcripts to Humboldt State. Most colleges charge for this service. The issuing institution needs the applicant’s full name (and maiden and/or former name), birth date, student or social security number, and the date the student last attended that school.
- Records must be official. A transcript or test score is not official unless sent directly from the high school, college, or testing agency to the Office of Admissions.
- For those enrolled in classes when applying, final, official transcripts must be sent after completion of coursework.
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Application Acknowledgement
On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.
Applicants also receive information on eligibility requirements and on-campus housing.
Once Humboldt receives all necessary transcripts and other documents, an applicant’s file is considered complete. Completed files are evaluated on a “rolling” basis in the order in which they were completed. All applicants are notified by email of Humboldt’s admission decision.
Admitted applicants are sent an email of admission and information about Humboldt’s orientation programs. All new freshman and transfer students register through our orientation programs, which are mandatory and designed to acquaint new students and their families with the university and community.
Hardship Petitions. The campus has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the campus Admission Office regarding specific policies governing hardship admission. Information regarding the appeal policy for admissions denial may be found on the Office of Admissions website.
CSU Application Filing Periods
(Not all campuses/programs are open for admission to every term.)
Fall Semester or Quarter
Applications first accepted: October 1
Initial filing period: October 1 - November 30
Winter Quarter
Applications first accepted: June 1
Initial filing period: June 1 - 30
Spring Semester or Quarter
Applications first accepted: August 1
Initial filing period: August 1 - 31
Filing Period Duration
Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information.
Some graduate admission categories remain open later than others. However, no applications will be accepted later than one month prior to the beginning of the term. Contact the Office of Admissions-Graduate at 707-826-6250, or the individual program office.
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Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements:
- Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE);
- Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses;
- Have completed, with grades of C- or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”); and
- The CSU will accept “Credit” or “Pass” grades to satisfy “a-g” requirements completed during Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and during Winter, Spring or Summer 2021 terms. The CSU expects and assumes that high school Pass (Credit) grades will represent work completed at the C- or higher level.
- Earn a qualifying “a-g” grade point average (GPA) as described below.
- California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA.
- Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the campus admission decision.
- Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 or greater “a-g” GPA along with other supplemental factors utilized by the individual campus, including those outlined by impacted campuses and programs.
- Any Non-California resident earning a GPA between 2.47 and 2.99 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the campus admission decision.
- Each CSU campus will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students.
The California State University (CSU) has temporarily suspended the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years.
Applicants who cannot meet admission requirements may wish to enroll at a community college to prepare for admission to Humboldt at a later date as an upper division transfer. See “Special Admission”.
For questions regarding individual situations, make an appointment with an admissions counselor, call 707-826-4402.
Subject Requirements
The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.
- 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; 4 years recommended)
- 2 years of laboratory science (l biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
- 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
- 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater, or music
- 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.
The California Promise
The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSU campuses to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4-years. All campuses have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2-years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.
Students who commit to enter either the 4-year or 2-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating campuses may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact campus offices or visit the California Promise Program website.
High School Students
High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment.
Subject Requirements for Students with Disabilities
Humboldt encourages applicants with disabilities to complete college preparatory course requirements if possible. Those unable to fulfill specific course requirements because of disabilities may be able to substitute alternative college preparatory courses.
Substitutions are authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by the applicant’s academic advisor or guidance counselor in consultation with the director of the Student Disability Resource Center, and subject to approval by the Office of Admissions.
Although the distribution may be slightly different from the course pattern required of other students, those students qualifying for substitutions still will be held for 15 units of college preparatory study.
Course substitutions may limit later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. For information or substitution forms, contact the Student Disability Resource Center at 707-826-4678 (voice) or 707-826-5392 (TDD).
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Transfer Policies of CSU Campuses
Most commonly, college-level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency are accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus.
California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer.
“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed on assist, transfer and articulation system.
CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses, any or all of the California community colleges and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90 semester (135 quarter) units may be transferred into the university from all sources.
Transfer Requirements
Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshman admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.
Lower Division Transfer Requirements
An applicant who completes fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college credit is considered a lower-division transfer student. Due to enrollment pressures, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfers so that more upper-division transfers can be accommodated.
Having fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units at the point of transfer may affect eligibility for registration priority at CSU campuses and may affect the student’s financial aid status.
California resident transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units must:
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
- Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and B4 requirements, respectively;
- Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
- Meet any one of the following eligibility standards.
Transfer Based on Current Admission Criteria
The applicant meets the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term for which the application is filed; - OR
Transfer Based on High School Eligibility
The applicant was eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation; - OR - Transfer Based on Making Up Missing Subjects
The applicant had a qualifiable eligibility index at the time of high school graduation (combination of GPA and test scores if needed), has made up any missing college preparatory subject requirements with a grade of C- or better, and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation.
One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
(Note: Some campuses may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses, as part of their admission criteria.)
Upper Division Transfer Requirements
Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:
- Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all transferable units attempted;
- In good standing at the last college or university attended; and
- Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.
The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses, that meet CSU general education requirement, including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T)
The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.
CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T or AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T or AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus.
Transfer Provisional Admission
Humboldt State University may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college-level work completed. Campuses may rescind admission for any student who is found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. In no case may such documents be received and validated by the university any later than a student’s registration for their second term of CSU enrollment.
ASSIST is an articulation and transfer planning system providing a variety of information about California public institutions of higher education. Information on courses from other California colleges that can be used in lieu of specific Humboldt coursework is available on assist.org.
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English Language Requirement
All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a score of 71-internet (IBT), 525-written (PBT), 197-computer (CBT) or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some majors may require a higher score than the campus minimum. A few campuses may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). Each campus will post the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores. CSU minimum TOEFL standards are:
Undergraduate: 61 (Internet), 500 (Paper)
Graduate: 80 (Internet), 550 (Paper)
Placement Measures for First-Year GE A2 English and B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses
Freshman skills assessment and placement for general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on systemwide skills assessment standards that include the Early Assessment Program/ Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA.
Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment.
These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs.
First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit-bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Early Start Program. The Early Start Program gives students the opportunity to earn college credit in written communication and mathematics/ quantitative reasoning the summer before their first term.
Assessments & Placement for GE Written Communications
Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement
The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement (AP) Test
- 3 or above (AP Language & Composition)
- 3 or above (AP Composition & Literature)
College Transfer Coursework
- Completed approved college course that satisfies CSU GE Area A2 (written communication) with a grade of C- or better.
Placement in a GE Subarea A2: English Course
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:
English CAASPP/EAP Test
- Standard Exceeded
- Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
- 550 or above,
- 510 - 540 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better English
ACT Test
- 22 or higher
- 19-21 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better
High School Courses and GPA
- Weighted GPA 3.3 or above
- GPA 3.0 or above and completed approved 12 grade year-long English course (AP, CSU ERWC, Weighted Honors English)
- GPA 3.0 or above and completed Honors English
- GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school English
Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course
The student has met examination standards and/ or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
- 510 - 540 and 4 or more years of high school English
ACT Test
- 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school English
High School Courses and GPA
- Weighted GPA 3.0 or above and 4 or more years of high school English
Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2: English Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required
Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Learn more on the Early Start Program website.
Assessments & Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non-Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors)
Has Fulfilled the GE Area B: Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement (AP) Test:
- 3 or above on Calculus AB
- 3 or above on Calculus BC
- 3 or above on Statistics
- 3 or above on Computer Science Principles
International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:
- 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry
College Transfer Coursework:
- Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
Placement in a GE Area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:
CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:
- Standard Exceeded
- Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
- Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
SAT Math Test:
- 570 or above
- 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
- 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
ACT Math Test:
- 23 or above
- 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
High School Courses and GPA:
- Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
- Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
- Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
- Weighted high school GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
Placement in a Supported GE Area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:
High School GPA:
- Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
- Weighted high school GPA 3.0 or above
Placement in a Supported GE Area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required
Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Learn about the Early Start Program.
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Assessments & Placement for GE B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Math Intensive Majors (Pre-STEM/STEM and Other Math-Intensive Majors)
Has Fulfilled the GE Area B: Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement (AP) Test:
- 3 or above on AP Calculus AB
- 3 or above on AP Calculus BC
- 3 or above on AP Statistics
- 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles
International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:
- 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP):
- 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry
College Transfer Coursework:
- Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B: Mathematics
Placement in a GE Area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:
CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:
- Standard Exceeded
- Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
SAT Math Test:
- 570 or above
- 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
- 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
ACT Math Test:
- 23 or above
- 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
High School Courses and GPA:
- Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and completed 12th grade approved yearlong math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
- Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
- Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
Placement in a Supported GE Area B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via the criteria below:
High School Math GPA:
- Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
Placement in a Supported GE Area B: Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required
Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Learn about the Early Start Program.
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Early Start Program
The goal of the Early Start Program (ESP) is to:
- Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of freshman year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
- If required to participate in ESP, as determined by multiple measures, students will begin in the summer before the start of the freshman year.
- For general information about ESP including fees and course listings, visit the Early Start Program website. Students are encouraged to visit the campus website for ESP information once admitted.
- Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit ESP fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Early Start Program, please visit the CSU Student Success website.
Special Admission
Appeal of Admission Decision
Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the university. The procedure is limited to addressing campus decisions to deny an applicant admission to the university.
Admission appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted and indicate a time estimate for when the campus expects to respond to an appeal. The appeal procedures must be included in all denial of admission notifications to students, and must also be published on the campus website.
Applicants who are denied admission to Humboldt can appeal the decision. For information, see the appeal policy on the Office of Admissions website.
High School Concurrent Program
High school juniors/seniors who have a 3.0 GPA or higher in their college preparatory program, and who have been recommended by their high school counselors, will be considered for enrollment through the High School Concurrent Program. Enrollment requires individual approval for each course and term of attendance. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute the right to continued enrollment. Contact the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement for details 707-826-3731.
Adult Students
As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if he or she meets all of the following conditions:
- Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
- Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
- If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.
Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.
Over-60 Program for Non-Degree Students
In this program, non-matriculated senior adults who are California residents are allowed to take courses for a reduced fee. Information is available on the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement website or call 707-826-3731 for details.
Returning Students
We are glad that you are interested in returning to HSU. For detailed information about re-applying and returning admission requirements is available on the Office of Admissions website.
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Graduate Admission Requirements
Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:
General Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post baccalaureate studies at a CSU campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.
Specifically, a student shall at the time of enrollment:
(1) have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities; (2) be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended; (3) have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and (4) satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.
Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the three following categories:
- Graduate Classified. To pursue a graduate degree, applicants are required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus; or
- Graduate Conditionally Classified. Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or
- Post-Baccalaureate Classified, e.g. admission to an education credential program. Persons wishing to enroll in a credential or certificate program, will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus; or
Graduate-Post-Baccalaureate English Language Requirement
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 written /80 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some programs require a higher score. Several CSU campuses may use alternative methods for assessing fluency in English including Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP).
(These and other CSU admissions requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the admission portal are good sources for the most up-to-date information.)
Other requirements as defined by specific programs. For example, some programs require a higher GPA for admission.
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International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements
The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other non-immigrant classifications. The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “foreign students”. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission.
Academic records from foreign institutions, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations, and must be on file by the following deadlines:
Application Deadline Dates (subject to change):
Undergraduates/Second Bachelor applicants:
Fall terms: May 1
Spring terms: October 1
Graduate applicants:
Fall terms: February 1
Spring terms: Refer to program website
International Admission Procedure
Apply online on the Cal State Apply website. A non-refundable application fee of U.S. $70 is payable with online application. Submit the following application materials:
- Certification of Financial Support
- Official transcripts of academic records
- Proof of English proficiency
- Photocopy of passport.
- Student Consent for Release of Information Email or mail your application materials to:
international@humboldt.edu
Humboldt State University
Center for International Programs
1 Harpst Street,
Arcata, CA 95521-8299, USA.
Forms and additional information are available on the International Programs website. Academic credentials will be evaluated only after receipt of all your application materials.
English Language Proficiency
All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full-time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a minimum score of 525 written/71 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 6.0 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. Graduate applicants are required to have a minimum score of 550 written /80 internet-based on the TOEFL, or a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test. Scores from either exam that are more than two years old are not accepted. A waiver of the TOEFL/ IELTS may be granted on an individual basis for students who present a minimum grade of ‘C’ or higher from a Community College or University general education English composition course, or for applicants who have graduated from an accredited four-year US high school and have completed three years of English college preparation coursework with grades of ‘B’ or higher. See English Language Proficiency, on the International Programs website for additional ways to meet the English language requirement for admission to Humboldt State University.
Estimated Expenses for International Students
Undergraduate international students are required to pay nonresident tuition of $396 per unit in addition to registration fees. All MBA students, international and American, must also pay a Professional Program Fee of $270 per unit ($666 total per unit for international students). International students must be enrolled full-time (12 units per semester for undergraduates; 9 units per semester for graduates).
Additionally, there are expenses for books and other school supplies, medical insurance, housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. Please note you are required to prove your ability to provide the mandatory amount. Refer to the Cost Estimates for Academic Study on the International Programs website for more information.
A minimum of $4,000.00 is required for modest living expenses during the summer vacation period.
All fees are subject to change upon approval by the California State University Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or campus President.
Certification of Financial Support. All international students must submit evidence of financial ability to meet minimum costs at HSU before admission can be granted and an I-20 or DS2019 issued.
You will be asked to provide a Certification of Financial Support reflecting sufficient financial resources to meet your educational and living expenses while at HSU. The Certification must be signed by you and, if appropriate, your sponsor.
A limited number of Graduate Assistantships and/or tuition waivers may be available through some graduate departments. Please consult with your specific graduate department for additional details.
Official Transcripts and Translations. International applicants must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those sent in sealed envelopes directly from the issuing institution directly to the Center for International Programs to the attention of the International Admissions Coordinator. Copies of transcripts sent by applicants or any other source will be considered unofficial and will not be accepted.
Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation. The translations must also be sent in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution translator directly to Humboldt State University.
All transcripts should reflect a detailed statement of the courses completed, the amount of time spent on each course, the grade earned, and an explanation of the grading system used. Any degree, certificate, or diploma awarded should be clearly indicated and included if possible.
For students from countries where schools issue only one original record to the student for all future use, you must submit copies of all required documents, each of which must have been compared with and certified as a true copy of the original document by an appropriate school or government official. You will be required to present the original document for verification to the International Admissions Coordinator prior to registration.
Eligibility Requirements for International Students
Applicants for Bachelor’s Degrees
First-time freshmen are required to have, at a minimum, the equivalent to graduation from secondary school in their native country (GCE with 5 ‘O’ levels and 2 ‘A’ levels, Maturity Certificates, Abitur, etc.) which gives access to university study in their home country or graduation from a US high school. All applicants must possess an overall minimum 2.5 grade point average that will be calculated by the Center for International Programs. Applicants are required to submit one official transcript with the diploma/graduation certificate (if appropriate).
Lower-division transfer applicants (those students applying with less than 60 semester/ 90 quarter transferable units) must submit an official high school transcript with diploma/graduation certificate (if appropriate) showing the equivalent of high school graduation with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and official transcripts from all accredited colleges and/or universities attended with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all transferable work.
Upper-division transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all accredited colleges and/or universities attended with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 on at least 60 semester/90 quarter transferable units. In addition, applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of 30 units in general education, to include English composition, speech communication, critical thinking, and mathematics/quantitative reasoning with grades of C- or higher. Applicants who have completed coursework outside the US will be evaluated on an individual basis, and may also be asked to present secondary school records.
Second bachelor’s applicants must submit official transcripts from all accredited colleges and/or universities attended with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted and hold a valid bachelor’s and/or master’s degree or equivalent.
Applicants for Master’s Degrees
An international applicant may be admitted to a campus as an unclassified post-baccalaureate student if the applicant satisfies the requirements of each of the three following subdivisions:
The applicant has satisfied any one of the following three numbered conditions:
- The applicant has attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree,
- The applicant has attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted;
- The applicant holds an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association;
- And the applicant was in good standing at the last institution of higher education attended.
Applicants to master’s programs are required to submit official transcripts from all accredited institutions attended. Master’s applicants are advised to contact their specific graduate department directly for additional requirements, documents, and application deadlines (for instance, applicants to some master’s program must submit official GRE test results, and nearly all departments require a statement of objectives and three letters of recommendation). Master’s applicants must satisfy admission requirements from both the major department and the Center for International Programs.
Medical Insurance. Health care in the United States can be very costly. The California State University system requires that all non-immigrant students obtain and maintain insurance coverage for health, medical evacuation, and repatriation prior to their enrollment at a CSU campus.
Contact Information:
Humboldt State University
Center for International Programs
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299 USA
Telephone: 1-707-826-4142
Email: international@humboldt.edu
International Programs website
HSU Study California (SC)
HSU Study California is for students interested in studying at HSU without going through the formal admission process. Students must enroll in exactly 12 units per semester, providing there are spaces available in classes. Courses taken at HSU through the HSU Study California program may appear on an official transcript and transferred to students’ home universities. Students may be enrolled in the HSU SC program for a maximum of 2 semesters (1 year). Students must receive a minimum GPA of 2.0 during their first term to continue to the next session. Admission requirements for HSU SC are the same as requirements for the undergraduate or graduate level. More information can be found on the HSU Study California website.
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Intrasystem & Intersystem Enrollment Programs
Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU campus have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be formally admitted to the host campus and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.
There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of the Registrar, SBS 133, 707-826-4101.
CSU Fully Online Courses
Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host campus. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated pre-requisites. Credit earned at the host campus is electronically reported to the student’s home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus. More information is available on the CSU Fully Online website.
CSU Visitor Enrollment
Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.
Intersystem Cross Enrollment
Matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.
Immunizations & Health Screening
CSU Immunization Requirements. Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). Two doses with first dose on or after first birthday; or positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to the disease).
Hepatitis B (Hep B). All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details, please consult the Student Health Center.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses with first dose on or after first birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease) prior to enrollment.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): One dose after age 7.
Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135): One dose on or after 16 for all students and age 21 or younger.
Tuberculosis Screening/Risk Assessment: All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. Incoming students who are at higher risk* for TB infection, as indicated by answering “yes” to any of the screening questions, should undergo either skin of blood testing for TB infection within one year of CSU entry.
*Higher risk include travel or living in South or Central America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East; prior positive TB test; or exposure to someone with active TB disease.
The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.
New and readmitted HSU students (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students) are required to provide immunization information to the Student Health Center BEFORE enrolling in their first term. Providing the required information in advance will give you time to clear the hold (up to a week) before you register. Complete the immunization form and upload a copy of your immunization record (valid proof of immunity to all diseases listed in the above section) via the Secure Health Portal.
If you included vaccination records with your application packet, you will still need to submit another copy along with the required form using the website above. Necessary immunizations should be obtained before arriving on campus from your personal physician or local County Health Department. The Student Health Center may provide required vaccinations for a fee for those coming from areas where they are unavailable. Failure to provide proof of immunization will result in the student not being allowed to register for a second semester.
Use of Social Security Number
Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The university uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the university to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.
Reservation
The university reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the university or any of its programs as the university, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the university.
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