GRADUATE PROGRAMS THAT PUT YOU AHEAD
Go further with mentorship-driven graduate programs designed to accelerate your career. Explore our four degrees and learn how to apply.
How to apply
Applying to graduate programs differs from the undergraduate process. You’ll work directly with your intended department and may need to include materials like statements of purpose, recommendations, portfolios and relevant experience.
Career readiness
Gain the skills and real-world experience employers are looking for. Through internships, hands-on learning, career coaching and professional development opportunities, Career Services helps you turn classroom knowledge into career confidence.
FAQs
The College of Liberal Arts offers master’s degrees in English, History, Psychology, and Public Policy.
Graduate courses are smaller and more discussion-driven, with heavier reading and writing loads, higher expectations for independent work, and more frequent emphasis on original analysis, research methods, and professional practice.
Most programs are designed around about two years full-time, but timelines vary by program, course sequencing, and whether you attend part-time.
Sometimes, but it depends on the program’s scheduling and course sequencing. Programs with fixed sequences, practice hours, or once-a-year course offerings are harder to do part-time.
Some programs offer a mix of day and evening courses. Always verify the current schedule and whether courses are offered once a year.
Not always. Some programs welcome applicants from many majors but may require prerequisites (common in professional programs). Others prefer related majors but may consider closely related fields.
A culminating experience is the capstone requirement to complete the degree (examples: thesis, comprehensive exams, portfolio, capstone seminar project, internship + exam).
A thesis is a sustained, research-based project with formal writing and faculty supervision. A non-thesis option typically replaces the thesis with exams, portfolios, seminars, or applied projects.
Most programs use Cal State Apply (the CSU application platform), plus program-specific materials submitted in the application.
Some programs state you may only apply to one Cal Poly graduate program at a time. If you are considering multiple programs, review each program’s stated policy and confirm with Graduate Education.
Some programs state they do not allow deferrals from one quarter/term to another. Always confirm for your program before assuming a deferral is possible.
Most programs require: Transcripts Statement of purpose / personal statement Letters of recommendation Program-specific materials (e.g., writing sample, résumé/CV, interview)
It depends on the program. Several of the College of Liberal Arts graduate programs explicitly state the GRE is not required. Always check the current program requirements.
Not sure where to start?
Still have questions? The Graduate Education team is here to help you explore programs, understand requirements and find the path that fits your goals.