2023-2024 General Catalog

Admissions Criteria

Conditional Admission for Undergraduate Programs

CalSouthern offers learners the opportunity to be conditionally admitted and begin courses pending the University’s receipt of their proof of high school graduation or equivalency. Learners may still be required to submit additional required admission documentation based on the program of study, as applicable. Acceptable documentation of high school graduation, or an official transcript documenting an earned associate degree from an accredited or approved institution, must be received by CalSouthern prior to the 10th day of the second term in the program of study. Learners will move from conditional to regular/matriculating admission status once it is determined that all admissions requirements have been met. Learners that do not satisfy admissions requirements by the 10th day of the second term will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the University and must satisfy all regular admission requirements upon re-entry.

Learners who are conditionally admitted will incur tuition and fee charges and are financially responsible for all costs of attending the University. Learners that wish to re-enroll will be required to re-apply.

Conditional admission is not applicable for admission to nursing programs.


Conditional Admission for Graduate Programs

CalSouthern offers learners the opportunity to be conditionally admitted and begin courses pending the University’s receipt of their official transcript verifying completion of an accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree, as applicable. Refer to individual program page(s) for additional program admissions requirements that may be applicable. Required documentation must be received by CalSouthern prior to the 10th day of the learner’s second term. Learners will move from conditional to regular/matriculating admission status once it is determined that all admissions requirements have been met. Learners that do not satisfy admissions requirements by the 10th day of the second term will be subject to administrative withdrawal from the University and must satisfy all regular admission requirements upon re-entry.

Learners who are conditionally admitted will incur tuition and fee charges and are financially responsible for all costs of attending the University.

Conditional admission is not applicable for admission to nursing programs.


Undergraduate Degrees

Regular/matriculating admission into undergraduate degree programs requires a high school diploma or equivalent from an accredited or approved institution or a GED to be received by CalSouthern prior to the 10th day of the second term in the program of study. Official transcripts documenting an earned associate degree from an accredited or approved institution can be used to satisfy undergraduate admission requirements.

Learners are considered conditionally admitted pending the University's receipt of their proof of high school graduation or equivalency. Please refer to the Conditional Admission for Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog for more information.

Please refer to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Admissions Requirements section of this catalog for additional BSN program admissions requirements.

Undergraduate Certificates

Applicants must meet University admission requirements, including a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 or higher, or possession of a high school diploma from an accredited or approved institution, or General Education Diploma (GED). Documentation for these requirements must be received by CalSouthern prior to the 10th day of the second term in the program of study. Learners are considered conditionally admitted pending the University's receipt of these documents. Please refer to the Conditional Admission for Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog for more information.

Applicants may wish to transfer to an undergraduate degree program while earning a certificate. However, learners must do so before starting the certificate’s final course to ensure the transfer of the previously accumulated credits to the undergraduate program.


Graduate Certificates

Applicants possessing a master’s degree, or its equivalent, or partially completed master’s degree from an accredited or approved post-secondary institution may seek admission. Applicants with at least a master’s degree from an accredited institution are preferred; however, applicants lacking a master’s degree may seek admission if they maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a four-point scale) for all completed graduate coursework. Official transcripts must be on file and accepted by the University for the master's degree or its equivalent, or partial master's degree prior to the 10th day of the second term in the program of study.

Some graduate certificates that lead to licensure may require additional materials. Please see the specific certificate program page(s) in this Catalog to determine if any additional application materials are required.

Learners are considered conditionally admitted pending the University's receipt of official transcripts. Please refer to the Conditional Admission for Graduate Programs section of this catalog for more information.

Applicants may wish to transfer to a graduate degree program while earning a certificate. However, learners must do so before starting the certificate’s final course to ensure the transfer of the previously accumulated credits to the graduate program.


Master's Degrees

Regular/matriculating admission to master’s programs requires a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited or approved post-secondary institution. Official transcripts must be on file and accepted by the University for the bachelor’s degree or its equivalent prior to the 10th day of the second term in the program of study

Please refer to the individual program page(s) for additional admissions requirements (expand the Degree Requirements section of the page) for the following programs:

Applicants entering the Master of Science in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (MSLEEL) and Master of Education (MEd) programs without a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a related field of study may be required to complete leveling coursework.

Learners are considered conditionally admitted pending the University's receipt of official transcripts. Please refer to the Conditional Admission for Graduate Programs section of this catalog for more information.


Doctoral Degrees

Regular/matriculating admission to doctoral programs requires a graduate degree (normally a master’s degree) or the equivalent from an accredited or approved post-secondary institution. Official transcripts must be on file and accepted by the University for the graduate degree or its equivalent prior to the 10th day of the second term in the program of study. Specific program requirements are provided within this section.

Learners are considered conditionally admitted pending the University's receipt of official transcripts. Please refer to the Conditional Admission for Graduate Programs section of this catalog for more information.

Doctor of Psychology

Admission to the PsyD program requires both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, with the master’s degree in psychology or a related field of study. Applicants that have earned a master’s degree in an unrelated field may satisfy this requirement by completing the CalSouthern Master of Science in General Psychology program, which is designed to provide a firm foundation in the field needed to pursue doctoral level study.

Doctor of Business Administration

Admission to the DBA degree requires a master’s degree in the field of study or related field from an accredited or approved postsecondary institution. Learners entering with a master’s degree in an academic area other than business will be required to take the Management Competency Assessment (see Management Competency Assessment section) to bring them to a level of preparation for graduate business studies.

CalSouthern invites ABDs in business-related disciplines from accredited or approved schools to apply to enter our DBA program and give us the opportunity to help them convert their ABD into a DBA. Contact a CalSouthern Admissions Representative for assistance.