We're delighted that you've chosen CSU! Follow these steps to start your application process.
There’s a lot to consider when you pick your graduate education, endless questions and hours researching the right program. Check out what Colorado State University has to offer and discover if you have what it takes to be a CSU Ram. If you can’t find the answer, feel free to drop us a line.
The final approval for your application is made by the Graduate School, but the recommendation to admit is made by the department in which you intend to study. Departments may have requirements in addition to or more stringent than those of the University. It is critical that you review the specific departmental requirements on your department’s website well in advance of the application deadline.
Search for your certificate or degree program to find contact information and additional information regarding your department’s application requirements.
August Start
Application opens at the beginning of September for the following summer and fall terms.
January Start
Application opens at the beginning of February for the following spring term.
Application deadline to apply varies by department. Check with your department to determine the deadline.
Contact the academic department to verify whether the GRE/GMAT is required. For program contact information, please visit our program pages. The GRE department code can be found at www.ets.org.
Official transcripts or mark sheets and any certificates, diplomas, or degrees from each college or university attended is required regardless of the length of attendance, including courses in progress. Final records will be required upon completion of the course or degree. ALL records submitted must be in the native language; any credentials written in languages other than English MUST be accompanied by a certified English translation (Colorado State University transcripts are not required). Official documents must be sent through a certified, secure document service, or through the postal mail, directly from your school to CSU. Transcripts and diplomas sent through email are not considered official documents. International students, please use the Guide to Comparable Degrees for graduate study.
Official transcripts and credentials, such as degree certificates, are issued directly by the granting institution where the coursework was completed or the degree was earned (with original seals, stamps, and/or signatures). Officially certified transcripts or degree certificates can be hard-copy photocopies of the original document provided by the issuing institution, the U.S. Consulate’s Education/Culture Departments (or representatives), or by limited U.S. sponsoring agencies (such as Fulbright, IREX, etc.). Notarized copies of transcripts/credentials are not accepted in lieu of official or officially certified documents.
Official transcripts and credentials, such as degree certificates, are issued directly by the granting institution where the coursework was completed, or the degree was earned with original seals, stamps, and/or signatures. Officially certified transcripts or degree certificates can be hard-copy photocopies of the original document provided by the issuing institution, the U.S. Consolate’s Education/Culture Departments (or representatives), or by limited U.S. sponsoring agencies (such as Fulbright, IREX, etc.). Notarized copies of transcripts/credentials are not accepted in leu of official or officially certified documents.
A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required from previous instructors or employers who are able to comment on your abilities and potential for graduate study. You may provide contact information for up to five (5) recommenders. There is no standardized format unless specified by the academic department. Your recommenders will be notified and prompted to supply a recommendation letter through the system. Academic references should be prepared to discuss your academic knowledge and skills, aptitude for graduate study, ability for independent research, and classroom performance related to characteristics such as integrity, leadership, problem solving, and teamwork. Choosing an individual as a reference who has an impressive title but cannot discuss the aforementioned qualities will not result in an informative letter of recommendation that supports your admission. Writing any portion of the recommendations yourself, either in whole or in part, may result in rejection or dismissal.
All students must complete the following application requirements in addition to the steps required by the specific program and department you are applying to.
You must apply and be accepted into a degree program.
$60 (U.S. citizen/permanent resident)
$70 (international) non-refundable application fee
$60 non-refundable application fee
Please contact the academic department to which you are applying to, as it may require additional supplemental information.
Due to immigration regulations, only international students currently enrolled in a CSU on-campus degree program may be accepted into certificates offered on campus. Distance certificates are available to all international students.
One official transcript or mark sheet from the institution where bachelor’s degree was earned is required. All records submitted must be in the native language; any credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Colorado State University transcripts are not required.
When applying using the online application system, most documents are uploaded directly by the applicant. For documents that cannot be submitted through the application system, such as official transcripts and test scores, request the documents be sent to the Office of Admissions:
Send official electronic test scores using code 4075.
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
