Graduate Program Admissions

Graduate admissions contact: Anna.Bax@csulb.edu

Students from any academic background may apply to the M.A. in Linguistics, M.A. in TESOL, or the Graduate TESOL Certificate. You do not have to have previously studied linguistics, but students transitioning from other fields may need to complete prerequisite coursework.

You may apply to begin your studies in either the Fall or Spring semesters. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no additional preference given to students who apply early — full consideration will be given to all applicants who apply before the deadline. The application deadline is typically around April 1 for the Fall semester, and October 1 for the Spring semester. For precise deadlines and other information, see the Graduate Studies website, as well as the catalog pages for Graduate Degree Information.

How to apply

All application materials must be submitted through Cal State Apply. Applicants for admission must submit the following materials:

  1. Application form
  2. Transcripts of all previous academic coursework
  3. Three letters of recommendation (preferably from academic recommenders, though professional contacts are also acceptable)
  4. An academic writing sample, written in English. (Your writing sample does not have to be on linguistics or TESOL.)
  5. Personal statement
    1. Your personal statement should address: (a) your interest in and knowledge of linguistics or TESOL as a field of study; (b) your educational background; (c) your experience with diverse languages and cultures; (d) your professional, research, and/or teaching experience; (e) your professional goals; and (f) your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study in the CSULB MA program in Linguistics/TESOL.
    2. If your GPA is below the department’s minimum requirement (see details below), or your educational record has other issues you would like to explain, please address this as well.

International students must additionally apply through the University’s Center for International Education; please consult their webpage for criteria and assistance. 

Minimum requirements for admission

The general university minimum requirements include:

  • Completion of a four-year college course of study leading to an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Good standing at the last college or university attended.
  • An English language demonstration for international applicants who do not have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S. accredited institution. Please consult our webpage for potential MA students that provides more details about the benefits, opportunities, and resources available to students who pursue an MA at CSULB, as well as additional information and links for international students about the possibility of deferred admission for students who need to enroll in the American Language Institute to perfect their English, as well as options for international students to be evaluated by the department in lieu of standardized testing. 

The Linguistics department additionally requires:

  • A GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units attempted, excluding lower-division and extension coursework taken after the degree. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.