CSU - California Pre-Doctoral Program

Visit Program Website Here

Program Purpose: 

The California Pre-Doctoral Program supports the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. It also aims to increase the numbers of CSU students entering UC graduate programs.

Program Description: 

California Pre-Doctoral Scholars receive funding to develop their candidacy for doctoral programs. Applicants propose how they will use these funds: for visits to Ph.D.-granting institutions, travel to professional meetings in their field, graduate school applications and test fees. Pre-Doctoral Scholars are eligible to apply for a fully-funded summer research internship with faculty member in their chosen field at a doctoral-granting institution in the U.S.

Program Benefits: 

Pre-Doctoral Scholars receive a $3,000 award, and are eligible to apply for a fully-funded summer research internship. Funding for the summer research internship includes a living stipend, and the cost of housing and travel to the university where the internship will occur.

Application Process: 

Applicants must have a faculty sponsor with whom they consult in developing their plan for improving their candidacy for a Ph.D. program over the next academic year, and for using the $3,000 award to support that plan. The faculty sponsor submits a recommendation on behalf of the applicant.

The online application is due by the CSU deadline. By February 17 (at least one week before the CSU deadline), applicants must schedule an appointment with the Campus Coordinator, Dr. Joy VIveros, for a review of their application materials. Please email Dr. Viveros for this appointment: fellows1@sfsu.edu.

The CSU application instructions also indicate that the applicant may submit official or unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts are, however, strongly encouraged. Please submit official transcripts unless extraordinary circumstances prevent you from doing so.

Applicant Profile: 

Strong applicants will be able to specify in some detail their intended area of doctoral study, and its relationship to current research in their field.

Eligibility: 

Juniors, seniors, and master's degree students who are currently enrolled at SF State full-time and who will be full-time for at least one semester next academic year.

Selection Criteria: 

This program is especially interested in supporting students from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. All qualified students should, however, apply. Applicants must intend to pursue a research-track doctoral degree. Students who will apply to M.D., J.D., or M.B.A. programs, for example, are ineligible.

Citizenship: 

U.S. citizens, permanent residents and AB540/undocumented students are eligible to apply.

Program Deadline: 

February 19 annually. Note: By February 12 applicants must schedule an appointment with the Campus Coordinator for a review of their application materials. Please email Dr. Viveros for this appointment: fellows1@sfsu.edu.

University Deadline: 

By February 12 applicants must schedule an appointment with the Campus Coordinator for a review of their application materials. Email Dr. Viveros for the appointment: fellows1@sfsu.edu.

More information: 

Meet Our Pre-Doctoral Scholars

How To Apply: 

Students must meet with the Campus Coordinator, Dr. Joy Viveros, preliminary to submitting the online application. At least one week before the CSU deadline, email Dr. Viveros for an appointment to review your application materials: fellows1@sfsu.edu.