The California Pre-Doctoral Program
The California Pre-Doctoral Program provides financial assistance for students interested in exploring and preparing for a doctoral program. These funds are designed to enable current CSU students to explore and prepare to succeed in doctoral programs in their chosen field of study. Awards are based on competitive review of student applications and given to current upper-division or graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence while experiencing economic or educational disadvantage. This program also provides an opportunity to apply for and participate in a funded summer internship opportunity.
The California Pre-Doctoral Program – Health Professions Track
The Health Professions Track (HPT) of the California Pre-Doctoral Program will award funds to approximately ten juniors, seniors, and master’s students in the California State University (CSU). These funds will support students as they explore and prepare to succeed in doctoral programs in the health professions, including public health, social work, human development (with a focus on health), health psychology, kinesiology/physical therapy, nursing, and speech/language/hearing sciences. Awards are based on competitive review of applications from current upper-division or master’s students who, in the judgment of the review panel, demonstrate academic excellence while having experienced economic or educational disadvantage, and have a strong interest in pursuing research-oriented careers in the health professions. This program also provides an opportunity to apply for and participate in a funded summer internship opportunity. Professional interests or career goals in health include (but are not limited to):
- Becoming a faculty member at a CSU or other public institution of higher education in California
- Improving health care service delivery or public health systems in a leadership role
- Influencing policies, programs, and practices through evidence-based approaches in an expert capacity
If you would like to be added to our email list and receive updated information about the Pre-Doctoral Program please complete this information request form.
How to apply:
Information sessions for the 2026-2027 application cycle will begin October/November 2025.
Application Deadlines: for AY 2025-26: The application deadline has passed.
*The Internal Campus Review is not required but strongly recommended. Your application draft will be reviewed by a CSUSB faculty review committee who will then provide feedback on your application. You can then review their suggestions, make any desired updates and then submit by the application deadline.
Application Information:
While the Pre-Doctoral Program and the Health Professions Track share many elements, there are some differences in eligibility and in the application requirements. Please review the guides thoroughly:
2025-26 California Pre-Doctoral Program Application Guide [calstate.edu]
2025-26 Health Professions Track Application Guide [calstate.edu]
Here is an overview of key differences:
Eligibility:
- The California Pre-Doctoral Program is open to current CSU juniors, seniors, and graduate students across all disciplines.
- The Health Professions Track (HPT) is open to students focused on areas such as public health, health psychology, social work, human development, speech/language/hearing sciences, and nursing. Students interested in these areas are strongly encouraged to apply to the Health Professions Track.
To be selected into the program (including the HPT) and awarded a scholarship, students must enroll in at least the fall term of the 2025-26 academic year.
Application Requirements (both programs)
Students must identify and collaborate with a CSU faculty mentor who will support them throughout the 2025-26 academic year. Their applications must include the following requirements:
- A letter of support from their CSU faculty mentor
- Academic transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are okay)
- An itemized budget detailing expenses such as conference travel, campus visits, registration for discipline-related organizations, and subscriptions to academic journals or other relevant materials.
- Three essays addressing specific prompts related to their academic and professional goal
Application Information (Health Professions Track)
- The Health Professions Track follows the same requirements as the parent Pre-Doctoral Program, though the essay prompts are unique to this track.
- Students applying to become Health Professions Scholars must submit a Collaborative Research Plan, developed in conjunction with their proposed faculty mentor at their home CSU campus.
- We encourage Health Professions Track applicants to contact Dr. Arnab Mukherjea, Faculty Director for the Health Professions, to seek specific guidance.
Have questions about applying
For more information or questions regarding your Pre-Doctoral Program application please contact the program coordinator, April Lane, or call (909) 537-7381.
Unsure about how to find a faculty mentor? Check out this presentation: Finding a Faculty Mentor
Here is an example of a completed budget: Sample Budget Worksheet