The California Pre-Doctoral Program aims to expand access to doctoral study for students in the CSU.
The California Pre-Doctoral Program awards funds designed to enable current students to explore and prepare to succeed in doctoral programs in their chosen field of study. Awards are based on a competitive review of student applications and given to current upper-division or graduate students who are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level.
Click here to learn more about the program!
Apply Now!
Application Deadline:
- Internal Campus Review*: Before submitting your application send your materials to the Pre-Doc Program Coordinator (April Lane) no later than January 12, 2026
- Online Application Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
*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.
The California Pre-Doctoral Program – Health Professions Scholar Initiative (HPSI)
This track support students who want to persue careers in health professions, including public health, health psychology, human development (with an emphasis on health), kinesiology, nursing, social work and speech/language/hearing sciences.
Click here to learn more about the HPSI program
The Application will open in late December. Check back often for updates.
| Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Zoom Recording |
| Monday, December 15, 2025 (Chancellor's Office Pre-Doc Program Info Session) | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Register Here |
| Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here |
| Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here |
If you would like to be added to our email list and receive updated information about the Pre-Doctoral Program please complete the information request form, or scan the QR code below to access the form.
Information Request form
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.
- You can find the Pre-Doc Application Components here
- Unsure about how to find a faculty mentor? Check out this presentation: Finding a Faculty Mentor
- Need a template for creating your CV? Download a CV template
- Here is an example of a completed budget: Sample Budget Worksheet
Visit the CSU California Pre-Doctoral Program to learn more about this program.