How to Apply
Ready to become a Coyote physicist? Applying to CSUSB happens through one university-wide application. There is no separate Physics and Astronomy department application, audition, or minimum GPA to declare the major. When you apply, simply select Physics (BS or BA) as your intended major.
Steps to apply:
- Identify your applicant type. Requirements differ for First-Year, Transfer, Returning, Graduate, and International students. Find your category and its specific requirements on the CSUSB Admissions Apply page.
- Check application dates and deadlines for the term you're applying to.
- Submit your application through the university's application system, linked from the Admissions Apply page.
- Attend a free application workshop if you'd like help through the process.
After you're admitted:
- Accept your admission and set up your myCoyote student portal.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Join Nearpeer, the online community for newly admitted Coyotes.
- Attend new-student orientation.
- Submit any remaining documents to complete your admission.
How to prepare (not a requirement): there's no mandatory prerequisite to declare Physics as your major, but strong high school math (through pre-calculus or trigonometry) and some exposure to physics or chemistry will make your first courses, Calculus I and General Physics I, easier to start with. See the Degrees page for the full course sequence.
Questions about the Physics and Astronomy program specifically? Contact our Administrative Support Coordinator, Maureen Murphy (mmurphy@csusb.edu), or reach out to a faculty advisor once you're admitted.