M.A. in Special Major

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate studies at CSUS, international students are typically required to hold a recognized bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

2. Minimum GPA: Most postgraduate programs at CSUS require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is equivalent to a "B" average.  

English Language Proficiency: 

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

2. TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 is required.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum PTE score of 65 is required.

California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse achievements, making education more accessible to deserving students from around the world.

1. International Student Scholarship: CSUS offers merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and provide partial tuition waivers. Eligibility criteria vary, but they typically consider academic achievements and potential contributions to the campus community.

2. American English and Culture Program (AECP) Scholarships: CSUS's AECP offers scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional English language proficiency and academic potential. These scholarships can cover a portion of the program's tuition costs.

3. Graduate Equity Fellowship: This fellowship is designed to support underrepresented graduate students, including international students, by providing financial assistance for their education. It aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity on campus.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within CSUS offer scholarships to students based on their field of study. International students may be eligible for department-specific scholarships that recognize achievements and contributions within a particular academic area.

5. Private Scholarships: CSUS encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from foundations, organizations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be awarded based on factors such as nationality, academic performance, and community involvement.

6. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: CSUS values diversity and offers scholarships that celebrate students from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. International students who contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment may be eligible for these scholarships.

7. Global Education Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically designed for international students to help cover educational expenses. They recognize students' commitment to their education and their potential to make a positive impact on the global community.

8. Study Abroad Scholarships: CSUS provides opportunities for international students to participate in study abroad programs. Scholarships are available to support students who wish to study in different countries and gain diverse academic experiences.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

Graduates of the M.A. in Special Major program are well-prepared for a wide range of career paths that value interdisciplinary expertise and innovative thinking. With a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of various disciplines, graduates can thrive in roles that require adaptability, creativity, and the ability to navigate complex challenges. They are equipped to excel in fields such as research, consulting, project management, education, and more. Their ability to synthesize knowledge from different areas allows them to contribute unique perspectives and creative solutions to organizations and industries.

1. Versatility: Graduates have the advantage of being equipped with skills from different fields, making them well-suited for roles that require a versatile approach. Their ability to integrate knowledge from various disciplines allows them to tackle multifaceted challenges in innovative ways.

2. Critical Thinking: The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary study nurtures graduates' critical thinking abilities. They are adept at analyzing problems from multiple angles, making informed decisions, and devising effective solutions that draw from a broad spectrum of knowledge.

3. Communication Skills: The diverse subjects covered in the program enhance graduates' communication skills. They can articulate complex ideas to different audiences, whether it's conveying technical concepts to non-experts or collaborating with professionals from various fields.

4. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The program encourages an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering graduates to identify gaps in the market and propose innovative solutions. Their ability to connect ideas across disciplines makes them well-suited for pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

5. Niche Specializations: Graduates can find their niche in industries that require specialized knowledge from various domains. Their interdisciplinary background can be leveraged in research, policy analysis, consulting, and other roles where comprehensive expertise is valued.

6. Advanced Studies: The program serves as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, such as doctoral studies or advanced research in fields that benefit from cross-disciplinary insights.

7. Public Sector and Non-profits: Graduates can excel in roles within government agencies, non-profit organizations, and policy-making bodies. Their ability to consider diverse perspectives is highly valuable in crafting policies that address complex societal challenges.

8. Consulting and Research: Consulting firms often seek individuals with diverse expertise to provide comprehensive solutions to clients' needs. Graduates can also thrive in research roles that require the ability to integrate insights from various disciplines.

9. Advocacy and Communication: Graduates can become effective advocates for causes that require a multidimensional understanding. They can also excel in communication-focused roles, such as public relations and media relations, where conveying complex information is crucial.

10. Innovative Fields: Emerging fields and industries that require a combination of skills from different areas are well-suited for these graduates. This includes sustainability, technology policy, healthcare management, and more.