Admission to a particular degree program must be approved by the program director/coordinator upon review of a completed application. Applicants will receive a letter of acceptance/denial from the Graduate School. 

Graduate Status

Regular Status

Regular status will be given to degree-seeking students admitted to the Graduate School and graduate program as outlined in this catalog. The requirements include:

• A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by the regional accreditation agency (or equivalent). Admission to an approved joint degree (3+2) program at CSU Pueblo does not require a baccalaureate.
• The minimum undergraduate GPA established for all programs is 3.000.
• Submission of satisfactory scores from a standardized admissions test if required by the program. International students whose native language is not English must also meet the English language proficiency standard set forth in the Graduate Admissions Policies and Procedures section.
• Any additional requirements for the selected program, including completion of leveling courses to correct undergraduate deficiencies. Programs may specify conditions which may include higher grade-point averages, required scores on entrance examinations, or undergraduate major or course requirements. Programs may also limit admissions based on capacity.

Conditional Status

The University provides a conditional status for applicants who have not satisfied the minimum requirements.

The Graduate School, on the recommendation of the program director, may admit an applicant under conditional status. Such special action may be taken if there are positive indicators of the potential for success in graduate studies (e.g., high GRE or GMAT scores, solid upper-division academic performance, or outstanding professional achievement).

When admitted conditionally, the applicant will be notified of the specific conditions for moving to Regular Graduate Status and the timeframe for achieving those conditions. Conditions may include additional course work beyond the degree requirements; specified scores on standardized admissions tests; or other conditions required by the program director/coordinator. A written statement of the conditions will be included in the official admission letter.

If the conditions are met within the allocated timeframe, the program director will notify the Graduate School that the student has achieved Regular Graduate Status. If not successful, the student will be notified by the Graduate School that conditions were not met and the student will be dismissed from the program. A maximum of 12 hours of graduate course work can be taken toward the degree by students on Conditional Status.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

A student who desires to take graduate-level courses (500+) for personal enrichment, for job advancement, or for transfer to another institution, may do so through either the Non-Degree Status option or through the Guest (for credit) option.

Non-Degree Status

Students seeking non-degree status must complete a full graduate admission application. Non-degree status students are limited to enrolling in a total of twelve graduate hours unless approval is given by the Graduate Studies Board. The approval of the appropriate program director is required to enroll in graduate coursework that is part of the curriculum for a graduate program.

A maximum of twelve graduate hours (27 graduate hours for students in the School of Education) of CSU Pueblo credit earned as a non-degree seeking student may subsequently be applied toward a master’s degree if approved by the degree-granting program.

Guest (For Credit) Student Status

Guest (for credit) student status is reserved for applicants who wish to enroll in courses without seeking a degree and who meet the following criteria. Applicants who wish to register as a guest (for credit) student must be Colorado residents and are required to complete a short application with the Office of Admissions each term that they wish to enroll. Guest (for credit) students are NOT REQUIRED to submit official transcripts, test scores or an application fee; however, guest (for credit) students must obtain approval from the relevant graduate program director/coordinator and the instructor. Tuition and fees are based on the number of credits for which they register and students are INELIGIBLE to receive financial aid. The maximum limit on credit taken as a graduate guest (for credit) student before they need to apply for regular admission is 12 credits.

Western Regional Graduate Program

CSU Pueblo participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program, allowing graduate students from select states to receive a discounted tuition rate equal to the in-state rate. Qualifying students must be residents of a WICHE state for tuition purposes. No additional application is required.

Graduate Fresh Start

Graduate students who discontinue one graduate program with a cumulative grade point average below 3.000 and are fully admitted to a different graduate program (not a different emphasis) are eligible to apply for a Graduate Fresh Start. Students who take advantage of Graduate Fresh Start will not have grade point averages carried forward in the new graduate program. Courses previously completed with an earned grade of B or higher may count toward graduation only upon approval by the program director.