The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase diversity within the pool of university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of students in the CSU.
What the California Pre-Doctoral Program Offers
In 2024-25, the California Pre-Doctoral Program awarded funds to 72 juniors, seniors and graduate students in the CSU, with an additional 13 students chosen as part the inaugural group of Health Professional Scholars. These funds are designed to enable current 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, in the judgment of the review panel, demonstrate academic excellence while experiencing economic or educational disadvantage, and are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level. In 2024, the California Pre-Doctoral Program added the Health Professions Track, a pilot program designed to support CSU students with a strong interest in pursuing research-oriented careers in the health professions, who are committed to health equity and creating a health workforce that is reflective of and responsive to California’s diverse communities. All matriculated students enrolled on a CSU campus are eligible to participate.
The Role of California State University Faculty
CSU faculty members are an integral component of this program as they work closely with applicants to prepare them for graduate studies.
Any CSU faculty member may identify and sponsor promising upper-division undergraduate or master’s degree students to the Pre-Doctoral Program. As a student adviser, faculty may accompany them to UC and other doctoral-granting campuses for site visits, or to national symposia or professional meetings. The adviser also helps acquaint applicants with information about academic careers, identify appropriate journal subscriptions and learning experiences, and ensures that scholars are prepared for doctoral study.