California Pre-Doctoral Program

The California Pre-Doctoral Program prepares CSU students who aspire to careers as future faculty to apply to and succeed in doctoral programs. Its mission is to ensure that students from all communities, especially those who have experienced educational or economic disadvantage, have clear pathways to research doctorates.

New Health Professions Track

The CSU has created a new track within the Pre-Doctoral Program to support students aspiring to 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, that require professional doctorates.

Read More about Health Professions

Meet Our Scholars

Learn about the amazing students who have received the prestigious Sally Casanova Scholarship.

Learn More about the Scholarship

Become a Pre-Doctoral Scholar

The application for the 2025-26 Sally Casanova Scholarship, including the Health Professions Track, is now open! Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to work directly with their Campus Coordinator.

2020-21 Application Packet   How to Apply​​

Summer Research Opportunities

​Current scholars can apply to gain valuable summer research experience.

​​Learn More about Research Opportunities

About the Program

Discover how this important program fosters faculty diversity, including the important role of CSU faculty mentors.

​​Learn About the Program

California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education

​This annual forum acquaints students enrolled in colleges and universities across California with opportunities and resources for advanced study in the academic discipline.

Learn About the Forum

Contact Us

Meet the team that manages the program from the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

Meet the Team