Apply to Become a California Pre-Doctoral Scholar
The application for the 2025-26 Sally Casanova Scholarship, including the Health Professions track, is now open!
Currently enrolled upper-division or master's degree students who are seeking a degree at a CSU campus, and who will continue to be enrolled at the campus for at least the fall term of the 2025-26 academic year, are eligible to apply.
Applications are due electronically by 5:00pm on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Apply Now!
HOW TO APPLY
- Review the application guidelines before applying.
- Connect with the
California Pre-Doctoral Coordinator on your campus.
- Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to seek guidance from a campus coordinator.
- Applicants interested in the Health Professions Track should direct any inquiries to Prof. Arnab Mukherjea, Faculty Director for the Health Professions
- Gather and prepare application materials.
- All applicants must answer all questions on the application form, submit responses to three essay questions, and provide transcripts.
- Applicants to the Health Professions Track must prepare a Collaborative Mentorship Plan.
- All attachments, including all transcripts and essay responses, must be saved as a single PDF document.
- Identify a CSU faculty member to serve as mentor. Mentors will be sent a link to upload a Letter of Recommendation after the electronic application is submitted.
- Submit the application electronically.
- Important information to keep in mind:
- The award year begins July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year. This period does not include the optional
Summer Research Experience that takes place during the summer following the award.
- This is a one-time award. Current and former Sally Casanova Scholars are not eligible to reapply.
About the Health Professions Track
The Health Professions Track (HPT) aims to increase the number of students in the CSU's diverse undergraduate and graduate populations who pursue research-based health professional doctoral degrees in the California State University and University of California systems, including PhDs, DrPHs, DNPs, DSWs and AuDs. The HPT welcomes applications from matriculated CSU students committed to health equity and creating a health workforce that is reflective of and responsive to California's diverse communities. For the HPT, professional interests or career goals in health include (but are not limited to):
- Becoming a faculty member at a CSU or other public institution of higher education in California
- Improving health care service delivery or public health systems in a leadership role
- Influencing policies, programs, and practices through evidence-based approaches in an expert capacity
Questions about the Health Professions Track should be directed to
Dr. Arnab Mukherjea.