The MSCCJ program now features a concentration in Crime and Intelligence Analysis.
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Degree Program
As communities grapple with complex contemporary issues related to crime, safety, and justice, those with graduate-level expertise are better equipped to navigate these challenges. Whether pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections, re-entry, social justice, or academia, a graduate degree provides a deeper understanding of criminological theories, research methodologies, and ethical considerations, making graduates invaluable contributors to the development of effective and just criminal justice systems. In an era where the need for well-trained professionals is on the rise, a graduate degree in criminology and criminal justice serves as a crucial step towards fulfilling and impactful careers in this field.
The online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) degree is an accelerated program offered by the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management in partnership with the College of Professional and Continuing Education. The MSCCJ program at CSULB was recently named one of the Best Online Programs in 2023 according to U.S. News & World Report. Ranked in the Top 50 of the magazine’s Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs list, the MSCCJ program’s selection was based on high performance across indicators of excellence including student engagement, student services and technology, admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation.
This fully online, accelerated program is designed for busy, working professionals who are interested in supervisory positions that require graduate credentials and those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in criminal justice. This program will expand and increase individual competency, develop and mature thought processes, aid in gaining insights into professional leadership and knowledge, permit an exchange between students and faculty, and further the spirit of research and scholarship to enhance professional and personal development. The curriculum offers a balance of theory and practical application that will prove to be challenging to students and useful in the field. This program provides the requisite knowledge for individuals to be competitive for administrative positions in law enforcement, courts, corrections, private security, and probation and parole as well as those who are interested in working with social justice, rehabilitation, re-entry, and victims’ services organizations. It is also suitable for those who seek research and data analysis positions in criminal justice agencies or teaching positions at community colleges.
Please Note:
- Out-of-state students who do not reside in California are not eligible to enroll in this fully online program. For more information, visit The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
- GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
- Individuals interested in supervisory positions that require graduate credentials
- Those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in criminal justice
- Working professionals pursuing part-time teaching positions in colleges and universities
- People who are unable to attend our traditional on-campus MS in Criminal Justice program
- Fully online delivery
- Can be completed in two years or less
- Courses taught by full-time faculty in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management and a select group of part-time scholar-practitioner instructors
- Industry-relevant curriculum
- Networking opportunities with other professionals in a team learning environment
- Crime and Public Policy
- Law and Social Control
- Theories of Crime Causation
- Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
- Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis
- Ethics, Values, and Diversity
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to attend a free information session. These information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online-only Information Sessions are below. Click on each date to register for the Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Admission Requirements
The Fall 2023 application deadline for the program is May 31, 2023. Students seeking admission to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Program should have an undergraduate degree and a desire for graduate study. Applicants must apply for admission to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management in addition to being admitted by Enrollment Services. Students must be accepted for admission by the School before their program for a master's degree can be formulated. Students are not allowed to take graduate course work in criminal justice before being accepted to the program. The following items must be submitted:
Two copies of the CSULB graduate application. The original must be sent to Enrollment Services and a copy must be sent to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management.
- Applicants must select only ONE of the following three options to demonstrate their aptitude for graduate study:
- Option A: Evidence of Research Potential - Applicants must submit one or two writing samples that show evidence of their research, writing, and critical thinking abilities.
- Option B: The GRE - Provide official test scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test. A score of 4.0 or higher on the writing portion is strongly preferred, but no specific cut-off scores are required.
- Option C: The LSAT - Provide official test scores on the Law School Admissions Test. No specific cut-off scores are required.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions after high-school must be sent directly to CSULB Enrollment Services. Do not send transcripts to faculty, staff, or the Department because they will be returned unopened. Some academic institutions will send your transcripts electronically to CSULB. Other institutions will send your transcripts by U.S. Mail, which must be send to the following address:
Office of Admissions and Records
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-0106 - Two letters of recommendation from persons able to testify to the student's academic ability, preferably from former professors. These letters must be sent to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Advisor.
- A résumé sent directly to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Advisor that describes the applicant's academic achievements (including honors and awards), extracurricular activities, as well as relevant work, internship, and volunteer experiences.
- A typewritten letter of intent (between 750 and 1,250 words) sent directly to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Advisor. This essay should address: (a) what motivates the applicant to apply for a graduate degree; (b) what relevant research and practical experiences qualify the applicant for admission; (c) what the applicant's specific areas of interests in criminal justice practice, policy, and/or research are; (d) with whom on the faculty the applicant would like to work and why; and (e) what the applicant's personal goals and objectives are for earning a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice at CSULB.
Prerequisites
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university. Although a major or minor in criminology, criminal justice, or a related social-scientific discipline is preferred, the School's Graduate Committee may admit students with undergraduate preparation in other fields.
- A student must have an overall undergraduate average (GPA) and average in their major of 3.00 or better. A student whose overall grade point average is between 2.750 and 2.999, but who presents acceptable evidence of professional potential either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background, may be conditionally admitted by special action of the School's Graduate Committee.
Competencies
Students entering the MS program in criminology and criminal justice are expected to have completed the following six undergraduate courses or their equivalents:
- CRJU 101: The Criminal Justice System in Society
- CRJU 304: Criminological Theory
- CRJU 320: Research Methods (or a similar social-scientific research methods course in psychology, sociology, political science, or related field)
- CRJU 325: Statistics (or a similar applied statistics course)
- CRJU 340: Substantive Criminal Law
- CRJU 350: Constitutional Criminal Procedure
Students who have not taken courses in criminological theory, research methods, and statistics during their undergraduate studies still qualify for conditional admission to the MS program in criminology and criminal justice, but will be required to take deficiency courses in these areas before being permitted to enroll in the graduate-level courses for which undergraduate competency in one or more of these areas is required. Because deficiency courses do not count for graduate credit, the necessity of acquiring undergraduate competency in one or more of these areas may extend the time to degree completion by a semester. Students who have not taken courses in criminal law or criminal procedure will be required to use one or two of their elective courses to gain competency in the areas. Taking such courses will not delay graduation.
For more information, please contact Nicholas Perez at nicholas.perez@csulb.edu.
How to Apply
Admission into the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) program is dependent upon approval by both the University and the MSCCJ Graduate Committee. You will be asked in the following directions to concurrently submit many of the application materials to both the University as well as to the MSCCJ Program housed within the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management. Please make certain to follow all directions closely to ensure your final admission into the program and a smooth transition into your first semester of coursework.
Admission Criteria
The following are required for admission consideration:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.
- A resume and letter of intent that includes a summary of the applicant's reasons for seeking a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice. Both documents must be sent directly to the MSCCJ program director.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate course work, including work done at all community colleges attended. Each applicant must request that official transcripts be sent to both the Graduate Advisor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management and Enrollment Services.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from persons able to testify to the student's academic ability, preferably from former professors. These letters must be sent to the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Graduate Advisor.
- A 3.0 grade-point average in the last 60 semester units attempted. A student whose overall grade point average is less than 3.0 but who presents acceptable evidence of professional potential, either through recent academic performance and/or experiential background may be admitted by special action of the MSCCJ Graduate Committee.
Application Deadlines
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management admits students in the fall and the application deadline for the online, accelerated MSCCJ is May 31.
Note: The May 31 deadline is the date on which application files must be complete. Thus, all application materials must be received by the applicable deadline. Applications that are incomplete on the due date will not be reviewed. Applicants are, therefore, strongly encouraged to submit their application materials early.
All of the following materials must be completed before the application deadline. Be sure to email your Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample (if applicable, see below), and CV/Résumé under one email to nicholas.perez@csulb.edu with the subject "MSCCJ Online Application Documents."
- Email your Statement of Purpose in .pdf or .docx document to nicholas.perez@csulb.edu with your Writing Sample (if applicable, see below) and CV/Résumé.
Statement of Purpose - Between three to five double-spaced pages in length (i.e. 750-word minimum; 1,250-word maximum) that addresses all of the following:- What motivates you to apply for a graduate degree?
- What are your relevant research and practical experiences that qualify you for admission?
- What are your specific areas of interest in criminology or criminal justice practice, policy, and/or research?
- With whom on our faculty would you like to work and why?
- What are your personal goals and objectives for earning a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice?
- Additional Evidence of Suitability for Graduate Study - Select one of the following:
-
- Writing Sample: Submit one (15-25 pages) or two (7-13 pages each) writing samples that demonstrate evidence of your research, writing, and critical thinking abilities. Papers written for undergraduate or other coursework are permitted. If you choose this option, you must email it in .pdf or .docx document with your and CV/Résumé and Statement of Purpose to nicholas.perez@csulb.edu OR
- GRE: Submit scores to CSULB directly: University Code: 4389; Department Code: 2202; OR
- LSAT: Submit scores to CSULB directly: University Code: 4389; Department Code: 2202.
AND
-
- Email your CV/Résumé in .pdf or .docx document to nicholas.perez@csulb.edu with your Writing Sample (if applicable, see above) and Statement of Purpose.
- CV/Résumé - Shall include education history, honors, awards, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and relevant work, internship, and volunteer experiences.
- Two Letters of Recommendation - Recommenders must email their recommendations to
- Transcripts
- DO NOT manually complete the transcript information in Cal State Apply.
- One set of official transcripts from each and every college and university attended, including those from community colleges, must be sent from those institutions via email to ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu or postal mail to:
Enrollment Services/Admissions
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-0106 - Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, please follow-up with ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu to ensure transcripts have been received and linked to your Cal State Apply application.
- International (Foreign) Admission Requirements - International Students are subject to the same admission criteria as non-international students (presented above) plus a minimum TOEFL Score of 100 for the Internet-based or 600 for the paper-based exam.
Please note: A minimum GPA of 2.5 overall is required for admission into CSULB's graduate programs. However, the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management typically only accepts students who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0 will be considered for admission but must present a strong application to compensate for the low GPA (e.g. unusually strong letters of recommendation; high GRE scores; years of experience in criminal justice field; volunteer or internship experience, and/or organizational leadership positions).
Applying to the master's program in criminology and criminal justice at CSULB requires a dual application. One version of the application must be electronically submitted to the University using Cal State Apply. A second version of the application must be submitted to the master's program in criminology and criminal justice. The following steps will take you through that process:
Step 1 - Apply Online
Apply now using the online Cal State Apply system. Cal State Apply is California State University's online resource to help you quickly and easily apply for graduate admission. Please make sure that you meet application deadlines.
By applying online, you can start, stop, and save your application information throughout the process. You do not have to complete the entire application during one session.
Have your previous academic information ready when you apply. For example, you'll be asked to submit information about the colleges you have attended (including community college). You will need the name of the college(s), dates attended, units completed, major, honors, and GPA. For each institution you identify on the application, you will need to request that a transcript be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records at CSU Long Beach.
Step 2 - Submit Documents
Arrange for your official sealed transcripts to be sent to CSU Long Beach. You should arrange to have official transcripts sent at the same time you submit your application. If you have college transcripts at home, they should remain in the college's official, sealed envelope. Send (or arrange for your transcripts to be sent) to the following address:
Office of Admissions and Records
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
Note: Final admission to the degree program, for the semester for which application is made, is determined by the MSCCJ Graduate Committee. Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance into the MSCCJ program.
Step 3 - Wait for University Admissions Decision
Wait for your University admissions decision. You will be sent a letter from CSU Long Beach indicating whether your application for admission to the University was approved. If approved, you will also be sent additional information about how to register for classes. Prior to enrolling in any courses however, you should await specific directions regarding enrollment in your first semester of the degree to be forwarded from the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor.
Step 4 - Receive Course Schedule and Orientation Details
If admitted, we will send you a letter that will include information about the upcoming schedule of courses, and the day and time for an online orientation session for newly admitted students. This orientation will be conducted utilizing an interactive program called “Elluminate.” Directions regarding the specific hardware you will need (e.g. microphone and headset), and how to connect to Elluminate will be included in this letter. In the event you are unable to be available for the “Live” Elluminate Orientation Session, these sessions are recorded, and all new admits can have access to the session recording within 48–72 hours.
Step 5 - Register and Begin Classes
Register for classes and begin your master's program. Contact the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor, Nicholas Perez (nicholas.perez@csulb.edu), for information about developing an approved program plan of your graduate studies and requirements for advancement to candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, out-of-state students who do not reside in California are not eligible to enroll in this fully online program. For more information, visit The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
The Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) is an interdisciplinary program delivered exclusively online which prepares students for leadership responsibilities in the criminal justice system.
- Completely online program
- Students are encouraged to take courses in sequence with their same program-entry cohort. However, the program recognizes the professional and family demands of most all of our students. The program can be taken successfully by students working through the sequence of courses at their own pace.
- Courses (3-unit) will generally run for 15 weeks during the fall or spring semester, or 12 weeks if offered in the summer.
- Students can choose a thesis or comprehensive exam option.
MSCCJ has been designed to bring together students representing many different criminal justice professionals living and working throughout the state, country, and world. MSCCJ seeks students who recognize that, to advance in their career and attain better leadership skills, they must become a more educated professional. Upon completion of this program, you will be more skilled in effective organizational communication and developing criminal justice policy for the communities you serve.
- Law enforcement
- Corrections personnel
- Probation/Parole personnel
- Military personnel
- Public health practitioners
- Public administrators
- NGO administrators
MSCCJ requires a total of 36 graduate level units. Of this total, 21 units of coursework are required of all students, while 15 units may be taken as electives. We require all students to pass a qualifying examination after completing their first two semesters (full-time). We also require students to complete either a comprehensive examination or a thesis.
MSCCJ accepts students for fall admissions.
CSULB full-time criminal justice faculty teach the majority of the MSCCJ courses; however, certain courses are taught by part-time faculty currently employed in high ranking criminal justice positions.
Required courses focus on developing competencies in:
- Writing and critical thinking skills
- Criminal justice policy and planning
- Gathering information and research data for making more informed and strategic decisions
- Interagency communications
- Homeland security
- Forensic psychology
- And many more
The MSCCJ program is delivered exclusively online.
Advising is conducted utilizing web-based technology.
Classes are held online in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Faculty develop their courses to offer intensive study and discussion of course topics in weekly lessons delivered in an asynchronous online modality. Students can watch course content at any time to accommodate their professional working schedules. Students can expect a weekly workload of approximately nine hours of study for each three-unit course.
Yes, required courses are offered sequentially and all students admitted into the same cohort each fall can progress with their same cohort colleagues throughout their program of study.
However, as a program designed for working professionals, MSCCJ does not expect all students to pursue this program in lock-step; changes in work assignment and/or family responsibilities can always have an impact on degree planning. Students who commit to starting the program are expected to have planned their work/family demands, so that they can finish their degree in a timely manner. Adjustments will have to be made in consultation with the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor.
The program is designed to be complete in 24 months of full-time attendance.
The application deadline for the program is May 31, 2020.
You should receive a reply by approximately the third week in June.
- Cost per unit: $575 (Starting Fall 2016)
- Cost per course: $1,725
- Total cost of the program: $20,700
- Costs for books, software, or other course materials are in addition to the course fees
The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management and the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at California State University, Long Beach.
Every step in the process for applying to the MSCCJ program is detailed on our How To Apply page.
Please contact the MSCCJ Graduate Advisor, Nicholas Perez, at nicholas.perez@csulb.edu.
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
- GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
Instructors
Dr. Binnall’s research focuses on the civic marginalization of convicted felons, parole and post-release restrictions, conditions of confinement, and inclusive education for system-involved students. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the American Bar Association, Dr. Binnall’s primary area of research examines the exclusion of convicted felons from the jury process. As the nation’s leading scholar on felon-juror exclusion, Dr. Binnall has testified for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, The California Assembly, and The California Senate. He is the author of numerous articles published in both law reviews and social science journals.
James M. Binnall,
Instructor
Alice H. Choi, JD (UCLA School of Law, ’93) is a full-time lecturer at CSULB and enjoys teaching a variety of undergraduate and graduate classes, including ethics in criminal justice, criminal law, constitutional procedural law, and court systems in the U.S. Recently, she published an online textbook, American Criminal Judicial Process: Key Concepts & Practices. She is also an attorney with experience in diverse areas of law, including criminal law, business litigation, and employment law; and is a partner at the law firm Choi & Greenwald.
Alice H. Choi,
Instructor
Robert Handy (MPA) has more than 29 years of law enforcement experience in three police departments in California and Arizona. Currently, Handy is the Chief of Police in Huntington Beach, California. Handy has Bachelor and Master degrees in Public Administration, and has taught both graduate and undergraduate classes since the late 1990’s. He has received many awards including two medals of Lifesaving, two medals of Valor, and the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute’s (IPSLEI) Lifetime Achievement Award. Handy is also graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Robert Handy,
Chief of Police, Huntington Beach, California
Dr. Aili Malm, PhD, has almost 20 years of teaching experience in the field of criminal justice, and is currently a Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at CSULB. She has led over $5 million in research grants to evaluate policing strategies for federal, state, local, and private agencies. Dr. Malm is also one of the pioneers in applying social network analysis to help understand illicit networks. In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Malm frequently trains law enforcement from around the globe on the use of social network analysis to enhance their investigations.
Aili Malm,
Professor
Dr. Nash’s research interests are concentrated in white-collar crime, terrorism, and counter-terrorism. Her research focuses on applications of network theory and diffusion theory in understanding illicit networks, as well as counter-terrorism policy evaluations. Dr. Nash’s teaching focus is in quantitative research methods, using a variety of methodological crime-analyzing applications including social network analysis, GIS crime mapping, and statistical analysis.
Rebecca Nash,
Instructor
Nicholas Perez is an Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He is also the Graduate Advisor for the online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) program. His main research interests involve the development of delinquent behavior, policing, and opioid and prescription drug abuse. He has had numerous peer-reviewed journal articles published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Child Abuse & Neglect, Aggression & Violent Behavior, Deviant Behavior, and Crime & Delinquency. He currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence and is the Secretary of the Western Society of Criminology. Dr. Perez received his Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of South Florida.
Nicholas Perez,
Graduate Advisor & Associate Professor
An ethnographer and qualitative researcher with expertise in drug use, drug policy, and process evaluations, Dina Perrone earned her PhD and MS degrees in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University-Newark. She has conducted research on drug users in multiple U.S. states, and has worked with the following agencies to conduct process evaluations for their projects: L.A. Office of Diversion and Re-Entry, Long Beach Police Department, L.A. and San Francisco Sheriffs offices, the Long Beach City Attorney’s office, and nonprofit organizations providing harm reduction and case management services.
Dina Perrone,
PhD, Associate Professor
Dr. Robert Schug is a neurocriminologist and clinical psychologist specializing in the biology and psychology of the criminal mind. A true “criminal mind scientist,” his research focuses on understanding the relationship between extreme forms of psychopathology and antisocial, criminal, and violent behavior from a biopsychosocial perspective—with the application of advanced neuroscience techniques from areas such as neuropsychology, psychophysiology, and brain imaging. He has also pioneered an innovative biopsychosocial developmental timeline approach to the study of multiple homicide offenders, which has become the basis for a one-of-a-kind CSULB research study involving interviews and neurocognitive assessment of incarcerated serial killers.
Robert Schug,
Instructor
Dr. Christine Scott-Hayward has over ten years of research and teaching experience in the fields of criminal justice and law. She is also a licensed attorney, and is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at CSULB. Her areas of specialization include courts and corrections, from pretrial decision-making to sentencing and post-release supervision. Dr. Scott-Hayward has both work and research experience in federal courts, and spent the 2016-2017 academic year on leave as a Supreme Court Fellow assigned to the United States Sentencing Commission.
Christine Scott-Hayward,
Instructor
Dr. Sam Vickovic (MD, PhD) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at California State University, Long Beach. He earned a BS in criminology, law, and society from the University of California, Irvine; an MS in criminal justice from California State University, Long Beach; and a PhD in criminology and criminal justice at Arizona State University. His research focuses on correctional officer organizational attitudes. Dr. Vickovic has also assisted the city of Long Beach with their Safe Long Beach Violence Prevention Plan.
Sam Vickovic,
Instructor
How to Enroll
- To begin registering for classes, log on to your MyCSULB account.
- Click on My Page
- Click on Student Center
- Click on Academics
- Click on Enroll
- You can view your current classes for the term, add a class, and place yourself on a waitlist.
- You will be prompted to select a term. Click on the radio button for the corresponding term and click the "Continue" button.
- Your Class Schedule for the selected term will display. Icons will indicate your enrollment status (Enrolled, Dropped or Wait Listed).
Search for Classes When Enrolling
You can search for classes by clicking on the "Search" button below the "Class Search" option on the left side of your shopping cart. The basic search function allows you to search using general class information. If you receive a "no matching values found" message, make your search less specific.
For additional assistance, see the Schedule of Classes section.
Note: When searching for classes during your enrollment period, you can click on the "Select Class" button on the Class Search Results page to add the class to your Enrollment Shopping Cart. If you are already enrolled in a class, the “Select Class” button will not appear for the section you are enrolled in.
Class Enrollment Options
- Multiple Component Courses: For classes that require a related component (e.g. lab, activity, etc.), you must specify the related class section.
- Units: For classes with variable units, you may specify the number of units being taken.
- Continue selecting classes until you have entered all the classes in which you would like to register, and then click on the "Proceed to Step 2 of 3" button.*
- Confirm the classes you wish to add and click the "Finish Enrolling" button.
- Icons will indicate the enrollment status (Open, Closed, or Wait Listed).**
*Note: You will be prevented from enrolling and will receive an error message if attempting to add a course under the following conditions:
- currently have an incomplete grade
- received a grade of C, B, A or CR
- already repeated a course once at CSULB
- reached the repeat limit
In these cases, you will need to remove the course from your enrollment request in order to add other courses and complete your registration.
**Note: The Waitlist icon will only display during the waitlist period. Once the Last Day to Waitlist has passed for the term, the class will display a status of Closed.
Undergraduate students are subject to limits of course repetitions allowed during their entire CSULB undergraduate career. If a student attempts to enroll in a class that goes beyond these limits, an error message will appear pertaining to the following situations:
- Undergraduate students may repeat courses only if they earned grades lower than a C. An error message will appear if you are attempting to enroll in a class in which you have received a grade of C or higher.
- Undergraduate students may take a course no more than two times. After the student has enrolled in the course for the second time, an error message will indicate that the class cannot be repeated because the total number of completed attempts allowed has been exceeded.
- Post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students may not re-enroll in a course for which they have received a grade of “I” (Incomplete) until that “I” has been converted to a grade other than “I” (e.g., A-F, CR/NC). An error message will appear if you are attempting to enroll in a class in which you have received an “Incomplete” and it has not yet been resolved.
Enrollment Results
The system will display the status of each enrollment request. Be sure to review the errors and/or messages.
Possible Messages
- The class is currently full. You may place yourself on the waitlist (see below for more information about waitlisting).
- There is a time conflict between this class and one you are already enrolled in for this term.
- A Requirement Designation (GE Indicator) was assigned; these are used to help the degree audit process and require no action on your part.
- You have not met the prerequisites or co-requisites for this class. Refer to the message details to see what the requirements are for the course. For further information, refer to the University Catalog or contact the Department.
Enrolling into a Waitlist
Waitlisted classes will count towards your maximum number of units allowed for registration, but you will only be charged for fees based on your number of units "enrolled." Additional charges, if any, will be assessed if you are successfully enrolled from the waitlist.
Note: To see classes that are currently full, uncheck the "Open Classes Only" checkbox. Then you will see all classes offered for a course and can choose to waitlist in ones that are currently full.
- To place yourself on the waitlist of a class, check the "Waitlist if class is full" checkbox and then click the "Next" button. If there is no space available in the class, you will be placed on the waitlist unless the waitlist is already full.
- If you were placed on a waitlist, a message will be returned indicating your position on the list.
Note: Be sure to update your email address in the Personal Information section. Communications regarding changes to your registration will be emailed to your "Preferred" email address.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals are not permitted during the final week of instruction. Only extenuating circumstances will be considered. Approval from Instructor, Department Chair, Dean and University Provost will be required. Forms must be turned in to Enrollment Services.
How to Pay
Fees are due at the time of registration. If you have any questions regarding payments please email CPaCE Student Services Center at cpace-info@csulb.edu.
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER
Personal Check, Cashiers Check or Money Order
- Payable to: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Mail to: CPaCE Student Services Center, 6300 E. State University Dr. Suite 100, Long Beach CA 90815 (Please allow 3-5 business days to process).
- The University is not responsible for delayed or lost mail via U.S. Postal Service.
- Payable in $USD and must be written in blue or black ink.
- Be sure to write your student ID number on the check.
E-CHECK (ELECTRONIC CHECK)
- Payments can be made via MyCSULB.
- Have Campus ID ready
- Have banking information ready (Account & routing numbers)
CREDIT CARD
SmartPay for Credit Cards (MC, Disc, AMEX, & VISA)
- Payments can be made via MyCSULB.
- Have Campus ID ready
- SmartPay charges a 2.65% service charge.
- The university has contracted with TRANSACT SmartPay to accept credit card payments. SmartPay charges a 2.65% service charge on all payment transactions.
- There is no convenience fee to pay by E-Check at MyCSULB or in person with an ATM/Debit, check, money order, or cash.
THIRD PARTY FEE PAYMENT
If a company or organization wishes to pay your fees, a sponsorship agreement and authorization of services must be received, prior to registration, by email at cpace-info@csulb.edu. If your sponsor does not pay some or all of your fees, it is your responsibility to pay or your classes may be canceled, a financial hold placed on your record and services withheld until fees are paid.
Veterans
If you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for financial assistance for your higher education. For more information, go to Veterans' Affairs Services or the Veterans Affairs Office, Foundation Building, Room 265, or call 562.985.5115.
Financial Aid
If you have applied for and accepted a financial aid award for the current academic
year, you may register without paying. Your aid will be disbursed according to your program schedule set by the Financial Aid office.
Refunds
For refund information, please refer to the Credit Courses section of our Refunds page.
Dishonored Payments
A $20 dishonored check fee will be charged to your account if a check is returned for any reason. If a credit card charge is disputed, a $20 dishonored credit card fee will be charged to your account. Contact Student Account Services, 562.985.8280, before disputing a credit card charge through your bank. Personal checks will not be accepted for repayment of dishonored checks or disputed credit cards.
