Organizer Information
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is a public university in the California State University system, located in Camarillo, California, United States. Its academic offerings include arts, humanities, sciences, education, business, and other disciplines. The Art & Art History program combines traditional artistic practices with digital technologies, offering undergraduate study in studio art and art history, alongside minors and a Digital Media Art certificate.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate-level study, depending on the program
- Degrees Offered: BA, BS, MA, MS, MBA, EdD, and other program-specific qualifications
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Digital Media Art, Computer Game Design, Performing Arts, Music, Theatre, Dance, and related disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Studio Art Major; Art History Major; Art Minor; Computer Game Design Minor; Digital Media Art Certificate; BA in Performing Arts Theatre and Performance Studies; BA in Performing Arts Music; BA in Dance Studies.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall 2027 applications open 1 October 2026; deadlines depend on applicant category and program.
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2027 priority deadline for most non-impacted undergraduate programs; other deadlines apply to specific applicant categories and programs.
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027; the precise start date should be confirmed through the official academic calendar.
- Application Fee: $70 per application.
- Tuition: Fall 2026 undergraduate tuition and mandatory campus fees total $4,941 per semester for students taking more than 6 units, before applicable nonresident charges.
- Funding: University scholarships, financial aid, and other assistance are subject to eligibility requirements.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
CSUCI offers undergraduate study in the following arts-related disciplines:
- Studio Art: Traditional and contemporary art practices, including visual art and digital media.
- Art History: The historical and critical study of art.
- Digital Media Art: Digital creative practices through a certificate program.
- Computer Game Design: Available as a minor.
- Performing Arts: Theatre and Performance Studies, Music, and Dance Studies.
The Art program welcomes students with or without previous formal artistic training. It does not require a portfolio to declare the Art major.
General Eligibility
- CSUCI accepts domestic and international applicants, subject to the requirements for their intended study level and program. First-time freshmen must meet high-school admission requirements, while transfer applicants must satisfy the relevant transfer criteria. Graduate applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen graduate program.
- International applicants must also satisfy English-language proficiency requirements and applicable immigration and enrollment conditions. International freshmen are required to live in campus housing during their first year.
Educational Background
- First-time freshmen: Applicants must meet the university's high-school coursework and GPA requirements.
- Lower-division transfers: Applicants must satisfy the applicable high-school and college GPA requirements.
- Upper-division transfers: Applicants must meet the college GPA and transfer-course requirements.
- Art majors: Students may enter the Art program without a prior artistic background or portfolio.
- Graduate applicants: A bachelor's degree or other qualifying academic background may be required, depending on the program.
Language Requirements
International undergraduate applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an official exemption.
Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0 |
| PTE | 46 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 |
Freshmen and transfer applicants may qualify for exemptions under the university's stated high-school education or coursework conditions. Applicants should check the international admissions policy for the applicable exemption rules.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate applicants | $70 | Per application |
| Graduate applicants | $70 | Per application; international and graduate applicants are not eligible for CSU application fee waivers under the international graduate admissions guidance. |
Other undergraduate applicants may qualify for an application fee waiver through Cal State Apply, subject to eligibility.
Tuition
The following mandatory resident tuition and campus fees apply for Fall 2026. Nonresident and international students pay an additional $471 per unit.
| Study level | Enrollment | Resident tuition and mandatory campus fees per semester |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 0–6 units | $2,648 |
| Undergraduate | More than 6 units | $4,086 |
| Graduate/post-baccalaureate | 0–6 units | $3,147 |
| Graduate/post-baccalaureate | More than 6 units | $4,941 |
| Doctoral | Flat semester rate | $7,714 |
- For international undergraduate students, CSUCI publishes an estimated $22,100 per year for Fall 2026/Spring 2027 under a four-year plan of 30 units per year. The university states that international students pay the additional per-unit charge on top of resident tuition and campus fees; applicants should use the applicable published international estimate and current fee schedule when budgeting.
- Additional charges may include the campus ID card ($15), freshman orientation ($215 for Fall 2026 or $223 for Spring 2027), transfer orientation ($62 for Fall 2026 or $64 for Spring 2027), and graduation application ($50). Laboratory and certain service fees vary.
Funding & Financial Support
- CSUCI provides financial-aid resources that include scholarships, grants, and campus employment. Students can explore the university's financial-aid guidance and scholarship listings. Eligibility depends on the specific funding source and applicant circumstances; international eligibility should be verified for each award.
University Services & Academic Support
- Students can access university academic and student-support resources, including library services, career-related support, and international admissions assistance. Services and access conditions may vary by program and student status. International applicants can contact the university's international admissions team for assistance with admission and arrival requirements.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the applicant category and intended program.
International undergraduate applicants should prepare:
- Online application through Cal State Apply.
- High-school or college transcripts, as applicable.
- Evidence of English proficiency or documentation supporting an exemption.
- Academic records and transfer coursework, where applicable.
International graduate applicants must consult their program's specific admissions requirements. The university's international graduate guidance lists a statement of purpose, current résumé, two recommendation letters, and unofficial transcripts among its required documents. Additional requirements may apply to individual graduate programs.
Portfolio: Not required to declare the Art major. No general portfolio requirement is established here for every other program.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
Fall 2027 — Undergraduate admissions
- Application Opens: 1 October 2026
- Priority Deadline — Freshmen: 15 January 2027
- Priority Deadline — Most non-impacted transfer programs: 15 January 2027
- Application Deadline — Nursing transfer applicants: 30 November 2026
Spring 2027 — Transfer admissions
- Application Opens: 1 July 2026
- Priority Deadline: 30 October 2026
Spring 2027 — International undergraduate admissions
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Arrival in Camarillo: 21 January 2027
- Classes Begin: 25 January 2027
Location
California State University Channel Islands — Camarillo, California, United States
Additional Details:
Admission dates, tuition, and documentation requirements differ by applicant category and program. International students should verify current fees, visa-related requirements, and the applicable application cycle before submitting an application.