The process of applying for graduate studies in the Energy Technology and Policy (ETaP) or the Environmental Resources Engineering (ERE) program is a multi-step process as described below.

The application process for Geology is described on the Geology Option web page.

Instructions for Applicants from the United States

1) Complete the California State University Graduate Application online at Cal State Apply. A $70.00 application fee is required at time of application.

2) Have three letters of recommendation submitted by people who are well prepared to evaluate your potential to succeed as a graduate student. At least one of these letters (and preferably two or three) should be from a former university instructor who may judge your promise as a graduate student. Applicants should have their recommenders submit letters through the Cal State Apply system.

3) Contact ALL previous universities/colleges that you have attended and your current university/college and arrange for each of them to send an OFFICIAL transcript to Cal Poly Humboldt using the address indicated below. Official transcripts must arrive in their original sealed envelope.

Cal Poly Humboldt 
Office of Graduate Admissions 
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Transcript Exceptions

• Humboldt transcripts: You do not need to request transcripts for any work completed at Cal Poly Humboldt.
• If you were enrolled at Humboldt as a regular matriculated student within the past 5 years, we will still have your original application on file--including any transcripts for college work completed elsewhere prior to attending Humboldt--so you will not need to request those transcripts again.  If you completed college work elsewhere after leaving Humboldt, however, you still need to request those transcripts.

4) Upload a carefully written Application Essay using the "Statement of Purpose" upload link in the Cal State Apply system. Your statement should (a) identify the option to which you are applying (ERE or ETaP); (b) express your reasons for pursuing a MS degree; and (c) identify potential research areas and mentor(s) that are of interest to you. The essay should be approximately 500 words in length. Note that we use the application essay to evaluate the written communication skills of each applicant, so it is important to review and edit the document to ensure that the writing, grammar, punctuation, and formatting are reflective of your writing skills.  

5) Upload a resume of your work experience using the link in the Cal State Apply system. 

Instructions for International Applicants

1)      Complete the California State University Graduate Application online Cal State Apply's page for international applicants. A $70.00 application fee is required at time of application.

2)      Have three letters of recommendation submitted by people who are well prepared to evaluate your potential to succeed as a graduate student. At least one of these letters (and preferably two or three) should be from a former university instructor who may judge your promise as a graduate student. Applicants to the ERE option of Environmental Systems should have their recommenders submit letters through the Cal State Apply system. Applicants to the ETaP option of Environmental Systems should ask their recommenders to email their letters in PDF format to graduate-applicants@humboldt.edu.

3)      Contact ALL previous universities/colleges that you have attended and your current university/college and arrange for each of them to send an OFFICIAL transcript to Cal Poly Humboldt using the address indicated below.

International Student Admissions

Center for International Programs
Cal Poly Humboldt
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
USA

4)      Upload a carefully written Application Essay using the "Statement of Purpose" upload link in the Cal State Apply system. Your statement should (a) identify the option to which you are applying (ERE or ETaP); (b) express your reasons for pursuing a MS degree; and (c) identify potential research areas and mentor(s) that are of interest to you. The essay should be approximately 500 words in length. Note that we use the application essay to evaluate the written communication skills of each applicant, so it is important to review and edit the document to ensure that the writing, grammar, punctuation, and formatting are reflective of your writing skills. 

5)      Upload a resume of your work experience using the link in the Cal State Apply system.

NOTE: If you are an international student applicant, please visit the Graduate Application Process page for additional information about how to apply. Please note that most international students must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. However, this requirement may be waived in cases where the applicant has a prior degree from a university where English was the primary language of instruction. Scores from the TOEFL test and the other material indicated at the site should be submitted to Humboldt’s International Student Admissions office at the address above.

Additional information for graduate student applications can be found on the International Graduate Information page.

Deadlines for Submission of Application Materials

All application materials should be submitted during the appropriate initial application filing period.

Fall Semester Admission

The priority application period for Graduate programs is October 1 through February 1.  We strongly encourage applicants to submit materials no later than January 15, and applications should be fully complete by February 1.  Completed applications, with all materials received in the Admissions office by February 1, will be given priority consideration by the graduate program.  Applications for which required materials arrive at the Admissions office after February 1 may subsequently be considered in the order received. 

Applications submitted after the filing period may be considered at the discretion of the respective option on a first-come, first-served basis according to space availability. A late completion fee (currently $25) may be imposed.

Spring Semester Admission

The ERE and ETaP graduate programs generally do not accept applications for spring semester admission, although exceptions may rarely be considered on a case-by-case basis. Inquiries may be made the graduate coordinator of the respective program (i.e. ERE or ETaP). In cases that an application for spring semester admission is considered for review, the due date for all application materials is August 31. 

Financial Resources for Graduate Students

Many graduate students in the ETaP and ERE programs receive financial support. See the Financial Resources page for additional information.