Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)

Opportunity Programs
Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)

CSTEP's mission is to increase the number of students from under-represented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields. CSTEP is funded by a grant from the New York State Education Department.

About CSTEP

Eligible majors include:

Accounting
Biology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Computer Science
Criminal Justice (Pre-Law, Pre-Forensics, etc.)
Cybersecurity
Dietetics and Nutrition
Geoscience
Health Sciences
Health Sciences/Occupational Therapy
Health Sciences/Physical Therapy

Mathematics
Math/Science Education (i.e. students who major in mathematics or sciences who are also enrolled in teacher education programs)
Neuroscience
Nursing
Physical and Health Education (PXW)
Physics
Psychobiology
Psychology
Psychology Child Life
Sociology and Anthropology (with a career goal of social work or other similar licensed profession)

Program Services

In addition to tutoring, academic advising and counseling services, program students complete an internship in their chosen field, attend conferences and workshops that aid in preparation for the profession. Students receive some financial support to cover the cost of preparatory exams for graduate studies, licensure exams and registration fees for conferences/workshops. Students also gain practical experience through job shadowing, mentoring, and internships.

CSTEP provides academic enrichment and research experience in STEM content areas. Projects consist of academic year and summer components including:

Supervised training in research methods
Graduate/professional school admissions preparation
Standardized tests preparation
Academic and career development activities

Program Details

In order to apply for Utica University's CSTEP program, students must meet the following criteria:

NY State resident,
all students must meet income guidelines for eligibility,
declare and maintain a major in one of the CSTEP-targeted majors,
earned minimum GPA of 2.5 or better (for continuing students) with the understanding that your cumulative averages must be higher for competitiveness in your prospective field. (Note: We do not accept freshmen until after they have either completed at least one year and have declared a major in a CSTEP-targeted field or completed CSTEP Summer Institute.),
if students are pursuing a concentration such as pre-law or pre-med, they must be identified and currently working with the faculty advisors for those concentrations to be eligible for CSTEP consideration.

Income Guidelines

The number of members of a household shall be determined by ascertaining the number of individuals living in the student's residence who are economically dependent on the income supporting the student.

For students first entering college income eligibility guidelines (2025-2026 Academic Year):

Number of Members in Household (incl. head of household)	Total Annual Income in Preceding Calendar Year
1	$27,861
2	$37,814
3	$47,767
4	$57,720
5	$67,673
6	$77,626
7	$87,579
8	$97,532

For each family member above 8, add $9,953

Note: Before applying for admission, be sure to review the eligibility requirements for CSTEP.

To apply for CSTEP at Utica, please take the following steps:

Complete a CSTEP application. You can access the form here.
Return the form to us.
1. Scan and email to: Kari Beane, Opportunity Programs Director at kabeane@utica.edu - OR -
2. Fax to: 315-792-5287 - OR -
3. Mail to: Office of Opportunity Programs, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502.
Schedule an interview with program staff.
Freshman students are admitted directly into CSTEP if they attend the CSTEP Summer Institute the summer prior to their freshman year. (CSTEP Summer Institute attendance is by invitation only.)

The CSTEP Summer Institute is designed to prepare students for the challenging and engaging coursework they will begin in the fall semester. The institute will bring together talented students and faculty for an exciting five-week program of coursework, scientific inquiry, and occasionally just plain fun. The program is scheduled for July through August. During that time students will live on campus in the Utica University residence halls and they will work in the laboratories and learn with faculty from the Biology, Chemistry, Education and Physical Therapy departments at Utica University.

These faculty have designed a curriculum filled with science activities ranging from anatomy to zoology. Imagine finding remains and trying to determine if they are human or animal, designing your own solar oven, or using chemistry to solve a crime! In addition, students will have the opportunity to get a head start on their mathematics requirements; there will be specialized math courses aimed to give students a head start beyond their mathematics placement level in the fall.

Students selected to participate in the summer institute receive funding for all housing, food and academic related expenses for the five-week program. Only students admitted to Utica University as first time students and have declared a CSTEP-targeted major, are eligible for participation in the CSTEP Summer Institute.

Note: When the handbook is posted, you will need a valid Utica student login to view the file. If you do not already have one, go to http://password.utica.edu to activate your account or contact Opportunity Programs for more information.