We encourage you to first visit the web page of the graduate program in which you are interested. Links to each academic department/college may be found on the application procedures page.

The preferred method of applying to graduate school at SDSU is electronically. The web-based graduate application is located online at CSUMentor. If you cannot apply online, you should contact the Graduate Admission office to make special arrangements.

To learn more about the process to apply for graduate school at SDSU, see the graduate application procedures page.

2. Who should I contact when I have questions about the application process?

Contact Graduate Admissions at (619) 594-6336. Contact the department for questions about department-specific admission requirements.

3. How do I pay my application fee?

When submitting the web application you may pay your application fee by credit card, check or money order at the end of the application process. Choosing the credit card method of payment will assist in expediting the processing of your application.

If you apply using a paper application you must pay your fee by check or money order. Make your check payable to "California State University" for $55 (U.S. dollars). Mail checks, along with your paper application to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225

4. When do I apply?

SDSU begins accepting graduate/postbaccalaureate applications for the fall term on October 1, and August 1 for the spring term. For application deadlines, please contact the department in which you are interested. Links to each academic department/college may be found on the application procedures page. International students who reside overseas and require a student visa are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and no later than May 1 for fall and October 1 for spring.

5. If I apply more that once, do I need to pay the application fee each time?

Yes. The application fee is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another term.

Please note, you may apply to only one graduate or postbaccalaureate program per semester.

6. I want to apply to more than one department. How can I do it?

You may apply to only one program at a time. However, during a given admission cycle you may request to change the program to which you are applying, or if you are denied from a specific program you may request to be consider for another program.

7. Since I graduated from SDSU, do I have to send my SDSU transcript?

No, we have access to all work completed here at SDSU as well as any transfer work you may have completed prior to attending SDSU. However, we will need official transcripts for any work completed since your last SDSU attendance.

8. Am I required to take the GRE?

The University requires that applicants to all advanced degree programs present satisfactory scores on the Graduate Admissions Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Applicants for admission to the College of Business Administration will take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT); students applying for admission to the concentration in Health Services Administration in the Graduate School of Public Health may submit scores from either the GRE or the GMAT.

The University requires the GRE or GMAT scores for admission. Please contact the Educational Testing Service to request that your GRE scores be sent directly to SDSU (Institution Code 4682). Please to request that your GMAT scores be sent directly to SDSU (Institution Code 9LT-2P-73).

9. What are satisfactory GRE scores?

The required GRE or GMAT scores are defined by the departments. Please consult with your program of choice.

10. Can the GRE requirement be waived?

Students who hold advanced degrees from institutions that are members of the Council of Graduate Schools are exempt from the GRE requirement.

Individuals applying for admission to certain graduate programs may petition to waive the GRE General Test requirement if the applicant holds a professional doctoral degree from an institution whose professional program is accredited by an association that is recognized by the US Department of Education. The waiver must be recommended by the graduate advisor and approved by the Graduate Dean.

11. Am I required to take the TOEFL?

All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other that English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

The TOEFL exam may be taken via computer or via a paper exam. A minimum score of 550 on the paper exam, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, and 79 on the Internet exam is required. Some particular majors require higher score results than these minimum scores.

12. I am an international student. My TOEFL score is more than two years old, so Educational Testing Service will not send official scores to you. Will you accept a photocopy?

We do not accept TOEFL scores that are over two years old.

13. May I defer my admittance to another term?

The application and admission are nontransferable. If you decide not to enroll in the term for which you have been admitted, you will have to reapply for admission in any term that you later wish to attend.

14. I have been admitted to graduate school at SDSU, but I have decided not to attend. Do I need to let anyone know?

You should inform the department to which you have been admitted and Graduate Admissions if you decide not to attend SDSU.

15. I want to take some graduate-level courses at SDSU, but I am not interested in obtaining a degree. How can I do this?

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of life-long learning classes, seminars and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers 25 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities.

16. How much is the registration fee?

Fees are subject to change. Visit the official cashier's office web site for the latest information on fee amount.