Graduate Students

Graduate Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission to SDSU, graduate applicants must meet the minimum SDSU requirements listed in the University Catalog as well as the requirements for individual graduate programs.

International students completing a degree at an institution outside the United States should review and follow the International Graduate Students web page.

Who is a Graduate Student?

You can apply to SDSU as a graduate student if you:

  • have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association or
  • will have earned an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, by the term immediately prior to enrollment.

Three-Year Baccalaureate Degrees

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution may be considered for admission. Applicants with a three-year baccalaureate degree in progress at the start of the application filing period, are not eligible for graduate consideration.

Which term do you want to start your studies?

SDSU's San Diego campus and Imperial Valley campus (located 120 miles east of San Diego) are accepting applications for fall 2026 starting October 1, 2025. Deadlines differ by program. Please review the individual graduate program for details.

Fall 2026 Steps to Apply

Applications for SDSU's San Diego campus are accepted August 1 - 31, 2025 for select programs for spring 2026 admission. Please review the individual graduate program for details.

Spring 2026 Steps to Apply

Affordability and Financial Aid

An SDSU education is an investment in your future — and it may be more affordable than you think. SDSU ranks among The Princeton Review's Top 50 Best Value Public Colleges (2024), recognized for its strong academics, affordability and positive career outcomes. Explore tuition, costs and financial aid options to see how SDSU can fit your budget.

students in the Union courtyard