Step 1:  Complete the Cal State Apply Application by February 1, 2025.

Each applicant must submit the California State University application electronically at the Cal State Apply Website along with the $70 nonrefundable application fee.  Once you have submitted the Cal State Apply application, you will be assigned a EmplID number, which will be e-mailed to you within 3-5 business days.  Your EmplID number will allow you to track the status of your application through your my.SDSU account.

**We are offering a limited number of application fee waivers ("coupons") for the Fall 2025 admissions cycle. To be considered for a waiver, download and complete the application form and submit it to [email protected] by December 1st. Recipients will be notified by December 10th and will be selected based on financial need and merit.

Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts & Test Scores to the Graduate Admissions Office by February 15, 2025.

After you have submitted the Cal State Apply application and received your EmplID number, you will need to send official transcripts and test scores to the Graduate Admissions Office.  Sending transcripts before submitting the Cal State Apply application will result in processing delays. 

You must provide the following:

1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) issued within the last year, from all post-secondary colleges and universities attended. Students who previously attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for coursework completed since last attendance.  Hard copy SDSU transcripts are not required.

Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree.  If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified literal English translation.  For country specific requirements, please see the Graduate Admissions Country Information website.

2. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo English Test) is required of all applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English. See “Step 5: Submit Proof of English Proficiency” on the International Graduate Students webpage for a list of accepted English proficiency exams. Scores can be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the SDSU institution code: 4682.

The above listed materials should be sent to:

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

or

[email protected]

Note: Electronic transcripts are acceptable. Please ensure that you indicate this preference when making your request. If you are required to provide an email address to send the secure online document to SDSU, please use [email protected].

If you have questions regarding Steps 1 and 2, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (619) 594-6336 or email [email protected].  International applicants may contact the International Recruitment Office at (619) 594-6336 or email [email protected].

Step 3: Submit Supplemental Documents to Interfolio by March 1, 2025.

Complete this supplemental program application by March 1. If you have any technical issues completing this application, please contact Interfolio. For all other questions, please contact the program. This application consists of forms, document attachments, and confidential letters of recommendation.

1. Three confidential letters of recommendation from professors who are familiar with your abilities as a student. You will enter the contact information for your letter writers in the Interfolio system. Interfolio will then contact your letter writers directly via email. We prefer recommendations that use our form. Please assist us with this process by emailing a blank copy of our recommendation form to the individuals you have selected to provide the letters of recommendation after entering their contact information in Interfolio. Download the blank Recommendation Form.
   
   
2. Statement of Purpose (600-800 words, written in Spanish). Please consider the following aspects: 

• Describe (briefly) your academic personal history
• Relate your personal goals with our Spanish MA program
• Explain your short-term and long-term academic or personal objectives
• Express your intention for a Teaching Associate (TA) / Graduate Assistant (GA) position
  
  Note: This Statement of Purpose for the Department is not to be confused with the one required on the Cal State Apply application.

3. Writing sample (preferably a research paper or essay written in Spanish that was submitted in an undergraduate course from 6 to 10 pages in length.)
   
   
4. One unofficial copy of your transcript

If you have questions regarding Step 3, please contact Nancy Gutierrez in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at (619) 594-6588 or [email protected].