Graduate Admissions Process

To be considered for graduate admission at San Diego State University, you must follow the 3 step process outlined below. For more detailed information regarding the admissions process, please visit the Graduate Admissions Website (http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/grad/index.html).

Step 1: Complete the CSU Cal State Apply Application by December 1

Each applicant must submit the California State University application electronically at the CSU Cal State Apply (https://www2.calstate.edu/apply) along with the $70 nonrefundable application fee. Once you have submitted a CSU Cal State Apply application, you will be assigned a RedID number (also called EMPLID or SDSUid), which will be e-mailed to you within 3-5 business days. Your RedID number will allow you to track the status of your application through the my.SDSU portal.

Please note that SDSU does not offer fee waivers for the CALSTATE Apply application fee.

Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts & Test Scores to the Graduate Admissions Office by December 15

After you have submitted the CSU Cal State Apply application and received your RedID number, you will need to send official transcripts and test scores to the Graduate Admissions Office. Sending transcripts before submitting the CSU 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 U.S. 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 website (link to http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/grad/country.html).
  1. General GRE test scores have been suspended and are NOT required.

NOTE: that while other tests are acceptable at SDSU (Duolingo English Test and PTE), UC San Diego only accepts TOEFL and IELTS test scores. Therefore, please submit TOEL or IELTS test scores to be considered for the SDSU/UC San Diego CMB Joint Doctoral Program.

  1. TOEFL minimum score of 80 iBT/ 550 PBT: Score can be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the SDSU institution code: 4682. Test score must be from within the past two years.

    IELTS overall score of 6.5 or higher: Score report must be submitted directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years.

The above listed materials should be sent to:

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

NOTE: Electronic transcripts may also be submitted. Go to https://registrar.sdsu.edu/students/transcripts/electronic_transcripts for additional information.

If you have questions regarding Steps 1 and 2, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (619) 594-6336 or e-mail admissions@sdsu.edu. International applicants may contact the International Recruitment Office at (619)594-6336 or e-mail intladmission@sdsu.edu.

STEP 3: Supplemental Graduate Application and Documents required by the BIOLOGY Department.

Deadline: December 15

In addition to the CSU Cal State Apply application, applicants must also submit supplemental materials required by the Biology Department as follows:

  1. Supplemental Graduate Application (this is in addition to the CSU Cal State Apply application) Go to: Apply – Interfolio.
  2. Statement of Professional Goals (usually one to three pages in length).
  3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  4. Three Letters of Recommendation. You will be asked to provide names and email addresses for individuals who will be writing your letters and uploading them onto the system themselves. The system allows for up to 5 letters.
  5. Photocopy of TOEFL scores (foreign students only).
  6. Copy of unofficial transcripts.

Review of applications for Fall 2025 will commence in early January 2025. In order to ensure consideration, please submit the CSU application, Graduate Supplemental Application, and upload all necessary documents.

Tracking Your Application Status:

Use your Red I.D. number to track the status of your application online. You will be able to monitor when materials have been received and view a list of materials that are still required to complete your application file. Please bear in mind that we receive thousands of applications so it may take some time for the information to be added to your my.SDSU account.

Other helpful information may be obtained at the following SDSU resources:

Prospective Student Admissions Information
SDSU Graduate Studies Program Applications

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
SDSU Financial Aid & Scholarships

International Student Center
SDSU International Student Services

On-Campus Housing
SDSU Housing and Residential Education

SDSU Bursar’s Office
University Bursar’s Office