How to Apply to the Special Education Credential Programs

Important Dates for Spring 2027

Application Instructions

Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU

SDSU uses the California State University common admission application through the Cal State Apply website. 

Step 2: Submit Slate Application to Program

Within 72 hours of submitting your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email containing a personalized link to Slate, where you must complete your program application.

Please ensure that all required program-specific documents listed below are prepared in advance and ready to upload to your Slate application.

• Application Guide: Slate Applicant User Guide

Start Early: Prepare Your Supplemental Materials

Before beginning the application, prepare digital copies (PDF format preferred) of the following required documents:

• Certificate of Clearance or Emergency Teaching Permit (e.g., approval email from the CTC or the certificate)
• Prerequisite Courses (e.g., unofficial transcripts with grades posted)
• Subject Matter Competency (e.g., CSET exam scores or approved subject-matter waiver for your credential area)
• Unofficial Transcripts (from all colleges/universities attended)
• Personal Narrative
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Video
• Credential Application Fee
• Negative TB Test Results (dated within the past 4 years)

Please Note: To support a strong application to SDSU’s credential program, all admission requirements must be fully completed in order to be considered for admission. Prerequisite coursework and degree completion may be in progress at the time of application; however, these must be completed prior to the start of the program. All other requirements—including required exams and the Certificate of Clearance—must be fully satisfied before an offer of admission can be issued.

In the application, you will:

• Answer questions about your bachelor's degree and GPA. Please select the links to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements
• Upload each required document in the designated section
• Certify that all information is accurate and complete
• Please maintain all your original documents, as you may need to submit these again to districts for student teaching and/or employment.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send Official Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondence from SDSU.

Step 4: Monitor my.SDSU

Be sure to follow all instructions provided by SDSU, particularly those related to setting up your my.SDSU account. Once your account is active, regularly monitor your my.SDSU Application To-Do List for any items or requests issued by Graduate Admissions. Prompt attention to these items is essential to avoid delays in the processing of your application.