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Child Development (M.S.) Program Application

On this page: Learn how to apply to the Child Development (M.S.) Program. 

Important Dates for Fall 2020

Item Due Date
1. Cal State Apply application
(opens October 1 each year) 		March 2, 2020
(Please submit ASAP)
2. Program application  March 2, 2020
3.  Transcripts & GRE scores due  April 1, 2020

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Program Page

 Note: Priority consideration given to those candidates that submit both applications (Cal State Apply and program application) by February 15, 2020.

Steps to Apply

Follow the steps below to apply to the Child Development (M.S.) Program:

  1. Apply to the California State University via Cal State Apply.
  2. Request official transcripts.
  3. Submit a Program application for the Child Development (M.S.) program.

1. Cal State Apply

For assistance, see Tips on Completing the Cal State Apply University Application. 

Go to Cal State Apply (CSU application) - Apply Now

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2. Request official transcripts

Request that your official transcripts be sent to SDSU, following instructions on our Submit Test Scores and Transcripts page.

3. Program application

Gather required items

Please gather the items below and have them ready to upload:

Please follow the instructions in this Resumé Guidelines document (PDF).

 Please download and complete this Language Background form (PDF) with your application.

Please provide one example of your academic writing. Research or literature review papers are preferred. This requirement applies to all applicants.

Three letters of recommendation are required from academic or professional sources. We recommend having at least one letter from a university professor (and all three can be university professors). Professors who you have worked with on a research project are great letter writers, as are professors who have gotten to know you in a classroom setting. Employers or internship supervisors are also great recommenders if you are working in a field related to child and family development.

In a 1-page, double-spaced essay, please explain:

  • Why you wish to become a student in the Master of Science in Child Development
  • Any experience  you have which you believe makes you an especially qualified applicant for a graduate degree program in Child Development
  • Your research or project development interests, which faculty you may be interested in working with on research or project development.
  • What population you are most interested in learning about or working to benefit (e.g. low income, teens, racial and/or ethnic minorities).
  • Your future career goals and how this degree will help you achieve them
Submit your program application online

Access the Online Program Application

Go to Program Application

  • Your program application has been created in a system called Interfolio. For help, refer to this Interfolio Tutorial (PDF).