Teaching, Elementary and Secondary Education (M.A.T.) - Online
How to Apply
Important Dates for Fall 2026
| Item | Due Date (Priority) | Due Date (General) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cal State Apply application (opens October 1 each year) |
December 1, 2025 |
February 1, 2026 |
| 2. Program application | December 15, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
| 3. Official transcripts due | December 15, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
NOTE: You apply for fall even though the program starts in the summer.
This is a Master's program for those, in most cases, who already have a teaching credential. Credential licensure is NOT included in this program (i.e. you cannot earn a CA teaching license by completing this program).
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. Complete the first steps through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.
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
Statement of Purpose
Why do you want a Master’s degree?
Please type your statement and it should be one page in length.
We recommend uploading the document in PDF format.
Letters of Recommendation
Contact 1 individual who you have interacted with professionally and who would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Recommenders will submit their letters directly into the program application.
Please collect their name and email address so you are ready to request this letter in the program application.
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.
Get in Touch
Application Process Questions
Program Questions
- [email protected]
- Graduate Advisors: Eric Ginsberg and Luke Duesbery