How to Apply

Important Dates for Fall 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. Complete the first steps through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.

Search for "Dual Language and English Learner" within your Cal State Application. All students enter option 1: the online M.A. with a Critical Literacy and Social Justice specialization. Those interested in hybrid option 2 can transfer once they enter the program.

Resume/CV or Work History Form

Complete the Work History form (PDF) or submit a resume or CV documenting your experience with multilingual and/or multicultural learners.

Statement of Purpose or Academic Writing Sample

You have two options. (1) Upload an academic writing sample or (2) Write a 500-800 word (double-spaced using a 12 point font or larger) statement of purpose that addresses the following:

1. Your background or experiences working in diverse school and community settings
2. How the M.A. program can contribute to your further learning and development 
3. Your goals as a graduate student and educational professional

We use the statement of purpose to get to know more about you and also as a writing sample. Take some time to organize your thoughts before writing and review it carefully afterwards.

1 or 2 Letters of Recommendation

Contact 1-2 individuals who you have interacted with both academically and/ or professionally and who would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Recommenders will submit their recommendations directly into the program application.

Please collect names and email addresses so you are ready to request these letters 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: International Students requiring an I-20 immigration document from SDSU must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units of in-person course instruction on campus, per semester. International students may not take more than 3 units of fully online course instruction per semester.