How to Apply

Important Dates for Fall 2026

Information Sessions

Attend an info session to learn about the application process, meet current PELSA students, and discover how our program helps you support students through their college journey (TBD).

Join us via Zoom

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. Begin preparing the Supplemental Program Materials listed below as soon as possible.

• Please be sure to select the program on page 2 of the San Diego Graduate programs list:
  
  Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs (MA)
  
  
• There is a $70 application fee to submit the Cal State Apply application.

Cal State Apply - Opens Oct. 1

Supplemental Program Materials Needed to Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Please upload the following documents to your Cal State Apply application.

Unofficial Transcripts

Download unofficial transcripts (or scan a paper transcript) from your degree institution and upload this document to your Cal State Apply application. You can upload other schools' transcripts as well, but faculty are most interested in your degree transcript. This is in addition to, not a substitution for, having official transcripts sent to SDSU Graduate Admissions office.

Resume/CV

Prepare a resume or curriculum vitae. We expect that this will at least include your education and work history, as well as your leadership experience and community activities.

Statement of Purpose

Write a 500 word statement of purpose, double-spaced and at least size 12 font, that addresses the following questions:

• Why are you interested in this graduate program?
• How have your previous academic experiences prepared you to meet the academic demands of graduate education and learning outcomes of this graduate program?
• How have your leadership experiences, community service/organizing activities, involvement in supporting equity, diversity & inclusion initiatives, or your professional experiences prepared you for success in this graduate program?
• What are your professional goals? How will obtaining this degree facilitate your achievement of these goals?
• Are there any other relevant insights you wish to add regarding your readiness for graduate education and/or your admission to this graduate program?

Letters of Recommendation

Contact two individuals who you have interacted with professionally and would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. You will request the letters through your Cal State Apply application. 

Step 2: Wait to Request Official Transcripts

Please wait to request these official transcripts until after you have submitted the Cal State Apply application, then request that your official transcripts be sent to SDSU, following instructions at Submitting Your Transcripts.  If you send them in before you submit the application, they will take longer to process.

If you attended SDSU for your undergraduate degree, you can skip this step—we have this information already on file.

Step 3: If Applicable, Prepare a Letter of Interest for a Graduate Assistantship

If you plan to apply for a student affairs graduate assistantship, prepare a one-page statement of interest in which you describe your interests, background, and reasons why you would be a good candidate for the position(s) in which you are interested.

Step 4: Interviews

Immediately after the December deadline, all applications will be reviewed by a committee of faculty in the ARPE department. Following this review, a select group of students will be invited to interview for admission to the program and for a student affairs graduate assistantship (if applicable). Program and Graduate Assistantship interviews will be held virtually in mid February. Students who do not apply for a Graduate Assistantship will be invited for a program interview only. Students will be notified of their admission status (admitted, denied, or waitlisted) shortly following the interview period.