Applying to SDSU is a two step process as detailed below.

The Computer Science Department no longer requires GRE scores, but a sufficient GPA, a bachelor’s degree and a computer science background are required for admission.

          Apply to the University

You are required to submit the California State University application electronically at Cal State Apply web site along with the $70 application fee. It is not possible to waive the application fee.

Assemble one complete admissions packet, which must include the following:

One set of original and official transcripts of all previous post-secondary academic work attempted.
This would include all degree transcripts and a transcript from the last institution attended. Your transcripts must reflect the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

Transcripts From U.S Institutions

You must submit 1 set of official transcripts in sealed envelopes from each issuing institution. Electronic transcripts are acceptable. Please ensure that you indicate this preference when making your application. If you are required to provide an email address to send the secure online document to SDSU, please use transcriptsforsdsu@sdsu.edu. If you are sending hard copy send them to:

Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225

Transcripts, Mark sheets, English Test International Institutions

Students from India:  SDSU requires attested mark sheets from Indian schools not transcripts. If your school does not issue mark sheets you need to submit an attested letter from your school stating they do not issue mark sheets. SDSU requires individual mark sheets for all studies (Bachelor, Master, etc.) with years of study, course titles and marks. Consolidated mark sheets will not be accepted. SDSU requires provisional degree certificates or final degree certificates earned for all studies. Mark sheets and degree certificates can be attested by the university or the college. Once attested and sealed in an envelope by the university or college they can be mailed the student.

English test scores are not required if the language of instruction in your undergraduate education was English and that is stated in your transcripts, marksheets or diploma. SDSU accepts TOEFL (80 iBT/ 550 PBT or better), IELTS (6.5+), Duolingo English Test (105+), PTE (58+)

If your documents are not in English you need to submit a certified literal English translation for each non-English document. The translation must be from the university or a certified translator and should contain all information shown on the original-language documents and in the same format.

SDSU now requires official transcripts and marksheets to be submitted for an application to be evaluated. International students must submit a foreign evaluation report. IERF, WES and ECE are accepted. The evaluation report must be sent electronically by IERF, WES or ECE to Graduate Admissions and must include copies of the international documents used to complete the evaluation. If you cannot submit official documents, it will be possible to petition the admission office to submit unofficial documents. See Requirements by Country for International Students.

If you are submitting official exam scores:
GRE test scores (SDSU ADD/Institution Code is 4682)
TOEFL test score (if Postsecondary instruction is in a language other than English)

If you are sending official hardcopy of mark sheets, transcripts or diploma send them to:

Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225

The Computer Science Department does not require letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, or resumes as they are not taken into consideration when making admission decisions.  Again, these items are not required and are not considered when making admission decisions.

Checking your Application Status

You can check your application status on line using Web Portal and your student red id number.  Please note that it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your application status to be updated once your documents have been received.

For questions regarding the application process, contact Dr. Roger Whitney (whitney@sdsu.edu) or Dr. Wei Wang (wwang@sdsu.edu).

If you have already applied and have questions about missing items (transcripts and test scores) use the contact information below.

  • International Students:   Email:  intladmission@sdsu.edu  or call 1-619-594-6336
  • Domestic Students: Email: admissions@sdsu.edu or call 619-594-6336

 Application decisions are made on a rolling basis and once we hit our enrollment limit we will stop admitting applicants into our program.