The application deadline is February 1 for CalState Apply and March 1 for transcripts and the supporting documents on Interfolio. GRE scores are not required.

All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing. In addition, students must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last 60 units of their undergraduate work and must have preparation in astronomy and/or related sciences substantially equivalent to that required for the bachelor’s degree in astronomy at San Diego State University.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application via CalStateApply. There is a $70 application fee, and the deadline is February 1.

Applicants should also fill out the program-specific application on Interfolio.  To complete this program-specific application, please upload via Interfolio:

  1. Names and email addresses of people who can provide letters of reference (two or three)
  2. A personal statement about academic and research goals
  3. Copies of transcripts (can be unofficial)
  4. General GRE scores (optional)
  5. Physics GRE score (optional)

There is no minimum score threshold for the General GRE exams.

We encourage applicants to consider applying for a Teaching Associate position.  No prior teaching experience is required. For applicants who wish to apply for a Teaching Associateship, also provide via Interfolio:

  1. Name and email address of one person who can provide a letter of reference that addresses teaching experience or potential
  2. A brief personal statement about teaching philosophy
  3. An application for a teaching associate position or graduate assistantship (download the Teaching Associate/Graduate Assistantship TA/GA application form [PDF format][MS Word format]).

Note that since the system will send requests for letters directly to the recommenders via email, it is important that the correct email addresses are entered.

The deadline for the completion of the Interfolio application, which includes the submission of all letters of reference, is March 1.

In addition, the Graduate Division requires the submission of the following documents:

  1. Official transcripts in sealed envelopes from all postsecondary institutions attended. Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If the documents are not in English they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  2. English language score, if the medium of instruction was not English. The institution code for San Diego State University is 4682.
  3. Optional GRE scores. The institution code for San Diego State University is 4682.

Hard copies of these documents should be sent by mail to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

Please note that transcripts or test scores cannot be accepted if they are mailed directly to the Astronomy Department.  The deadline for the receipt of these materials by Graduate Admissions is March 1.

In some cases, electronic submission of transcripts is possible.  See the Graduate Admissions instructions for details.

International applicants/students should please see the SDSU International Student Center for information specific to international students. All graduate and postbaccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other that English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL exam may be taken via computer or via a paper exam. A minimum score of 550 on the paper exam or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL is required.

How much does it cost to attend SDSU?

Costs at SDSU are extremely low compared to similar universities.  The latest can be found at these sites: