Deadlines

February 1 

Apply to the university through Cal State Apply.

February 15

Submit your M.S. Degree in Astronomy application to Interfolio.

March 1 

Submit your official transcripts to Graduate Admissions.

Requirements

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.

Step 1:

Apply to SDSU

Apply to the university through Cal State Apply.

Deadline: February 1. 

Cost: $70 application fee.

Step 2:

Apply to the M.S. Degree in Astronomy Program

Submit your M.S. Degree in Astronomy application to Interfolio.

Deadline: February 15.

Provide in Your Application

References

Provide two or three names and e-mail addresses of people who can provide reference letters. The deadline for submission of reference letters is February 15.

Personal Statement

Write a personal statement that describes how an M.S. Degree in Astronomy from SDSU will help you achieve your academic, research, and career goals.

  • Describe in detail any past research experience you may have, including your specific contribution to the research project.  
  • Please share a description of events or experiences that demonstrate your resilience in the face of adversity and/or provide evidence of your leadership skills.
  • State which program track you plan to pursue: Bridge to Ph.D. Track or Career Track. 

Transcripts

Copies of transcripts (can be unofficial).

GRE

GRE or Physics GRE scores may be submitted. This is optional, with no minimum score threshold.

Students Interested in Gaining Teaching Experience

It is highly encouraged to submit an application for a Teaching Associate position. No prior teaching experience is needed. You may include this information within your Interfolio submission.

Teaching Associate Application

Please include the TA/GA application form.

Teaching Reference

Provide one name and e-mail address of the person who can provide a reference letter that addresses teaching experience or potential. The deadline for submission of reference letters is February 15.

Teaching Statement

Write a brief personal statement about teaching philosophy.

Step 3:

Submit your Official Transcripts

Submit your official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Please follow the instructions under Step 3 of the Graduate Admissions Office Steps to Apply webpage.

Deadline: March 1

Students from U.S. institutions may submit either electronic or hard copies of their transcripts.

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International Students

If you have international coursework, you are required to submit an international evaluation report along with your transcript from either IERF, WES, or ECE. Please see Step 3 of the Graduate Admissions Office Steps to Apply webpage for further instructions.

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (regardless of citizenship status) applying to SDSU from an international institution where the medium of instruction was not English, must submit proof of English proficiency. Please see Step 4 of the Graduate Admissions Office Steps to Apply webpage for further instructions.

Visit the SDSU International Student Center website for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Visit the SDSU Student Account Services website for more information.