Graduate School of Business Admission

Admission is highly competitive. Over 1,400 applications are received annually. Admission decisions are made on a variety of factors, including undergraduate and graduate academic performance, performance on the GMAT, professional work experience, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose. Identical criteria are used for admission to all three graduate business programs.

We admit students for both Spring and Fall semesters. The Spring semester begins in January, and the Fall semester begins in August. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended.

Requirements

GMAT: The GMAT is required for all applicants and should be taken before filing an application. Submit an unofficial copy of the GMAT with your supplemental materials to the Graduate School of Business. Have the original sent directly from ETS. The ETS institution code for SDSU is 9LT-2P-73. Advanced degrees, GRE, or other entrance examination reports may not be substituted for the GMAT.  For more information call 1-800-GMAT-NOW or visit www.mba.com.

TOEFL: Students who received a bachelor's degree in a language other than English must take the TOEFL. Submit an unofficial copy of the TOEFL with the admissions packet and have the original sent directly from ETS. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper-based exams, or 80 on Internet-based exams, or 213 on computer based exams is required. Test scores may not be more than two years old at the time of application.  For more information call 1-800-GO-TOEFL or visit www.toefl.org.

Work Experience: Although work experience is not required for admission, professional work experience will be considered in an application. Graduate business education is greatly enhanced if you have significant full-time work experience after completing your undergraduate degree.  

Letters of Recommendation, Resumes, and Personal Statements: Although not required, letters of recommendation from professional references can enhance an application.  Letters of recommendation from employers or professional colleagues are preferred and should be included with your supplemental materials which are submitted directly to the department. Please do not submit more than three letters. Resumes and personal statements may also be submitted to support an application. There is not a preferred format for supplemental documents.

We invite prospective graduate students to visit our Graduate Access Page, or MyGAP. Using MyGAP you can build a customized web page containing personalized information about SDSU graduate programs of specific interest to you. Please click on the icon above to create your own MyGAP web site.

Application Deadlines

Spring Semester
Domestic Applications:
August 1-November 1

International Applications:
August 1-October 1

Fall Semester
Domestic Applications:
November 1-April 15

International Applications:
November 1-April 15

Questions (FAQ for prospective and current students)

For further questions about the application process, please contact the SDSU Graduate School of Business at
(619) 594-8073 or
sdsumba@mail.sdsu.edu
Request more info (online form)

For questions regarding the status of your application please log onto the web portal at: www.sdsu.edu/e-services


Please note that it takes at least two months to process applications.

Applying to SDSU is a two-step process

Step 1: Apply to the university.

Applicants need to submit a California State University Application for Graduate Education along with the graduate application fee of $55. You may apply online www.csumentor.edu. Your application will not be processed without the fee.


Step 2: Submit application materials to the university. Download printable CHECKLIST and mail with supplemental materials.

Submit to Graduate Admissions:

1. Official transcripts in sealed envelopes from all postsecondary institutions attended. Note: Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
   
   Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
   
   
2. TOEFL score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English. A minimum score of 213 (computer based) or 80 (Internet based) is required by the College of Business Administration.

The above documents should be sent to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7416
(619) 594-6336
gra@mail.sdsu.edu

Submit to the Graduate School of Business:

1. Resume (Recommended)
2. Statement of purpose (optional)
3. Letters of recommendation (optional maximum of three)
4. Unofficial copy of the GMAT.
   Official score should be sent to SDSU (School code 9LT-2P-73)

Supplemental materials need to be sent directly to:

Graduate School of Business
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8228
Phone (619) 594-8073  Fax (619) 594-1863
sdsumba@mail.sdsu.edu