To receive the master’s degree at San Diego State University, the candidate must complete the following general requirements as well as the more specific requirements listed in the appropriate sections of Summary of Curricula Offered .
Official Programs of Study
Each student’s official program of study is documented in their online degree evaluation available through their my.SDSU home page. This is a personalized status report of their progress toward completing graduation requirements. The program of study is specific to the bulletin for the semester of admission.
Requirements for Master’s Degrees
Students must complete each course listed on the official program of study with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Some degree programs require higher grades for some or all courses (see the program’s Catalog entry). A course cannot be deleted from an official program of study after it has been completed, regardless of grade. This also includes courses with assigned grades of “Incomplete” or Report in Progress”. Graduate students have one opportunity to repeat a course that will be applied to the program of study; with both the old and new grade remaining on the student’s transcript; see University Policies for details.
A program of study must adhere to all degree requirements listed in the Catalog. The graduate adviser may request a course substitution or other degree requirement adjustments by successfully petitioning Graduate Studies for an adjustment of academic requirements. Petitions to substitute a course on the program of study should generally be approved prior to registration, and may not be approved after the course is completed. Withdrawal from the graduate program (and loss of matriculation) occurs when a student takes no courses in fall or spring semester after admission, and also does not request a leave of absence in that semester. Students who wish to be readmitted after withdrawal must reapply to the university. Readmission will be decided by the program’s graduate adviser and is not guaranteed. Readmitted students are subject to degree requirements for the year of readmission, unless the adviser successfully petitions for reversion to a prior year’s requirements.
Foreign Language Requirement
Some programs require students to pass a requirement for a language other than English prior to advancement to candidacy, or in some cases, prior to graduation. See Summary of Curricula Offered for details.
Advancement to Candidacy
A student who holds classified graduate standing and who meets the scholastic, professional, and other good standing requirement standards of the university may be considered for advancement to candidacy for the master’s degree.
Advancement to candidacy requires completion of a minimum number of units,a minimum program of study GPA, and a minimum post-baccalaureate cumulative GPA. The table below outlines the minimum requirements for the various degree types, although some degrees may have more specific requirements or require a higher GPA.
In addition to having classified graduate standing and the grade point averages specified above, the student must have maintained the required grade point averages (see section on next page) with no grade of less than 2.0 (C) in a program of study course, and successfully completed any special requirements of the degree program. The College of Graduate Studies will notify students upon the Advancement to Candidacy e-form being approved and processed.
Until they are advanced to candidacy, a Master’s student may not enroll in the final semester of coursework, enroll in courses associated with the Plan A or Plan B culminating experience, or take a Plan B comprehensive examination.
Unit Requirements
Credit earned by correspondence or by examination is not acceptable for advanced degree programs. Courses applied toward one advanced degree may not be used to fulfill the requirements of another advanced degree. Courses designated undergraduate level cannot be used towards an advanced degree. Coursework completed prior to earning a baccalaureate degree is not applicable toward a graduate degree, except under policy for concurrent master’s degree credit or as completed in an approved blended program. Transfer coursework must be taken at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, graduate-level, completed after a Bachelor’s degree was awarded, approved by the degree program’s graduate advisor, and approved by the College of Graduate Studies. Transfer courses must not have expired at the time the degree is awarded (see Degree Time Limitations).
At least 70 percent of the units used to fulfill the minimum requirements of a master’s degree program shall be letter graded. At least one-half of the units required for a master’s degree must be courses at the 600- and 700-level. Many programs are more restrictive than this regarding courses at the 500 level. Check the specific program’s catalog entry for additional restrictions. See University Policies for additional information about degree requirements that apply to all programs.
When directed by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, students may be required to obtain approval if coursework not on the official program of study is required to prepare for a thesis or a project. The additional courses must be recommended by the graduate adviser and approved by the College of Graduate Studies in order for the student to receive financial aid.
All coursework must be completed in matriculated status unless approved by the Master’s program graduate adviser and College of Graduate Studies. Unless otherwise specified, no more than 30% of a Master’s degree’s units may be earned while in non-matriculated status. Partial credit from a non-matriculated course may not be considered for this calculation; only entire courses may be included. For a state-support degree program, “non-matriculated status” includes all SDSU Global Campus courses (regardless of when they were taken), plus SDSU Open University courses taken before the student started the program, plus transfer courses from other institutions. For students in a SDSU Global Campus degree program, “non-matriculated status” includes all main campus courses (regardless of when they were taken, or whether registration was through Open University), plus SDSU Global Campus courses taken before the student’s first formally admitted semester in the program, plus transfer courses from other institutions.
Master of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Science, and Master of Public Administration Degrees
Thirty to thirty-three units of approved 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing (36-48 units for the Master of Public Administration, 36-38 units for the Master of Science degree in Psychology, 36 or 51 units for the Master of Arts in Speech,Language, and Hearing Sciences). At least half of the units required must be in 600- and 700-numbered courses. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum number of units required for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Business Administration Degree
A minimum of 36 units and up to a maximum of 42 units of 500-, 600-, and 700-level courses earned in graduate standing and specified by the Master’s program graduate advisor. A maximum of six units of 500-level courses are acceptable. Up to nine units of coursework taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to the Master’s degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 780, 797, 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Business Administration Degree for Executives
A minimum of 48 units of 600- and 700-level courses earned in graduate standing. These courses will be offered in a predetermined pattern. No courses taken in non-matriculated status and no substitute courses are accepted.
Master of Business Administration Degree (Sports Business Management)
A minimum of 45 units of 600- and 700-level courses earned in graduate standing. These courses will be offered in a predetermined pattern. No courses taken in non-matriculated status and no substitute courses are accepted.
Master of City Planning Degree
Forty-two units of approved 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing, at least 39 of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 42 units for the degree. No more than a total of nine units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Engineering Degree
Thirty-six units consisting of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses specified by the degree requirements and program director while earned in graduate standing and six units of ENGR 798 (project) which may be taken as two three-unit modules. At least half of the units required must be in 600- and 700-numbered courses. No more than nine units taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to the Master’s degree. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum number of units required for the degree.
Master of Fine Arts in Art Degree
Sixty units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing and specified by the School of Art and Design, at least 45 of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 60 units for the degree. No more than a total of nine units in course 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Degree
Fifty-four units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing and specified by the Department of English and Comparative Literature, 39 of which must be in courses numbered 600, and at least 36 of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 54 units for the degree. No more than a total of six units in course 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production Degree
Fifty-four units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing and specified by the School of Theatre, Television and Film, at least 36 of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 54 units for the degree. No more than a total of eight units in courses numbered 795 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts Degree
Sixty to sixty-three units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing and specified by the School of Theatre, Television and Film, at least 44 of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 60 units for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Public Health Degree
Fifty-one to fifty-nine units of approved 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses earned in graduate standing. Up to nine units of coursework taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to the Master’s degree. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum units required for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Degree
Thirty units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses for the standard bioinformatics and medical informatics degree or 38 units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses for the concentration in professional science master as specified by the degree requirements while earned in graduate standing. At least half of the units required must be in 600- and 700-numbered courses. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum number of units required for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted toward the degree.
Master of Science in Computational Science Degree
Thirty units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses for the standard computational science degree or 41 units of 500-, 600-, and 700-numbered courses for the concentration in professional applications as specified by the degree requirements while earned in graduate standing. At least half of the units required must be in 600- and 700-numbered courses. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum number of units required for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Science in Counseling Degree
Sixty units of 600- and 700- numbered courses earned while in graduate standing and specified by the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. Up to 24 units of coursework taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to the Master’s degree. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 60 units for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Thirty-seven to fifty-eight units of 500-, 600-, and 700- numbered courses earned while in graduate standing and specified by the School of Nursing. Some concentrations or specializations require up to 29 additional units. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum number of units required in each concentration or specialization. Up to 12 units of coursework taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to the Master’s degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs Degree
Thirty-seven units of 600- and 700- numbered courses as specified by the director of the regulatory affairs program while earned in graduate standing. No more than a total of 11 units in approved special session courses prior to matriculation and transfer courses may be used to satisfy the minimum unit requirement for the degree. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum number of units required for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling Degree
Sixty units of 600- and 700-numbered courses earned while in graduate standing and specified by the rehabilitation counseling program, at least 70% of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies are in addition to the minimum 60 units for the degree.
Master of Social Work Degree
Thirty-eight units of 500-, 600-, 700- numbered courses earned while in graduate standing and for the advanced standing degree or 60-63 units of 500-, 600-, 700-numbered courses earned while in graduate standing and for the standard degree as specified by the School of Social Work, at least 70% of which must be completed in matriculated status. Courses required to remove undergraduate deficiencies in addition to the minimum units for the degree. No more than a total of six units in courses numbered 797 and 798 will be accepted for credit toward the degree.
Grade Point Averages
Graduate students must maintain grade point averages of at least 3.0 (B) in:
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All courses listed on the official program of study (including transfer).
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All San Diego State University courses listed on the official program of study.
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All courses listed on the post-baccalaureate transcripts (including transfer).
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All San Diego State University courses listed on the post-baccalaureate transcripts.
Grade Restrictions for Master’s Degree Programs
No course in which a final grade below “C” (2.0) was earned may be used to satisfy the requirements for an advanced degree.
No courses graded Credit/No Credit are acceptable for a master’s degree program, except those offered for Credit/No Credit only. No undergraduate courses graded Credit/No Credit may be assigned to the deficiencies listed on a master’s degree program. At least 70 percent of the units used to fulfill the minimum requirements of a master’s degree program shall be letter graded.
Units graded Credit/No Credit will not be included in the determination of the number of non-letter graded units allowable if they were earned in practica, field experiences, or internships explicitly stated as requirements for the graduate degree.
Degree Time Limitations (Advanced Certificate and Master’s Degrees)
For most master’s and advanced certificate degrees, all requirements must be less than six years old at the time that the degree is awarded. For master’s and joint master’s degrees that require more than 36 units, all degree requirements must be less than seven years old when the degree is awarded. Time spent on leave of absence does not extend the degree time limit. Students who do not graduate by these deadlines may be subject to administrative disqualification by the graduate dean.
A course may not have its time limit extended if it is a transfer course from another university. An expired culminating experience (thesis, project, portfolio or comprehensive examination) may not have its time limit extended. No more than 30% of the degree’s total units may be extended beyond standard time limits, and no course or other degree requirement can be greater than 10 years old at the time the degree is awarded. Individual graduate programs may more narrowly limit the number, types and/or expiration date of courses, based on field-specific standards.
Graduate advisers who support time extensions for expiring courses may appeal on behalf of the student if those courses have not changed significantly since the student took them. Appeals for time limit extension require justification of the student’s extenuating circumstances. Advisers must also address whether degree requirements have changed since the student began their program, and how each expired course will be “validated” for current knowledge. If an appeal is approved and student knowledge is then validated for recency, a one-year time limit extension will be granted. Courses that fail validation must be repeated or substituted.
Students who have lost matriculation and wish to continue their studies must formally apply for readmission, which is not guaranteed. See Readmission under University Policies.
Subject (Thesis/Dissertation) Research Involving Human Subjects or Animal Subjects
Committee authorization must be obtained in advance of conducting research involving humans or animals. Failure to observe this requirement could result in the refusal of the university to accept the completed thesis/dissertation.
Research in which information is obtained about an individual through the use of a survey, interview, observation or experimentation or which involves analysis of previously collected human tissues, records, samples or other existing or secondary data is subject to review and approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). For students enrolled in a joint doctoral program, IRB review may be required at each campus. Students are responsible for knowing and complying with IRB review requirements at the institution( s) in which they enrolled. IRB review application materials and guidance on the SDSU campus may be obtained online at https://research.sdsu.edu/research_affairs.
Students planning to conduct research that involves the use of live, vertebrate animals must be listed on a protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) where the research will take place. If the research will occur under a SDSU approved protocol, the student must be listed on the responsible faculty’s animal protocol form and receive required training. Application materials used to request a review by the IACUC may be obtained online at https://research.sdsu.edu/research_affairs or through the Division of Research and Innovation located in Gateway Center, Room 3519.
Upon receipt of written authorization from the relevant committee, IRB or IACUC, students may initiate their research and register for required coursework.
Thesis (Plan A) and Non-Thesis (Plan B)
Satisfactory completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination is defined as follows:
- A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and the methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization, language, and format, high level of writing competency, and thorough documentation. In most cases, an oral defense of the thesis is required.
- A project is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form, language use, organization, and rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required.
- A comprehensive examination is an assessment of the student’s ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The results of the examination evidence independent thinking, appropriate organization and high level of writing competency, critical analysis, and accuracy of documentation. A record of the examination questions and responses shall be maintained in accordance with the records retention policy of the California State University.
Plan A Master’s degrees at San Diego State University require a thesis or project that culminates with a publicly published document usually referred to as a Thesis. The master’s program graduate adviser approves the style that a thesis is written in.As described below, formatting review, formatting approval, and publication is facilitated by Montezuma Publishing using formatting standards that are established by the Graduate Council. Publication is electronic through the ProQuest ETC (Electronic Thesis & Dissertations) system.The 799A (Thesis) course is required for Plan A students , on the official program of study, with registration prior to formatting review. Course 799A represents three units of academic credit and can only be taken Credit/No Credit. A grade of “CR” is assigned by the College of Graduate Studies upon thesis approval by the thesis committee, and publication through the ProQuest ETC (Electronic Thesis & Dissertations) system. Students will not be permitted to register in 799A until they have been officially advanced to candidacy, and have an officially approved Thesis or Project Committee Form on file in the College of Graduate Studies. Unauthorized registration in this course may result in cancellation of enrollment.
Plan B Master’s degrees at San Diego State University require a project, portfolio, comprehensive written examination or other significant culminating experience that is not submitted to Montezuma Publishing, and without publication through the ProQuest ETC (Electronic Thesis & Dissertations) system. Dates for comprehensive examination or project completion are determined by the graduate program. Results of the Plan B culminating experience must be reported to the College of Graduate Studies by the graduate advisor prior to the last day of classes. Students are ineligible to begin the Plan B culminating experience or register in associated courses until after advancement to candidacy.
Thesis Committee
In consultation with the degree program’s graduate adviser, each Plan A master’s student will select a thesis committee that includes a chair and at least two other members. The student, graduate adviser, and committee chair will agree upon the remaining faculty committee members. Thesis committee approval and changes to the thesis committee are requested by filing a Thesis Committee Approval Form. The Rights to Thesis/Dissertation Data and Publication Authorship Form must be submitted as part of the approval process.
The College of Graduate Studies reviews and approves the composition of master’s student thesis committees based on university requirements.
The thesis committee is composed of at least three full-time SDSU faculty members. At least two of the members, including the committee chair, must hold permanent SDSU faculty appointments, be in the SDSU FERP program, or be an approved SDSU emeritus faculty. The first three committee members must be faculty approved by the graduate program for thesis committee service. To promote parity and objective standards across all master’s programs, it is highly recommended that the third committee member be an “outside” SDSU faculty member who is not a member of the degree program’s graduate faculty list. Each master’s program shall create an “outside” member policy that is appropriate for their field of study.
Determination of whether the thesis research will involve human or animal subjects must be made at the time of committee approval (see Thesis/ Dissertation Research Involving Human Subjects or Animal Subjects in this section of the bulletin). If human or animal subjects will be used, appropriate authorization for such use must accompany the thesis committee form when it is submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. The thesis committee will not be approved without appropriate research clearance.
Thesis Embargo
The University Library and Montezuma Publishing will restrict (embargo) the use of a thesis or project if the author and the chair of the thesis committee request such action and the graduate dean approves. The purpose of the restriction is to protect the author’s right to publish or otherwise exploit the new knowledge before making it available to others. The display of a thesis, dissertation, or project may be embargoed for a period of up to one year upon written request of the student and consent of the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. In the case of joint doctoral degrees, students must notify both schools and comply with each schools’ policies. To designate restricted use of a thesis, the author and the thesis committee chair should send a memorandum requesting restricted use to the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. If the dean approves, the request is sent to the Monograph Cataloging Unit, who in turn will withhold from use all copies of the restricted thesis when they are received in the University Library. The author’s memorandum to the dean of the College of Graduate Studies requesting restricted use of a thesis should state the following: (1) The reason for the request; (2) The period of restriction (up to one year); and (3) The author’s address and telephone number. These will be used by the university’s archival librarian in requesting permission for a reader to consult, borrow, or copy the thesis during the period of restriction.
Authors may request a renewal of the restriction period for a second year by sending a memorandum to the associate dean of the College of Graduate Studies specifying the reason for the renewal. Once a thesis or dissertation is published, restricted use is no longer an option.
Theses in Foreign Languages
As presentations of original research to the academic community, theses are ordinarily prepared for the university in the English language. In certain cases, however, for a degree in a language other than English, a student’s thesis in the history and literary analysis of non-English languages and literatures may be presented in the subject language. When the departmental graduate adviser and the prospective thesis committee deem this academically appropriate for the specific research topic, the appointment of the student’s thesis committee and authorization of the thesis research by the graduate dean shall be based on the provisions that (1) an abstract of the thesis shall be presented in English; (2) all members of the thesis committee shall be fluent in the subject language; and (3) student competency in standard written English shall be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a departmental procedure that has been approved by the graduate dean.
To obtain approval from the graduate dean, the “thesis in a foreign language” box must be checked on the appointment of thesis committee form. In addition, the program’s graduate advisor must verify that provisions above have been met.
Submission and Publication of Theses
Submission of a thesis for university publication requires formal approval of the faculty thesis committee. Thesis manuscript submission will only be accepted if it conforms to the format and style requirements specified by the Graduate Council and graduate programs. These requirements are fully outlined on Montezuma Publishing’s website at https://www.montezumapublishing.com/sdsuthesisdissertation.
Students must be enrolled in 799A (Thesis) or 799B (Thesis Extension) in the term in which the thesis is submitted to Montezuma Publishing for formatting review. Students will not be required to register for thesis in any subsequent term, provided the thesis is accepted by Montezuma Publishing by the end of business on the last working day of the semester. Consult with the College of Graduate Studies for specific deadline dates.
Thesis manuscripts should not be submitted to Montezuma Publishing until they are approved by the thesis committee for academic content, and adhere to all formatting and style requirements. Manuscripts deemed unready for submission, as determined by the Montezuma Publishing reviewer, will be rejected and returned to the student. Manuscripts are considered unready for submission when (1) they are not in compliance with graduate program style guidelines as described on Montezuma Publishing’s website; (2) they are not in compliance with the university’s formatting guidelines as stated on Montezuma Publishing’s website (that is, there are gross deficiencies of format or presentation); (3) they are incomplete. Students who are unable to meet the final deadline for submission will be required to enroll or reenroll in 799B in a future term.
A “Cr” grade in 799A (Thesis) or 799B (Thesis Extension) will only be granted upon publishing approval for the thesis and payment of all relevant fees. The College of Graduate Studies is solely responsible for the submission of grades for 799A and 799B. If the entire submission process is not completed by the publication deadline listed in the academic calendar, applicants for graduation will be automatically reevaluated for graduation in a limited number of future terms.
If a student submits for review before the last day to submit deadline, but does not pass formatting review, they may resubmit at any point until submission deadline or within 45 days of receiving a corrections email, whichever comes later. If the student does not pass within this time frame, the thesis will be rejected and the student will have to register in 799B (Thesis Extension) the following semester. (Note that applicants for graduation will be automatically reevaluated for graduation in a limited number of future terms.)
A student must pay for publication within 90 days of the notification that they have passed a formatting review. If a student fails to pay for publishing within this time frame, the thesis will be rejected and the student will have to register in 799B (Thesis Extension) and re-apply for graduation the following semester. (Note that applicants for graduation will be automatically evaluated for graduation in future terms.)
Final Approval
The student’s official program of study and all other degree requirements must be completed satisfactorily prior to the end of the term in order for the graduate dean to recommend a student for an advanced degree. Some degree requirements have completion dates that are earlier than the last day of term (refer to the College of Graduate Studies website for current information).
Writing Competency
All candidates for an advanced degree must demonstrate writing competency in the English language. This requirement may be met by successful completion of the written comprehensive examination in Plan B or final approval of a thesis or project in Plan A.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with a disability who are in need of an accommodation in order to fulfill this requirement should notify the university’s Student Ability Success Center and their graduate adviser so that appropriate accommodation(s) can be made.
Application for Graduation
Graduation is not automatic upon the completion of requirements. Students who intend to graduate must take the initiative to file a graduation application with the university. Deadlines for receipt of graduation applications by the College of Graduate Studies are published each year in the academic calendar and on the College of Graduate Studies website at: https://grad.sdsu.edu.
A one-time, nonrefundable graduation services fee (see the SDSU Bursar’s Office website (https://bursar.sdsu.edu/) for current fee) is required at the time of application. All requirements must be completed by the graduation date. Candidates for graduation are not eligible to register for terms subsequent to the graduation date unless admitted to another graduate program. For all other graduation or cancellation information please visit the College of Graduate Studies website at: https://grad.sdsu.edu.
Award of Degree
Upon the recommendation of the faculty of San Diego State University, the Board of Trustees of the California State University awards the appropriate degree to a student who has completed the prescribed course of study. The process of posting degrees to transcripts will take approximately six to eight weeks after the diploma date. Candidates for graduation whose record carries a grade of Incomplete (I) or a Report in Progress (RP) will graduate provided they are otherwise eligible for graduation. However, the Incomplete (I) or Report in Progress (RP) cannot be changed (replaced with Credit or a letter grade) after the degree has been granted. An Incomplete (I) course will be counted as an F for grade point average purposes at the time of graduation. Students who do not wish to graduate with grades of Incomplete (I) or Report in Progress (RP) on their permanent transcripts must formally cancel their application for graduation.
Diploma
Diplomas are mailed to graduates approximately eight to ten weeks after the diploma date. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a mailing address in their university account that will be valid for that period of time.
Commencement
Commencement ceremonies are held each year at the conclusion of the spring semester for students completing degrees in the prior fall, current spring, or next summer term. Details regarding commencement are communicated to prospective participants in March, and are available on the commencement website at https://commencement.sdsu.edu.
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