Preprofessional Programs
Entrance into professional schools is becoming increasingly competitive; therefore, it is imperative that students begin planning their curriculum at the earliest possible time in conjunction with the appropriate academic adviser and your preprofessional adviser.
Students who hold undergraduate degrees who wish to take courses for professional schools may do so through Open University with SDSU Global Campus.
Prelegal Curriculum
The prelegal program is pursued in conjunction with a degree program. There is no specific prelaw program leading to a bachelor’s degree. Students interested in the legal profession should consult with the university prelaw adviser regarding the entrance requirements of the specific law school they hope to attend.
The following curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of standard American schools of law for a broad and liberal education, while at the same time providing desirable flexibility in the individual programs. A focus on a rigorous curriculum of courses for those interested in law and legal issues is strongly recommended.
There are two patterns of concentration which will usually be indicated for the prelegal student, either of which may be selected, in consultation with the adviser, to fit best the interests of the student. These are the major-minor pattern and the liberal studies major pattern. Subject to individual variation, the fields of political science, history, criminal justice, English, communication and philosophy should receive first consideration when choosing the pattern of concentration as being the most effective background for later professional study in law.
The following courses of study are recommended. Lower division: POL S 101 and POL S 102 , and a year course in history. Upper division: In the junior and senior years students will plan their course with the counsel of their adviser in terms of the field of law in which they plan to work, but keep in mind the entrance requirements and examinations for admission to schools of law. The following list should receive prime consideration by all prelegal students in the selection of courses, though it is to be thought of as flexible in accordance with student needs. PHIL 341 , PHIL 342 , POL S 320 , POL S 346 , POL S 347A , and/or POL S 347B , SOC 443 / SOC 543 , AFRAS 380 . Additional: ECON 380 , HIST 536 , POL S 301A and/or POL S 301B , POL S 348 , POL S 541 .
In addition to the courses taken in the fields of concentration, upper division electives in English, philosophy, psychology, rhetoric and writing, sociology, and speech communication are recommended. A mastery of English (for written and oral communication) is essential. A certificate in Public Law is also recommended so students can diversify their studies by obtaining multiple perspectives on the use of law to regulate social problems.
Students interested in pursuing a legal career are counseled by the university prelaw adviser. Through this office, prelegal students receive information and advice concerning law school application and admission procedures. The university prelaw adviser can be contacted through the Department of Political Science.
Health Professions Advising Office
The Health Professions Advising Office provides information and guidance for predental, premedical, preoptometry, prepharmacy, prephysician assistant, and preveterinary students as they prepare and apply for admission to professional programs. There is no premed major. Students work with their major adviser and the prehealth adviser to establish an academic plan that includes prehealth requirements as part of, or in addition to, degree requirements. Most prehealth students major in the sciences, but students may pursue any major as long as they also complete coursework required for their chosen health profession.
Prehealth professions students must attend a health professions information session to learn about general requirements and establish a file in the Health Professions Advising Office. Prehealth students should meet each semester with the prehealth adviser. Special topics courses are offered for prehealth students and the many campus prehealth student organizations provide opportunities for students to learn more about specific health professions.
Students may sign up for a health professions information session and open a file any time after the beginning of the semester. The Health Professions Advising Office is located in GMCS 323. Contact the office at 619-594-3030 or visit http://hpao.sdsu.edu. NOTE: Prephysical therapy and preoccupational therapy students should contact an adviser in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, located in ENS 353 or call 619-594-5161, for additional information.
Preoccupational Therapy
Students interested in a career in occupational therapy may major in a variety of areas including psychology, kinesiology, art, or biology. There are several schools in California that offer B.S. or M.S. degrees in occupational therapy. Students must complete certain courses required by each school; in general, these include courses in the humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences. For further information, contact the American Occupational Therapy Association at http://www.apta.org.
Prephysical Therapy
The prephysical therapy curriculum is pursued in conjunction with an established major. Students ordinarily select a major in kinesiology (emphasis in prephysical therapy) and complete selected coursework in other departments. Another major often selected is biology. Prephysical therapy students should confer with their departmental adviser prior to initial registration, and at least once each semester regarding their program progress. Course requirements for entry to a graduate program in physical therapy vary according to the institution. Information regarding entrance requirements for specific physical therapy schools is available through the American Physical Therapy Association website at http://www.apta.org. Each student should consult the major adviser for the level of course required when there are alternatives. It is recommended that students consult at least two years prior to graduation with the physical therapy schools to which they are planning to apply in order to learn the details of the entrance requirements for those particular institutions. Students should expect to fulfill the following general requirements for admission: (1) specific course requirements as outlined above; (2) volunteer experience in a hospital or clinical physical therapy program, under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist; (3) satisfactory completion of the GRE examination; (4) overall GPA of 3.0 or better (the average GPA of applicants accepted to a physical therapy program is 3.5) and; (5) grades of “B” or better in basic science courses (biology, chemistry, physics).
Preparation for Other Professions
Full programs of professional study in other fields, such as agriculture, forestry, architecture, and theology, are not available at San Diego State University. However, students who may wish to take some undergraduate work in liberal arts at this university can also begin coursework in preparation for such programs. Students are advised to consult the catalog of the university to which they expect to transfer to determine requirements before arranging the program. Further information may be obtained from the assistant dean of students in the appropriate college at San Diego State University.
Preprofessional Advising
It is recommended that students contact their preprofessional adviser in their first semester at SDSU. Advisement for students planning to attend professional schools is available for the following programs:
Predental
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
Prelaw*
- Nasatir Hall, Room 126, 619-594-6244
Premedical
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
Preoccupational Therapy
- Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, Room 331, 619-594-5161
Preoptometry
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
Prepharmacy
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
Prephysical Therapy
- Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, Room 359, 619-594-5161
Prephysician Assistant
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
Prepodiatric Medicine
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
Presocial Work
- Hepner Hall, Room 109, 619-594-0780
Preveterinary Medicine
- Geology/Mathematics/Computer Science, Room 323, 619-594-3030
* Advisers in prelaw are not available during the summer months.
Certificate Programs
Basic Certificate
The purpose of the basic certificate program is to provide individuals whose educational objectives do not require a degree program the opportunity to participate in university academic activities designed to meet specific educational needs.
Ordinarily, credit certificate programs are available to matriculated and nonmatriculated students. Students seeking a certificate must apply for admission according to the guidelines set forth by the individual certificate programs. Graduate students interested in a basic certificate should first consult with the appropriate department and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships regarding course requirements and financial aid implications.
Coursework for a basic certificate shall not duplicate in content and level the student’s prior educational experience. Unless otherwise stated, a student may apply no more than six units of coursework from a basic certificate program toward a major or minor with the approval of the department.
For a complete listing of certificate programs offered by San Diego State University, refer to the Curricula Summary section of this catalog.
Graduate Certificate Programs (Advanced Certificate - Post-Baccalaureate)
The advanced certificate at the post-baccalaureate level provides a program of coursework leading to a specific applied goal. The general educational background of a bachelor’s degree with a major in the appropriate field(s) of study is prerequisite to such a certificate.
Application and Admission Process for Graduate Certificates
Applicants for any type of graduate or post-baccalaureate degree (including those seeking an advanced certificate) must submit the Cal State Apply application within the appropriate filing period with a $70 nonrefundable application fee (as of spring 2026). The only exceptions are students in integrated graduate programs as described below (see Special Consideration programs in Admission and Registration chapter for additional information). Applications must be submitted online at http://www.calstate.edu/apply. Applications may not be transferred to another term, or reused to apply to another term. Applicants should send recently issued official transcripts (printed within the last year) from all institutions attended and examination scores (if required) directly to SDSU Admissions.
California State University System Admission Requirements
Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for an advanced certificate. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:
- General Requirements. The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post-baccalaureate studies at a CSU campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, a student at the time of enrollment must: (1) hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the graduate dean; (2) have attained a grade point average of at least 2.85 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree, or at least 2.85 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted, or hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association; and (3) have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
Applicants who do not qualify for admission under provisions (1) and (2) may be admitted by special action if the graduate dean approves the exception based on other academic or professional criteria.
The College of Graduate Studies is the only official admissions authority for graduate study at San Diego State University.
(These and other CSU admission requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the admission portal are good sources for the most up-to-date information.)
First Semester Enrollment Requirement
Prior to the admission term, students admitted into any admission category may request that their start date be deferred to the following term under a very limited set of circumstances (e.g., military service, visa attainment, significant medical). Approval is required from both the graduate advisor and Graduate Admissions. After the start of the admission term, new students must enroll in one or more classes prior to census. Failure to enroll will result in admission being revoked.
Change of Academic Plan
SDSU graduate students who are matriculated in an advanced certificate may request a change to a different advanced certificate by filing the appropriate form with the College of Graduate Studies. Approval from the prospective program advisor is required and constitutes an admission decision.
International students must consult with the International Student Center prior to initiating any change of academic plan, as such changes may affect F-1/J-1 visa status and I-20 eligibility.
Requirements for Advanced Certificates
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.0 in all certificate courses, earn at least a grade of C (or better if specified by the program) on courses required for the certificate. A certificate must be completed within six years and a student must maintain good academic standing. With the recommendation of the program adviser and approval of the College of Graduate Studies, a student may include up to six units of 596 and 696 courses toward the fulfillment of the requirements. Courses used toward the fulfillment of a basic certificate cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for an advanced certificate. No courses graded credit/no credit (Cr/NC) are acceptable for an advanced certificate program, except those offered for Cr/NC only.
Advanced certificate students do not file the “Application for Graduation with an Advanced Degree” form, and advanced certificates are not automatically issued upon completion of the course requirements. Instead, advanced certificate award processing is initiated through a “Notification of Completion of Advanced Certificate Program” form. This form can be submitted by the advisor, or by the student (from within my.SDSU). If catalog descriptions of the master’s program or advanced certificate do not explicitly address shared units, then no units will be shared between the two degrees. Students pursuing both a graduate degree and an advanced certificate must carefully plan completion of certificate requirements and filing of the Application for Graduation with an Advanced Degree. The advanced certificate must be awarded in the same semester or earlier than the higher degree. Generally, requests to award the advanced certificate in a later semester than the higher degree will be canceled (even if all certificate requirements have been completed). Students are ineligible to pursue two advanced certificates concurrently. Courses applied toward one advanced certificate cannot be used toward the completion of a second advanced certificate.
Special Consideration for Integrated Graduate Programs
Integrated graduate programs consist of two approved graduate degree objectives that are pursued simultaneously and are formally identified as integrated in the Catalog. These programs typically include (1) a doctoral or master’s degree and (2) a lower-level graduate credential or advanced certificate that share a limited number of required units. For purposes of degree hierarchy, the order is: doctoral, master’s, advanced certificate, postbaccalaureate credential. Shared-unit policies and program requirements for each integrated pairing are outlined in the respective Catalog entries for both degrees. The higher-level degree may not be conferred in a semester earlier than the lower-level degree.
Students active in a Master’s degree that could be expanded into an integrated graduate program may apply to the corresponding advanced certificate by filing the “Request for Permission to Enter an Advanced Certificate Program.” This form is an admission alternative to the Cal State Apply application. Approval from the College of Graduate Studies is required prior to admission into the advanced certificate, and will be based on the following criteria: 1) Pursuit of the advanced certificate may not impact good progress in the primary degree program, delay the typical coursework schedule, or delay completion of the culminating experience. 2) Applicant is in good standing with the College of Graduate Studies (see University Policies for definition). 3) Applicant must be classified or advanced to candidacy (not in conditional admission status).
Coursework, culminating experiences and other requirements (such as internships) will only fulfill requirements for one degree, except as described in the Catalog for specific integrated graduate programs. If catalog descriptions of the master’s program or advanced certificate do not explicitly address a shared course, then that course may not be shared between the two degrees.
As described above, a “Notification of Completion of Advanced Certificate Program” must be filed to initiate the certificate award. Students in an integrated graduate program submit both this form and a master’s or doctoral degree graduation application. The advanced certificate must be awarded in the same semester or earlier than the higher degree. Students pursuing both a graduate degree and an advanced certificate must carefully plan completion of certificate requirements and filing of the “Application for Graduation with an Advanced Degree.” The advanced certificate must be awarded in the same semester or earlier than the higher degree. Generally, requests to award the advanced certificate in a later semester than the higher degree will be canceled (even if all certificate requirements have been completed).
Degree Time Limitations (Advanced Certificate)
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.
Graduate advisors 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. Advisors 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.
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. 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. Individual graduate programs may more narrowly limit the number, types and/or expiration date of courses, based on field-specific standards.
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.
Professional Certificate
The purpose of a professional certificate is to provide students with professional development opportunities through SDSU’s Global Campus. Professional certificate programs do not carry academic credit transferable toward a degree at SDSU, and are not printed on transcripts. For more information and a list of professional certificates offered, please visit SDSU Global Campus.
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