Graduate Admissions
Graduate programs at the School of Journalism & Media Studies lead toward an MA in Mass Communication or in Learning Design and Technology. Please refer to the program pages for specific information about each program. Admissions information for each is listed below.
Interested in the Mass Communication Graduate Program?
A great first step is to fill out this interest form. By doing so, our graduate advisor, Dr. Amy Schmitz Weiss, will reach out to you to answer any questions you may have. You can also check out our FAQ page as well as this, where you can learn more about why you should choose our specific program.
All students in the School of Journalism & Media Studies graduate program begin their studies in the fall semester. Admission decisions are made the prior spring.
Important Dates
- Admissions Cycle Opens: October 1, 2024
- Cal State Apply Deadline: February 1, 2025
- School of JMS Deadline: March 1, 2025
Graduate Admission Process and Requirements
SDSU Graduate Application Instructions
- Apply to San Diego State University through Cal State Apply by February 1, 2025. You will receive a SDSUid you will need for step 2. When selecting SDSU and the department, make sure to scroll down to M - Mass Communication and Media Studies- from the list of programs.
- Access the Interfolio link in the JMS Specific Application section to apply to the School of Journalism and Media Studies directly by March 1, 2025 (highly recommended to apply by February 1, 2025) – using the SDSUid supplied from the Cal State Apply system. If you have questions or issues with using the Interfolio system, please see the SDSU Interfolio Application Guide.
- You will be contacted in late spring as to the status of your application by the School of JMS.
Details about the CSU Application via Cal State Apply
SDSU uses the California State University common admission application for both domestic and international students. The application and fee can be completed online through Cal State Apply. If you cannot apply online, you should contact the Graduate Admissions Office to make special arrangements to apply electronically with campus assistance. International students should apply through Cal State Apply.
It is important to complete the CSU application as soon as possible in order to be issued your SDSUid number. After you submit your electronic application, your SDSUid number will be assigned and provided to you. This number will allow you to submit your transcripts and test scores, and track your application status online; it also enables the School of Journalism & Media Studies to monitor your application file.
Submit Official Transcripts
All applicants should submit official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) to Graduate Admissions from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts are required for ALL institutions, even if only one class was taken. Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since their 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.
All applicants should submit official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) to Graduate Admissions from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts are required for ALL institutions, even if only one class was taken. Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since their last attendance.
Electronic transcripts are also acceptable. Please ensure that you indicate this preference when making your request. If you are required to provide an email address to send the secure online document to SDSU, please use: [email protected].
If one wants to send hard copy transcripts, you can do so. Official Transcripts should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225
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 (See International Applicants information below for more details).
International Applicants
According to the University, applicants with international coursework need to submit 1) transcripts (academic record) and 2) proof of degree (diploma/degree certificate) both in the original-language and an English translation, for all post-secondary schools attended.
Please see this page below for the details of how to do this and it also lists what transcript information is needed by country:
https://admissions.sdsu.edu/international/graduate/country-requirements
Do not send your transcript to the university before you complete your CSU application.
We highly recommend that you create you complete the CSU application first and do it early (between December and January) and then send your transcript/proof of degree materials to the university after the application has been created.
It can take several weeks for the university to process your transcript/proof of degree materials (make sure to provide ample time before the admissions deadlines).
See this page for details on how to send your transcripts and proof of degree (see Submit Transcript pull down section): https://admissions.sdsu.edu/graduate/steps-apply
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 one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
TOEFL minimum score of 80 iBT/ 550 PBT: Score must be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the SDSU institution code: 4682. Test score must be from within the past two years.
IELTS overall score of 6.5 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years.
PTE minimum score of 58 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Or score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Test score must be from within the past two years.
Official transcripts have been received indicating English as the principle language of instruction.
Required Materials for Application to JMS
IMPORTANT: The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) requires the following items to be submitted through the Interfolio application system:
- Copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (these do not need to be sent directly from the colleges - photocopies are acceptable)
- A Statement of Purpose: In 1000 words or less, please tell us about yourself and what motivated you to choose this program. Describe your future career goals in your response. Please use this Statement of Purpose Template (PDF) to guide you with writing this document.
- Resume
- English-language proficiency: Required for applicants who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction. Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 or higher (using the paper version) or 80 or higher (using the Internet version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students must obtain a score of 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 58 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) or score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Individual degree programs may require a higher minimum score.
Optional Materials for Application to JMS
- Letters of recommendation (2 max, can be from academic or professional realm) -these letters are strongly encouraged
- Portfolio/writing sample (can be academic paper, professional work)
Questions? Contact the Graduate Advisor
Dr. Amy Schmitz Weiss, Graduate Advisor
School of Journalism & Media Studies
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182-4561
email: [email protected]
Interested in the Learning Design and Technology Graduate Program?
All students in the School of Journalism & Media Studies graduate program begin their studies in the fall semester. Admission decisions are made the prior spring.
Important Dates
The admissions cycle opens on October 1 of every year. The CSU Application (through Cal State Apply) is due on February 1 of the following year; Supplementary materials due to Interfolio by April 1 of the following year.
- Cal State Apply Deadline - February 1
- File Completion Deadline - February 15
- Interfolio Completion Deadline - April 1
- Intent to Enroll Deadline - May 16
You may enroll in LDT courses through Open University (Global Campus) before your admission. Up to 9 units (3 courses) can be transferred towards LDT’s M.A. degree; up to 6 units (2 courses) can be transferred towards one of our professional certificates. For course selection, please contact the grad advisor: [email protected]. To register, please visit https://ces.sdsu.edu/open-university-registration.
Graduate Admission Process and Requirements
SDSU Graduate Application Instructions
The below links will direct you to detailed explanations.
IMPORTANT: Carefully review all of the below requirements and procedures so that you’ll have all the necessary materials required for applying to SDSU and to the School of Journalism and Media Studies.
Here are the steps:
1. Alert JMS/LDT to Your Intent
Please take a moment to complete the JMS/LDT Prospective Student Form so our graduate advisors can answer any questions and keep you updated on stateside programs.
2. Apply to LDT
- Apply to SDSU via Cal State Apply and receive your RED ID – your official SDSU student ID number.
- Submit official transcripts and/or English Proficiency Test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test)
- Log in to Interfolio with your SDSU ID, fill out the required forms and upload the following supplementary materials:
- Transcripts (unofficial ones for your most recent university/college attended).
- A statement of your personal interests and professional goals
- Resume
- Letter of Recommendation (can be from academic or professional) – optional but encouraged. You may obtain the letter and upload directly to Interfolio.
Details about the CSU Application via Cal State Apply
SDSU uses the California State University common admission application for both domestic and international students. The application and fee can be completed online through Cal State Apply. If you cannot apply online, you should contact the Graduate Admissions Office to make special arrangements to apply electronically with campus assistance. International students should apply through Cal State Apply.
It is important to complete the CSU application as soon as possible in order to be issued your RED ID number. After you submit your electronic application, your RED ID number will be assigned and provided to you. This number will allow you to submit your transcripts and test scores, and track your application status online; it also enables the School of Journalism & Media Studies to monitor your application file.
For detailed information regarding SDSU Graduate Admissions, transcripts, test scores, and international students, visit SDSU Graduate Admissions.
3. Submit Official Transcripts
All applicants should submit official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) to Graduate Admissions from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts are required for ALL institutions, even if only one class was taken. Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since their 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.
Official Transcripts should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225
**Attention Students with international coursework: You will need to have your school send Graduate Admissions one official original-language record of all academic coursework and proof of degree. For each document, a certified literal English translation must also be provided. The translation may come directly from the school itself or from a professional, certified translator. The translation must contain all information shown on the original-language documents.
4. English Proficiency Test Details
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 one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL minimum score of 80 iBT/ 550 PBT: Score must be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the SDSU institution code: 4682. Test score must be from within the past two years.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years.
- PTE minimum score of 58 or higher: Score report must be sent directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Or score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Test score must be from within the past two years.
Official transcripts have been received indicating English as the principle language of instruction.
Questions? Contact the Program Head
Dr. Minjuan Wang, Program Head of Learning Design and Technology
School of Journalism & Media Studies
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182-4561
email: [email protected]
