How to Apply to the Special Education Credential Programs

Important Dates for Fall 2026

Application Instructions

Step 1: Submit Cal State Apply Application to SDSU

SDSU uses the California State University common admission application through the Cal State Apply website. 

Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts

After you submit your Cal State Apply application, send Official Transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended to SDSU. Continue to monitor your email account for correspondence from SDSU. 

Step 3: Submit the Program Application & Supplemental Materials

Within 72 hours of submitting your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email containing a personalized link to Slate, where you must complete your program application.

Please ensure that all required program-specific documents listed below are prepared in advance and ready to upload to your Slate application.

For help, student guides will be shared the week of September 22, which will be posted on this website for reference.

Start Early: Prepare Your Supplemental Materials

Before beginning the application, prepare digital copies (PDF format preferred) of the following required documents:

• Certificate of Clearance or Emergency Teaching Permit (e.g., approval email from the CTC or the certificate)
• Prerequisite Courses (e.g., unofficial transcripts with grades posted)
• Subject Matter Competency (e.g., CSET exam scores or approved subject-matter waiver for your credential area)
• Unofficial Transcripts (from all colleges/universities attended)
• Personal Narrative
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Video
• Credential Application Fee
• Negative TB Test Results (dated within the past 4 years)

Please Note: The following requirements must be completed prior to admission to SDSU’s credential program. While some items—such as prerequisite coursework and degree completion—may be in progress at the time of application, all required exams and the Certificate of Clearance must be fully completed before admission can be granted.

In the application, you will:

• Answer questions about your bachelor's degree and GPA. Please select the links to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements
• Upload each required document in the designated section
• Certify that all information is accurate and complete
• Please maintain all your original documents, as you may need to submit these again to districts for student teaching and/or employment.

Step 4: Monitor my.SDSU 

Be sure to follow all instructions provided by SDSU, particularly those related to setting up your my.SDSU account. Once your account is active, regularly monitor your my.SDSU Application To-Do List for any items or requests issued by Graduate Admissions. Prompt attention to these items is essential to avoid delays in the processing of your application.