How to Apply

Important Dates for Spring and Fall 2026

Spring Admissions

Step 2: Submit Slate Application to Program

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.

• Application Guide: Slate Applicant User Guide

Required Items

Gather the items below and have them ready to upload to the program application:

• Teaching Credential: You will be required to enter the Credential Document Number from your teaching credential. If you are in the process of finishing a credential program, you can enter the date when you will be finished. You must hold a Bilingual credential or World Languages: Spanish credential for this certificate.
• Writing Sample: You have two options.  (1) Upload an academic writing sample or (2) Write a 500-800 word (double-spaced with 12 point font) statement of purpose that addresses the following:
  • Your background or experiences working in diverse school and community settings
  • How the certificate program can contribute to your further learning and development
  • Your goals as a graduate student and educational professional
• Letter of Recommendation: Contact one individual whom you have interacted with professionally and would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Recommenders will submit their letters directly into the Online Program application.

Step 3: 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 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.