English Language Development for Academic Literacy Advanced Certificate
How to Apply
Important Dates for Spring and Fall 2026
Spring Admissions
| Item | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Cal State Apply application (opens August 1 each year) |
August 31, 2025 |
| 2. Program application | September 15, 2025 |
| 3. Official transcripts due | September 15, 2025 |
Fall Admissions
| Item | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Cal State Apply application (opens October 1 each year) |
April 1, 2026 |
| 2. Program application | April 15, 2026 |
| 3. Official transcripts due | April 15, 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. Complete the first steps through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.
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
Gather Required Items
Gather the items below and have them ready to upload to the Interfolio program application:
- Teaching Credential: If you have a credential please enter the Credential Document Number from your teaching credential in the Program application. If you are in the process of finishing a credential program, you can enter the date when you will be finished. A teaching credential is not required for this program.
- 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 who you have interacted with professionally and would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you regarding your experience with English Language Learners. 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.