Graduate Admissions

Application Deadlines

Fall Admissions (Aug):
We offer 'rolling admissions' and evaluate application materials as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible.

• International Students: April 1
• Domestic Students: July 1

Spring Admissions (Jan):

• International Students: Oct 1
• Domestic Students: Dec 1

Financial Aid Information

• Financial Aid and Scholarship Office 
• Scholarships, Grants and Loans
• Application Fee Waiver
  Waivers of application fee are available under limited conditions.

Application Process 

Step 1. Take time to understand the process.

Please review the helpful the Admission's page Want to Apply use this guide as a starting point.

Step 2. Complete the CSU application form.

When you are ready to apply, fill out the application form on Cal State Apply by the deadline.

• The Geographic Information Science, MS and the Geography, MA programs at SJSU is listed on the online application form under Geography.
• The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at SJSU is listed on the online application form under Public Administration.
• The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program at SJSU is listed on the online application form under Urban Planning.
• Pay the CSU Application Fee
  Waivers of the application fee are available under limited conditions. For more information, see the Application Fee Waiver page.

Step 3. Submit letters of recommendation.

Within Cal State Apply you must submit original, signed Letters of Recommendation that come from either your former university instructors, or supervisors who managed you in paid or volunteer work.

It is highly recommended that at least one letter come from a former university instructor. If this is not possible, ask your letter writers to include an evaluation of your writing, teamwork, and analysis skills. Please follow the detailed instructions in the Catalog for your chosen program.

• Geographic Information Science (GISc), MS
• Geography, MA
• Public Administration, MPA
• Urban Planning, MUP

Step 4. Submit a well-written statement of purpose and your CV.

Within Cal State Apply you will submit a Statement of Purpose (approximately 1.5 single-spaced typed pages) which indicates:

• How a graduate degree will help you achieve your career objectives and what motivates you to pursue graduate education in your chosen program.
• Which semester you are applying (if you have previously applied to the program and are re-applying, please indicate for which semester you previously applied).
• Your current contact information, including: mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.
• Please submit your CV/resume

A well-written, clearly structured, spell-checked, grammar-checked and carefully proofread Statement of Purpose will make a favorable impression upon our Admissions Committee members who read them very carefully. 

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Advisor.