Graduate Admissions

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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

Application Process 

The following information is for application to:

Step 1. Take time to understand the process.

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

Step 2. Complete the CSU application form.

When you are ready to apply, fill out the Cal State Apply on-line application form by the deadlines listed above.

  • The Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program at SJSU is listed within the online application under "Urban Planning."
  • The Master of Arts (MA) in Geography is listed within the online application under "Geography." 
  • The CSU Application Fee is $70.
    Waivers of the above 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 and signed Letters of Recommendation that come from either your former university instructors, or supervisors who managed you in paid or volunteer work.

  • The Master of Urban Planning application requires three letters.
  • The Master of Arts in Geography application requires two letters.

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. 

Step 4. Submit a well-written statement of purpose.

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.
  • Along with your Statement of Purpose, please submit your CV/résumé. 

Important:
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 Graduate Advisor, Rick Kos. 

Certificate Programs

The department offers seven Advanced Graduate Certificates, emphasizing different focus areas, such as: Affordable Housing and Community Development Finance, Applications of Technology in Planning, Community Design and Development, Environmental Planning, Geographic Information Science, Real Estate Development, Transportation and Land Use Planning.

For questions about our Advanced Graduate Certificates, please contact our advisors:

Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Ahoura Zandiatashbar

All other certificates
Rick Kos