Becoming an Online Student
We could not be more excited to help you achieve your academic goals, whether you are seeking your first degree, a second degree, an advanced degree or a certificate.
Undergraduate Admissions (Courses numbered 0##-4##)
Degree-Seeking Applicants
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application. Regularly check your email for application status updates.
Admissions deadline
- Rolling admissions
What you'll need
- Completed admissions application (location: online)
- $20 application fee
- Official report of ACT
- High school transcript(s)
- Postsecondary transcripts (if applicable)
We have a wide variety of courses available online that you may take for professional development or just for fun. If you are just planning to take a course or two, we can help you with that and you can apply as a nondegree-seeking student. (Not eligible for financial aid.)
Nondegree-Seeking Applicants
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application. Regularly check your email for application status updates.
Application instructions
- Create an SDSU Self-Service Account.
- Verify email address.
- Under "Applicant Information," choose "Nondegree Seeking" as student type.
- Under "Choose Major," choose “Online” as location of classes and “Special” as planned major.
- Under "Charges and Additional Items," enter “NONDEGREE” in the discount code field and select “Nondegree Applicant” in the payment information field.
Application questions? Please contact SDSU Undergraduate Admissions by email or at 800-952-3541.
Graduate Admissions (Courses numbered 5##-8##+)
Degree-Seeking Applicants
The Graduate School oversees and facilitates applications to the SDSU graduate programs. Some of our academic programs have different deadlines and require additional documents, so please review the important program specific admission requirements in the Graduate Catalog.
Admissions Deadline
- Fall: April 15
- Spring: Oct. 15
Specific departments or programs may have earlier deadlines. View program specific deadlines in the Graduate Catalog.
Your application must be fully processed, and you must be accepted by your department prior to registration.
Nondegree-Seeking Applicants
Application instructions
- Create SDSU Service Account.
- Verify email address.
- Under "Applicant Information," choose “Nondegree-Seeking Graduate Student” as student type.
- Under "Choose Program," choose “Online” as location of classes and “Not Seeking a Degree (Grad)” as degree, and list your desired course information (course title, subject/course, course number, CRN, credits).
- Under "Charges and Additional Items," enter “NONDEGREE” in the discount code field and select “Nondegree Applicant” in the payment information field.
Application questions? Please contact SDSU Graduate School at 605-688-4181 or gradschl@sdstate.edu.
If you are considering applying for an online program, this survey will help you determine your level of readiness for online learning. The postsurvey feedback will provide you with information on what you can expect from an online course and help you understand what you need to succeed as an online learner.
