Admission Process
Fall 2026 application process
The Aerospace Engineering department accepts applications to its Master of Science program each year for the fall semester. Through course work and research, master's graduate students will build expertise in an aerospace engineering, namely Aerodynamics; Propulsion; Guidance, Navigation and Controls, Mission Analysis and Systems Design; and Aerospace Structures.
Applications for the MS Aerospace Engineering for Fall 2026 will open on October 1, 2025. The application to SDSU Aerospace Engineering Master’s program requires two steps. The first is the application through the “Cal State Apply” and the follow-up submission of support documents using the “Slate” application. A detailed description of this is shown below. The deadlines for submitting the application and the supporting documents is February 1, 2026.
Cal State Apply
- Cal State Apply is the application to the university -- all applicants must use this system to apply. https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
- Cal State Apply is managed through the Admissions department.
- Questions about the Cal State Apply application can be directed to the Cal State Apply FAQs website.
- Questions specific to applying to the university can be directed to the Graduate Admissions.
- Also, reach out to the Graduate Advisors for any questions about the university application process and requirements.
Slate
- Complete the Program Online Application via Slate – Must be completed by Program Application Deadline. Within 72 hours of submitting your initial application to Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with a personalized link to Slate to submit your program application.
- Applicants for the MS Aerospace Engineering program must submit their AE Department required application materials, including (1) academic records /transcripts; (2) test scores; (3) at least two recommendation letters; (4) statement of purpose; (5) resume/curriculum vitae through the Slate submission site before the submission deadline (February 1, 2026.). In your statement of purpose, please indicate which one of the following tracks offered in our MSAE program you would like to choose for your graduate studies in our program. (a), Aerodynamics; (b), Guidance, Control, and Astrodynamics; and (c), Structural Mechanics.
Fall 2026 GRE Information:
The GRE requirement has been temporarily waived for the Fall 2026 applications to the SDSU Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program. If Applicants have already completed the GRE tests and would like to include their scores with their application as supplementary materials, they may choose to do so.
Admission Requirement
Applicants to the aerospace engineering M.S. degree program should have a degree in aerospace engineering or related fields. Students in related areas such as mechanical engineering, applied physics, and applied mathematics will be considered, and if found eligible awarded a conditional admission that will require them to complete some undergraduate aerospace engineering courses to achieve the prerequisite knowledge for the graduate level courses. Check with graduate adviser before applying.
Students graduating from U.S. Universities: GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher in the last 2 years of their undergraduate studies only (60 units of course work in a semester system or 90 units in a quarter system). Students graduating from foreign universities: GPA of 3.0 or higher cumulative.
Applicants must take the GRE exam and obtain a score 155 or above in Quantitative Reasoning, 145 or above in Verbal Reasoning and 3.5 or above in Analytical Writing sections. Applications are not processed until the GRE score is received. Students with lower GRE scores or GPA will be considered for admission if they demonstrate ability to succeed in graduate course work (good grades in undergraduate studies, strong recommendation letters, prior research experience, and/or relevant work experience that have contributed to their professional development as an aerospace engineer). Note: The GRE requirement is waived for 2026 with the option to provide it. If you have already taken the GREs and count them as reflective of your abilities, feel free to submit them.
International students must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
We look at the application package as a whole. This includes your academic records, your test scores and the recommendation letters, your statement of purpose and your resume/curriculum vita. The admission committee looks for evidence that you have the academic background, maturity and motivation to succeed in our graduate program. Take this into account when preparing your application and support documents.
Have any questions?
Contact:
Prof. Xiaofeng Liu
Graduate Adviser
Department of Aerospace Engineering
San Diego State University
Mail code 1308
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1308
Email: [email protected]
