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Department of Child & Family Development
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Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate Major

To be admitted into the Child Development Undergraduate Major, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete with a grade of C or higher: Child and Family Development 135, 270, 270L (1 unit), 272, 275, 278; Biology 100; Psychology 101; Sociology 101; and Psychology 280 or Sociology 201, or a 3-unit elementary statistics course
  • Complete a minimum of 45 baccalaureate level semester units (a minimum of 60 units are required for all transfer applicants)
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.40 or higher

For more information about the degree and application procedures, visit the program page.

Undergraduate Minor

For more information about the Child Development Undergraduate Minor and application procedures, visit the program page.

Graduate Admissions

Applicants to CFD graduate degree programs must complete the Cal State Apply Application as well as the departmental Program Application. 

Program application details

Program application tutorial

View a Graduate Programs Information Presentation:

Frequently asked questions about graduate admissions

If you are having trouble applying to our Graduate Programs, please contact:

[email protected]

Applicants must complete the Cal State Apply Application as well as the CFD's Program Application.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for admission to our Master of Science Degree in Child Development and our Master of Science Degree with a Concentration in Early Childhood Mental Health (LPCC); however, in reviewing applicants, we consider multiple indicators of preparedness for graduate studies, including: the personal statement, letters of recommendation, student leadership experience, and professional work experience.
Both professional and academic letters of recommendation are accepted. A combination of both is preferred for a strong application. Electronic letters should be submitted directly by the recommenders with the Program application. The application will email your identified recommenders directly.
Yes, we expect the personal statement (or statement of purpose) you submit with your Cal State Apply application to mirror the statement you submit to the department. Both applications have a 500-word limit for personal statements.
Tuition and expenses are approximately $4,000 per semester. The most updated information on expenses can be found at SDSU Tuition and Fees.

Graduate students may be eligible for Federal Financial Aid. To learn more about financial aid, visit the College of Education website.

Students may also apply for scholarships offered through San Diego State University and private organizations. Information about Financial Aid at SDSU can be found at the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Please see the Federal Financial Aid Disclosure document for required reporting and documentation. 

  • The EC-TEaMH Graduate Certificate Program is a 1-year (two semester program).
  • The master’s program in Child Development can be completed in as little as 2 years, depending on the time it takes to complete your thesis or project.
  • The EC-TEaMH program may count as the first year of the CFD master’s program, if students apply and are accepted.
  • The master's program in Child Development with the Concentration in Early Childhood Mental Health (LPCC) is a 60-unit program and can be completed in 2 years.
Our department only accepts graduate program applications for Fall admission.