How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- Satisfy the basic requirements for the Master's Degree described in the SDSU Graduate Bulletin;
- Possess an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
- Have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 units of study (Don't lose sleep over this one, we make exceptions all the time especially for first-generation college students considering graduate school for the first time!);
- Have an acceptable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined general test score (quantitative and verbal sections). The GRE does NOT determine our final admissions decisions! We look at the entire application carefully.
Step 1 - Go to CSU Apply and begin your application process.
(Please note while on the CSU Apply site that MALAS, the Master of Arts in Liberal
Arts and Sciences, shows up in the CSU Apply menu of graduate programs as merely Liberal
Arts and Sciences).
Our SDSU MALAS Program Admissions team will not see any of your materials unless you
follow these directions to the letter--we emphasize this here as many cool students have run aground in the past by not
following SDSU Graduate Division's rather clear, utterly strict protocols. This part
of the application process must be completed by February 1, 2024--the EARLIER you apply, the EARLIER we will let you know your application status!
Note that official test scores and transcripts must be sent to SDSU Graduate Admissions – All materials must be received by March 1, 2024.
Step 2 - Send your supplementary application materials via Interfolio to MALAS.
If you have trouble with Interfolio, all the supplementary materials, A, B, & C, that we ask for below, may be sent DIRECTLY to MALAS.
Please send the following three items directly to MALAS:
Two letters of recommendation (one, at least, should be from a university professor familiar with your research, writing, or creative work). As with all applications to research university graduate programs, it is best that the letters of recommendation come directly to MALAS from the individuals writing the letter. Please ask the individuals writing your letters of recommendation to use their official institutional letterhead when possible and to mail their correspondence to:
Dr. William Nericcio
Director, MALAS
SDSU English and CompLit
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-6020
Last minute applicants can have their reference-letter writer email their correspondence directly to Dr. William A. Nericcio, the program director at [email protected] and the MALAS Administrative Coordinator, Monica Cortez, at [email protected].
Note: Many applicants to MALAS are far removed from their undergraduate work and are not in contact with their former professors--don't let that be a deterent to applying; we will accept and read any letter of recommendation from professionals / artists / mentors / colleagues familiar with your skills.
The hard deadline for official test scores to be sent to Graduate Admissions and the MALAS Program Application to be completed is April 1, 2024--but please don't wait to the last minute!
A Note About the GRE
You may take the GRE at the Test Office here at SDSU--there is a hefty fee. GRE fee waivers are available. Consult the GRE BULLETIN for more information. When taking the GRE, fill in the SDSU institution code (4682) so that your GRE scores will be sent directly from your testing site to SDSU admissions.
Other Information for Folks Who Want to Take Our MALAS Seminars but are not in Our Program...
Persons who are not matriculated as students at SDSU may enroll for MALAS courses on a space-available basis with approval of the instructor through Open Unicersity. Please consult the SDSU Global Campus website.
Taking a MALAS seminar is a great way to TEST DRIVE MALAS! Students can take up to three classes or 9 units of MALAS seminar work and have them roll into your program of study when you officially admitted into the program.