Except under special circumstances, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for all work leading to the bachelor's degree and subsequent post-baccalaureate coursework. The minimum combined quantitative and verbal GRE score is generally 300 (1000 on the old test). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no GRE scores are required for Fall 2021 admissions. The minimum TOEFL score for international students is 79 (Internet-Based Test iBT), 213 (Computer Based Test CBT), or 550 (Paper Based Test PBT). In addition, all qualified applications will be distributed to members of the department to determine if any faculty member is willing to serve as advisors for the applicant. Applicants must have a faculty sponsor in order to be admitted to the department, and are encouraged to contact potential sponsors prior to the application deadline.

Satisfaction of the minimum requirements of the San Diego State University Department of Geography does not guarantee admission to the master‘s program. Department requirements are normally a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and generally a GRE combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. The minimum TOEFL score for international students is 79 (Internet-Based Test iBT), 213 (Computer Based Test CBT), or 550 (Paper Based Test PBT). No student will be admitted into the department unless a faculty member agrees to serve as an advisor for the applicant. Some students with strong records may be denied admission if no faculty member with similar interests is willing to sponsor him or her.